Dr. Maccoby participates in a Weekly Forum on Washington Post.com called "On Leadership". I am compiling all of his responses to the weekly questions here.
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DATE: August 11, 2009 The Vacation Conundrum Everyone understands leaders should make time to recharge, yet there are also expectations these days that they remain available, informed and plugged in while on vacation. How should they strike that balance? |
Get a Real Vacation
For a vacation to recharge their batteries, leaders better make sure they delegate all but the most critical decisions and that they vacation in a place where they can fully relax. Otherwise, I can imagine the following cell phone conversation between the CEO on vacation and the COO who has been left in charge.
CEO calling COO: Hi Steve, how are things going?
COO: OK now Bill.
CEO: What do you mean by "now"?
COO: Well, the XYZ company canceled their order. So I had to cut production, lay off 500 workers, and cancel some of our order for supplies. Of course, the union is making threatening noises. And it looks like we're being sued by one of our suppliers who claims we can't get out of our contract with them. But legal says the suit has no merit.
CEO: Why didn't you call me? I know some of these people. I could be talking to them.
COO: You said you needed a real vacation, no stress, and I should call you in a crisis. We've taken care of these problems. How is your vacation going?
CEO: It was fine until my brother-in-law arrived with his two-year-old twins and a baby that never stops screaming. I've started sleeping on the boat. But with all these company problems, I think it's best that I cut this vacation short. I'll be back in the office Monday.
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