It’s a horrible thing to get a bug, a cold or have the flu. Last week I had a sore throat and ended up with a cold. For 3 days I was sniffing, coughing and sneezing and this is very unusual for me – I hated it. My head and eyes felt like there was a constant pressure building that needed releasing. My focus, on work and doing all the things I had planned, diminished, I was not exactly on top form!
I try my best to avoid getting ill because, running a small business, it can affect our ability to deliver for our clients and, ultimately, earn our wages. Fortunately I have a great team of people around me that can, if needs be, step in and help out, which is great. Our clients know and trust that, anyone delivering for us, is high quality and has the knowledge required.
On day 4 I woke up and felt great, almost 100% again. Suddenly I appreciated how good that felt. I haven’t been ill for years and to experience ‘just a cold’ had made me reflect on how much I can take my health for granted and probably don’t appreciate it when I am healthy.
A friend of mine recently broke his leg, and was at home recovering, so I went to see him to say hi and to take away some of his boredom. He was still doing conference calls and attending ‘virtual’ meetings so he was still able to complete most of his tasks. His team had also stepped up, he delegated some tasks, and they kept him updated to reassure him of progress or problems. What a great example of using modern technology, time management and delegation, I was impressed.
Inevitably we all get ill at times and the question is “Have we developed our teams enough so they are able to do tasks they don’t normally do?” “Can you take 6 weeks off work and feel confident that everything will remain at a high level?”
To be confident in others and their ability to take responsibility, hold themselves accountable and to deliver in their performance, takes strong leadership and trust.
This video is a great example of leadership and how, by making small changes, we can create big differences. Grab a coffee and take time to watch this: Click here to view (9:48)