The Question Every Vacation Should Make You Ask

Before you head out on vacation, don't ask "Will everything get done while I'm gone?" Instead, ask "Have I prepared my team?" There is a big difference.

Too many leaders spend the week before vacation trying to cram everything in and answer every question. The best leaders prepare their teams by setting clear priorities, communicating expectations, and making sure people have what they need. Then they let go.

Before your next time away, ask yourself:

• Who can take on a new responsibility?

• Who is ready to lead a meeting?

• What's one decision I've always made that can be made by someone else?

Leadership Challenge:

Before your next day off, choose one responsibility you've been holding on to and intentionally hand if off to someone else. It might feel uncomfortable at first but it will be worth it.