Never underestimate the importance of being away from the business, to allow your team to grow. Having a 2nd in command(2IC) who represents you when you are away or unable to attend meetings is critical for team development. It also gives a different perspective, which will develop you as a leader.
Succession planning is all about finding opportunities for your talent to lead, so taking leave and secondments can give that all important opportunity to your team to step up.
Why is it important?
- The team will thrive as they see opportunity for growth. It also shows trust in their ability to step up
- Great learning opportunity for them and you. One of the most challenging times was when I was seconded into another role for 6 months and my 2 IC was dealing with a restructure. My natural reaction is a “rescuer” this is not helpful for your team member. https://thewisemangroup.com/books/multipliers/ I was coached by my boss to stand back and let him navigate on his own. Its hard to watch someone really struggle, but it taught me so much and it was one of the greatest lessons for them as well.
- Team takes on more responsibilities as the workload spreads to support the acting manager. One of the team members took on the forecasting from the 2IC and others took on other responsibilities, stretching the whole team, but at the same time making them work even more collaboratively together.
- When I returned to my role, my team was functioning even better than when I left it, and it meant that I had more time to support my peers and boss.
Regular breaks and secondments, lead to a healthier life, but the benefits to your team are far greater than you would ever believe. Take a break!
Angela Lovegrove 