Dear Anne Marie: One of my direct reports has been taking a lot of personal leave lately. I realize that he is entitled to this time. However, important projects are delayed because of his time out of the office. I just don't know how to handle this. I am hoping you have some ideas.
   — Peter D.

Dear Peter: You are a careful and conscientious man. You rarely act impulsively; rather, you meticulously gather information, carefully weighing all the options and ramifications of each choice. When stumped, you are not afraid to ask for help. This will ensure your success both at work and at home.

Managing The Moment

The "Moment to Manage" is your feeling of hesitation. While it is wise to be cautious and spend time deliberating when faced with a challenge, the time spent deliberating needs to be balanced with the need to act. Sometimes there is no clear-cut answer and you just have to "pull the trigger."

The Game Plan

First, talk with your direct report. Find out why he needs so much personal leave and offer your support if appropriate. Help him understand the impact his absence is having on the work and together, create a strategy for handling his projects for duration of his leave time.

Second, create an alternative work option. Does he have a sick family member or is he caring for an aging parent? He may be grateful to have the option of working from home part-time, enabling him to more easily satisfy both work and family obligations.

Third, prioritize and delegate the work. It is your responsibility to make sure the work gets done and gets done in a timely manner. Determine which projects are both important and urgent and delegate them immediately.

Fourth, create a cross-functional team. Seize the opportunity created by this situation to meet with your team and impress upon them the benefits of becoming a cross-functional team. Ask them to come up with a plan and a timetable for achieving this goal. Be upbeat and positive when you present this suggestion. Your enthusiasm will make all the difference and is part of your leadership.

Finally, clarity, followed by decisive action, achieves positive results. Clarity accounts for 80% of success in business and in life. Without clarity our decisions are groundless and we are afraid to act. The next time an issue pops up with one of your direct reports use this simple three-step process: attain clarity, make a decision and then take action.