There are words that no manager wants to hear from his most valued employees: ‘’I missed the deadline, ‘’ ‘’I’m being wooed by our top competitor, ‘’ or… ‘’I’m planning my vacation.’’
Few managers might admit that that last statement can cause the same temporary panic as the first two, but all too often it’s true. I will confess that as a new manager, years ago, my heart always sank just a little bit when someone on my team told me they were hoping to plan a long vacation. The ugly reality of being one or — gasp! — two, key players down during any crucial time was difficult for everyone.
