6 Steps to Leverage Your Purpose to Lead, Even When You’re Down

Here’s a year-end story you won’t see anywhere else: sick days. I’m not talking about calling in sick when you’re not sick to stretch your holiday time. I’m talking about not calling in sick when you are sick, either because you’re afraid to or believe it looks unprofessional. That’s a lot of hooey! 

It happens a lot and it’s bad for everyone—the sick person and the colleagues affected. So, if you’re the leader of your team, model good behavior and call in sick. And please don’t use your full to-do list as an excuse not to. When the next virus, like the one I have right now, goes around, leverage your purpose to continue leading and even inspiring your team even when you’re down.

1. Leverage Your Purpose: Your business purpose isn’t just a slogan—it’s the foundation that keeps everything steady. Trust that the values you’ve infused into your team and systems can guide them when you need to step back. Share a quick message reinforcing your purpose to reassure your team and maintain momentum.

2. Delegate and Empower: Identify priority tasks and assign them to capable hands. Use this as an opportunity to foster leadership within your team.

3. Set Boundaries to Protect Recovery: Communicate clearly about your limited availability. Trust your team to handle the day-to-day while you rest.

4. Automate and Simplify: Lean on tools like auto-replies or project management systems to keep communication flowing. Focus only on decisions that truly can’t wait.

5. Extend the Same Grace to Your Team: Create a culture where team members feel empowered to step back when they’re sick. Show by example that prioritizing health benefits the whole business.

6. Reflect and Plan: Once you’re back to full health, evaluate how your business operated in your absence. Adjust and strengthen your sick-day contingency plan for the future.

Your purpose is your compass, even when you’re flat on your back. Trust it, trust your team, and give yourself—and them—the space to recover and return stronger. And if you need heavier medicine, by all means call the purpose-doctors at ScalePassion!