There is a direct correlation between successful leaders/employees AND a stable home life.
Show me leader who is part of a cRaZy FaMiLy or a crazy home-life … and I’ll show you a leader who is off-balance in his or her work.
Today half of all families in the United States do not meet the definition of the “nuclear family.” We have step-families; single-parent families; families headed by two unmarried partners, either of the opposite sex or the same sex; households that include one or more family members from a generation; adoptive families; foster families; and families where children are raised by their grandparents or other relatives. With the classification(s) of families and relationships broadening in our society … it seems that leaders and employers should be aware (and expect) employee’s home-life(s) will come to work with them, whether you like it or not.
Curious if a person on your team is under the influence of a crazy family or home life? Here are some symptoms to look out for:
- Eager to go on business trips
- Untypical, sudden outbursts of rage or moodiness towards team members
- Sudden requests for time off … and they are out longer than usual
- Obvious signs of physical abuse (black eyes, cuts, limping, & etc)
- Distracted thinking patterns, struggles to critically think about anything
- Interesting calls during the work day
Don’t mean to be the “Debbie Downer” today with this post … but is a reality that our leaders much face.
QUESTION: What options do you offer your team, when you notice their home-life is out of balance and affecting their work? What do you think is your obligation as leader in this situation?
Leadership is messy. It is not for the faint at heart. One of the best ways to be a great leader … is to make sure you have a great home life. “Crazy” can go live somewhere else.
