In this episode of the Make Work Not Suck podcast, Daniel Steere and Ryan Hodges dive into a scenario every business leader dreads—what happens when the boss goes on vacation? Whether work derails while they’re away or chaos erupts when they return, this episode unpacks the real reasons why things fall apart and how to stop it from happening.

From the visionary vs. integrator dynamic to the frustration of micromanaging from vacation, this episode addresses the hard truths of why work sucks when leadership isn’t around. You’ll hear firsthand experiences, including Ryan’s recent vacation-turned-nightmare and how a lack of strong leadership led to a “shit show” of a week for the team.

Key Points:

• Why many leaders don’t take enough vacation—and how it affects business.

• The importance of having a strong integrator in place to keep things running smoothly.

• How poor planning and miscommunication turn a simple vacation into a disaster.

• Strategies for leaders to prepare their teams before taking time off, and how employees can step up to ensure smooth operations.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Work Sucks When the Boss Goes on Vacation

• [01:02] The Reality of Team Function When Leadership Is Absent

• [02:36] Why Leaders Don’t Take Enough Time Off and Its Consequences

• [04:25] Ryan’s Recent Nightmare Vacation: An Ineffective Integrator

• [06:17] The Visionary vs. Integrator Dynamic Explained

• [07:47] Why Work Falls Apart Without Strong Leadership

• [09:45] Micromanaging from Vacation and the Consequences

• [12:43] The Importance of Preparing Your Team for Your Absence

• [15:48] Senior vs. Junior Teams: Handling Time Away

• [23:54] Why Junior Teams Fail to Think Long-Term When the Boss is Absent

• [27:06] Leadership Mistakes: Returning to a Business That’s Not Ready for Growth

• [30:11] Vision, Journey, and Results: The Key to Keeping the Business Moving Forward

Whether you’re a CEO struggling to take a break or a team member frustrated with lack of direction when the boss leaves, this episode is packed with insights on how to keep things running smoothly. Don’t let your vacation become a work disaster—listen now and learn how to avoid it!

Is your team ready to run without you? Tune in to this episode of Make Work Not Suck and discover how proper planning, communication, and leadership dynamics can keep things on track when the boss steps away.