Breaking Ribs and Stepping Up

You never know how the backup will perform until the starter goes down. For years, I have coaxed and pleaded with my son Eli to take on the responsibility for feeding our animals, but he has never fully stepped up. I think knowing I was there as a safety net held him back. That changed when I broke two ribs in a horse accident and couldn’t lift anything. Suddenly, he rose to the challenge, showing the initiative and perseverance I knew he had in him.

This reminds me of Theodore Roosevelt. At just 42, he became Vice President, and many doubted his readiness. One political strategist even remarked, “Don’t any of you realize there’s only one life between that madman and the presidency?” But when the President was shot, Roosevelt’s optimism, energy, and decisive action propelled him to become one of our greatest presidents—landing him on Mt. Rushmore.

Leaders and companies need to find meaningful ways for their second-in-command to take the reins and truly show what they can do. Extended sabbaticals and maternity leaves, like the 12-month leave mandated in Canada, are ways to do this. I was amazed by the talent and confidence of the Pepsi team I inherited in Canada.  Later, I learned that almost all had stepped into stretching roles during their leaders’ maternity leaves. I guess I need to find a way to break more ribs so Eli doesn’t backslide.