How to handle someone who always calls out sick like a leader, not a manager
It’s Tactical Tuesday!
Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week...need Leadership 101 tools? Start here.
(Most Popular Tool!) Introducing the MANAGER vs. LEADER Say THIS, Not THAT Cards for Leaders. 52 leadership language shifts to help you stop managing tasks, and start leading people. 40% off launch special extended. Get them here. Use code LEADER10 for an extra 10% off - limited time. These are on pre-order, but you’ll receive a digital version instantly. I’ll send the physical cards out asap! Over 3500 already sold!!
___________________________
Important note before we begin:
This is not about approved sick time, PTO, or legitimate health needs.
This is about recognizing when frequent, unplanned absences become a pattern tied to disengagement, burnout, frustration, or unmet needs.
As leaders, our goal isn’t to police attendance — it’s to uncover what’s really going on, support our people, and help them find a better, healthier solution than disengaging from the work.
The Thought
Did you know…attendance issues rarely start as an attendance problem?
They usually begin as a pattern problem that leaders avoid addressing early.
When patterns go unspoken, frustration grows, resentment builds, and trust erodes across the team.
Leaders don’t debate every absence.
They step back, look at the pattern, and address what’s really going on.
Quote:
“Whatever you tolerate becomes the standard.” – Unknown
___________________________
The Tip
Remember to…
1. Look for patterns, not excuses
A manager reacts to each call-out:
“They’re sick again - what am I supposed to do?”
A leader zooms out and starts a conversation:
“I’ve noticed a pattern of absences lately, and I want to understand what’s behind it.”
This isn’t about accusing.
It’s about clarity and care.
2. Talk about the impact, not their character
Avoid labels like “unreliable” or “uncommitted.”
Instead, focus on what the team experiences.
Say:
“When you’re out frequently, the rest of the team has to absorb that work. It doesn’t disappear - and that can create resentment.”
Then ask:
“Do you see how this affects the rest of the team?”
Impact-based conversations reduce defensiveness and keep things fair.
3. Reset expectations with clarity and humanity
A manager comes down hard:
“You need to figure this out.”
A leader balances care and clarity:
“I want to support you - but we need consistency so the team can rely on you.”
Then co-create:
“What needs to change so we can count on you moving forward?”
“What support do you need to meet that expectation?”
Compassion without clarity creates chaos.
Clarity with care builds trust.
___________________________
The Tool
Short Video: Learn how to address frequent call-outs without sounding cold, reactive, or accusatory.
See how leaders spot patterns, explain impact, and reset expectations in a way that protects both the person and the team.
Watch the viral video on TikTok
Watch this video & read the post on LinkedIn
Or watch other CLA videos here on YouTube
___________________________
Leadership Question of the week…
Here is the top question this week from our 200+ Leadership Questions (part of our Complete Leader Package. Don’t have these? Get instant access here.
❓What’s a recent mistake that taught you something valuable?
❓How has it changed the way you work?
❓What’s one step you can take to apply that lesson moving forward?
___________________________
Activity of the week…
Here is the top activity this week from our 52 Team Meeting Activity Cards. Don’t have these download? Get your physical copy here OR a printable version as part of the Complete Leader Package.
Check out my Team Meeting Activities Playlist here
Want more? Instantly download these ready-to-use tools.
Spark dialogue with your team.
Ignite engagement.
These tools, talk-tracks, tips, activities and questions will make your leadership work easier in 2025!
-> Order your 52 Say THIS, Not THAT Cards w Box. Simple Manager vs. Leader language shifts to start speaking like a leader, not a manager. Pre-order now available for the physical box. Digital version available instantly. Order today and start shifting your language from manager to leader! Limited time launch discount when you order here!
-> Get instant access to the most popular Complete Leader Package - the Ultimate Leader Toolkit with EVERYTHING included. Leaders love having over 200 questions for 1:1s, team meetings, and leadership meetings.
Plus, 52 team meeting activity cards so you’ll never have to plan another activity again! 52 Say THIS, Not THAT cards, 52 Leadership Skills Program, Leader Playbook, and more. Get everything with the Complete Leader Package.
-> Want just the team meeting activity cards in a box? Order them now - ships immediately. Limited available. Order now!
-> New leader? Grab the NEW LEADER Bundle here and get both the Complete Leader Package and Activity Cards Box, plus a bonus program: 52 Leadership Skills to unlock your leadership potential this year. Use IGNITEIT20 for 20% off as a special thank you. Learn more.
Thank you for leading like a coach out there!
-Dwight
P.S. Want to share this Tactical Tuesday newsletter via text, social, or email? Simply copy and paste this link: https://completeleadershipacademy.com/blogs/tactical-tuesday/how-to-handle-someone-who-always-calls-out-sick-like-a-leader-not-a-manager
How can we support your leadership journey?
Thank you for leading out there and making an impact. We’re here to help when the time comes.
MANAGER vs. LEADER Say THIS, Not THAT Cards for Leaders | COMPLETE LEADER Package | COMPLETE NEW LEADER Bundle | COMPLETE LEADER Activity Cards | Speaking | Develop Your Leaders (Workshops)
Website - TikTok - YouTube - Instagram
