How to handle someone who keeps calling out at the last minute like a leader, not a manager

July 27, 2026

It’s Tactical Tuesday!

Here is the Thought, Tip, and Tool of the week…If someone on your team has struggled with this issue recently, you'll be able to use today's framework before your next conversation.

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The Thought

Did you know… one unexpected absence is an event.

Repeated last-minute call-outs become a trust issue.

Leaders don't just address attendance.

They build reliability.

Quote:
"Dependability is the foundation of trust." – Brian Tracy

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The Tip

Remember to…

1. Separate the pattern from the excuse

A manager says:

"What's the excuse this time?"

A leader says:

"I'm less concerned about today's call-out and more concerned about the pattern I'm starting to see."

Then ask:

What do you think this pattern is communicating to the rest of the team?
Is there something contributing to this pattern that we need to address?

One call-out is an event.

Repeated call-outs become a reliability issue.

Create awareness before creating accountability.

2. Make the impact visible

A manager says:

"You need to be here."

A leader says:

"Let's talk about what happens to the team when they have to adjust at the last minute."

Then ask:

How do you think your teammates are affected when this keeps happening?
What impact does this have on the team's ability to succeed?

Attendance isn't just about showing up.

It's about being someone your teammates can count on.

Nobody wants to become the pebble in the shoe that everyone else has to work around.

3. Create commitments moving forward

A manager says:

"This can't happen again."

A leader says:

"Let's talk about what needs to change so your teammates can count on you."

Then ask:

What's one commitment you're willing to make moving forward?
What support would help you follow through?
How will we know things are improving?

One of my favorite reminders:

In a relay race, if one runner doesn't show up, the whole team loses.

Accountability isn't about making promises.

It's about changing the pattern.

Managers focus on today's absence.

Leaders address the pattern, surface the impact, and rebuild trust.

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The Tool

Short Video: Learn how leaders address repeated call-outs without creating defensiveness or damaging the relationship.

See how to shift the conversation from excuses to accountability, reliability, and rebuilding trust.

Watch the viral video on TikTok

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Or watch other CLA videos here on YouTube

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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 the most difficult situation you’ve overcome in this role?

❓How did you bounce back?

❓How can we create a more resilient team that handles setbacks without losing momentum?

___________________________

Activity of the week…

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Thank you for leading and lifting others out there!

-Dwight

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