The Manager Who Can’t Switch Off
Carlos works in oil and gas logistics, coordinating shipments and supervising safety protocols. He’s highly detail-oriented and prides himself on staying on top of every step in the process. His team respects his reliability, but some colleagues tease him for being constantly plugged in and for never taking a real vacation.
Last weekend, his wife finally convinced him to plan a short getaway. He agreed, but on the drive out of town, he kept reaching for his phone to check in on the latest equipment updates. At one point, he laughed and said he’s wired that way, brushing it off as habit. Still, his wife noticed a trace of frustration behind the smile.
That evening, as they sat by the water, his thoughts drifted back to a delayed shipment and a decision that was still unresolved. He didn’t bring it up, but the mental pull of work felt impossible to ignore. He wants to be fully present, yet his attention keeps slipping back to responsibilities he feels personally accountable for — almost automatically.
List all unfamiliar words and phrases.
Review them before paraphrasing the story.
Discuss the following phrases and idioms:
stay on top of
constantly plugged in
check in on
wired that way
trace of frustration
mental pull of work
fully present
personally accountable for
Explain the story in the present tense.
Change the entire story into this tense or paraphrase your response.
Explain the story in the past tense.
Change the entire story into this tense or paraphrase your response.
Explain the story in the future tense.
Change the entire story into this tense or paraphrase your response.
Your Thoughts:
Why do some professionals feel a strong sense of responsibility even when they are off work?
When does being reliable turn into feeling personally accountable for everything?
What helps people genuinely disconnect and stay present in the moment?
