Taking A Break
14th December 2011
Inexpensive worldwide connectivity has overhauled the way we work today, both in and out of the office – but has this flexibility had a negative effect on one aspect of the work/life balance, especially for managers? The temptation for those in senior positions to “keep an eye on things” from holiday is becoming commonplace. Whether it’s workload worry, a lack of confidence in colleagues, or just being a control freak, more managers than ever are monitoring what goes on in their absence. There are a number of reasons why this is a bad idea, both for them, their staff and their business.
On a personal level, checking email or making calls while you’re away is not being on holiday, it’s working. All of us, regardless of seniority or experience need a break from our professional lives at least once a year. We need to recharge our batteries, or we risk premature burnout. We need to spend time with family and friends to sharpen our focus when we return. Checking a BlackBerry to see hundreds of emails waiting for you will see you back in work more stressed than when you left. For your development as a manager and for your own well-being, learning to be hands-off and delegate properly is an important, as well as healthy, attribute.
In terms of your staff, showing confidence and faith in them by passing on your responsibilities works for both of you. They get invaluable experience and vital career development by stepping up to the plate. In turn, they also feel trusted with this opportunity and are more likely to stay and further their careers with you. With them running things, you may also get a fresh perspective on any problems, or new ideas that you should take on board as if they were from your experienced contemporaries. Finally, they will also learn from your shining example of taking holidays, resulting in less risk of your employees burning out themselves.
From a business point of view, taking leave is the perfect time for you to take a step back to look at the bigger picture. Some of the best ideas come from relaxing by the pool and your holiday may be the best thing that’s ever happened to your business plan. There are also your stakeholders’ perceptions to consider – what kind of workforce do they look like if you can’t let them make key decisions in your absence? Leaving a capable deputy in charge shows strength in depth and will not go unnoticed. If anything were to happen to you that meant you weren’t in work for an extended period, clients need to know the business is in safe hands. Consider your holiday a training period for potential future crises or change.
Given a vast number of us use the same phone or laptop for both our business and personal lives; it may be impossible not to take it with us on holiday. If the temptation to look at work communications really is too great, then a few premeditated steps should help ensure quality time away. Plan for your absence by alerting key contacts and setting certain email to forward to colleagues, to avoid high volumes on your return. Inform colleagues that your phone will be off, but you will check text messages once a day for emergencies. If you can’t help yourself, then use this same 5-minute window to delete a few emails to minimise the amount you come back to. Above all, don’t feel threatened by your temporary replacements, but proud of them. Oh, and wear sunscreen.
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