Vacations: It's Time to Get Away
Jennifer Anderson, August 1, 2021
“Vacation, all I ever wanted.”
- Go Go's "Vacation" (1982)
Yes, even leaders need and deserve vacations.
As we are in the heart – or heat – of summer, let’s examine “vacation” – simultaneously a leader’s best friend and worse enemy.
Many leaders don’t take vacations. Leaders tend to hold the weight of their organization on their shoulders and therefore, do not feel like they can afford to take time off. This is especially true during deliverables, proposal seasons, budgets, performance evaluations, promotion reviews, … and the list goes on. The challenge here is that this cycle is never ending. Most of these business activities happen simultaneously, consecutively, and continuously. In other words, while there may be a pattern of predictability, the demands don’t let up and leaders move from one to the next without a break. These functions are on top of, or a part of, leaders’ other responsibilities – which include but are not limited to strategic planning, business development, partnership management, customer relationships, financing, talent advancement, etc.
It’s exhausting just thinking about all the work on the plate of the leaders. No wonder they don’t see a way to take a vacation.
So, what’s a leader to do? First, start by asking yourself these questions:
- * How does a leader combat burnout?
- * How does a leader stay connected with loved ones who naturally want to spend time together and go on fun vacations?
- * How does a leader set an example for those they lead and make vacations a healthy priority for themselves and their team?
- * How does a leader not feel guilty – whether by delegating or deferring work to a later date?
- * How does a leader not make others feel guilty when a team member wants to take time off?
Really reflect on your answers.
Dig a little deeper.
- * What perceptions are you holding on to?
- * What assumptions do you hold true?
- * What if those were not correct?
- * What would it look like for everyone to be able to take time off to recharge when they personally needed that time off?
- * What would it feel like to have and honor a shared value of mental and physical health for all?
- * What would it feel like to you personally?
- * What can you imagine it would feel like for your subordinates?
As with all coaching, it starts with getting very clear on what is important to you and why. From this clarity of purpose, you can build out an action plan to get you started towards your desired state.
If vacations are not routine for you, that’s okay. Simply remember to give yourself permission to take whatever time you need to process and reflect fully. Change takes time.
In the next few articles, we’ll explore the benefits of vacations and how to change a fixed mindset to a growth mindset when it comes to taking time off to recharge. So, start planning your vacation today! Trust yourself… if you want it, work for it, and you will have it.
Check out these articles:
“Trust & Empower Employees Through Your Vacations”
“Goldilocks & the 2-Week Recovery Period – Just Right!”
“Vacation, had to get away.”
- “Vacation.” Go Go's. (1982). Studio 55 and Sunset Sound Recorders. Hollywood. Indigo Ranch. Malibu: I.R.S. (Recorded 1982).
Thank you for reading! I am an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) specializing in Performance Coaching for Senior Executives, Flag Officers, and STEM professionals, and mental fitness for all. Don’t miss out on information and techniques that can take you to the next level. Schedule your one-on-one coaching here!