|
Home
TRAVEL
Yes, You Too Can Take A Vacation
Surveys are interesting. I took note of this one done
recently by American Express because it backed up some
data I learned at the (National Association of Female
Executives) NAFE National Conference in May. According
to the survey, 40% of the smallest business owners -
those with less than $200,000 in annual revenues - are
planning no vacation whatsoever this summer. But even
business owners with higher revenues aren't doing much
better - only 75% of them expect to get away from the
business this summer.
As we were told at the NAFE Conference, even those
business owners who do get away from the office, won't
truly get away. Rather, one in three will link their
vacation time to a business trip and 50% will still
check in with the office at least once a day.
Why can't business owners let go? What are the concerns
that keep them tied to the business? According to the
survey:
* An important client or customer will not receive
appropriate service
* The business will miss out on a new opportunity
* There is no other competent person to leave in charge
* The individuals left in charge will make the wrong
decisions
* An operational or equipment breakdown will occur
without anyone to solve the problem
Such concerns are not surprising. It is hard for a
business owner to take any type of vacation worry-free.
But with planning, preparation and good leadership you
can boost the enjoyment level of your time off to come
back refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges and
opportunities. Here are 8 steps to prevent vacation
angst.
1. Make a plan - To avoid surprises, create a list of
scenarios on your current projects and brief your staff
on the possibilities and your major concerns about each
client. Assign specific staff to each client/account so
there is someone that clients can speak to who
understands their concerns when you aren't there.
2. Brief your key clients or customers - Offer them
advance notice of any extended absence you are planning.
There's no reason to keep your vacation schedule a
secret. Introduce them to your deputy and convey your
confidence in their ability to handle any issues that
may arise. If appropriate, consider letting them know
how to reach you should a true emergency arise - not
that one will because of all your pre-planning.
3. Leadership is being a delegator not a dictator - If
you never delegate important tasks to others, you can't
expect them to be ready to fill your shoes when you want
to take time off. To create a saner situation and build
confidence that good things will happen when you aren't
there, learn to delegate responsibilities - divvy up
those pieces that must still happen in your absence and
postpone those that can wait for your return.
4. Strategically schedule your vacation time - Most
businesses have a slow season or times of the year when
the pace is slower, or at least a bit less crazy. Plan
your vacations to coincide with those lulls.
5. Mini-Vacations - If you just can't let go of the
business for a whole week or two, or you can't bear to
be too far away from the office, try taking a few days
out of town, or extend a weekend somewhere else. Even a
brief escape from routine with a change of scenery can
do wonders for your perspective and re-energize you.
6. Disconnect entirely - When you do take a vacation:
turn off your cell phone, don't bring the laptop, don't
check your email, don't bring work with you and avoid
the temptation to call or visit the office to "check up"
on what's happening. If there's an emergency they can't
handle, they will find you.
7. Take time off to sharpen skills - If you just can't
justify taking time off to kick back and relax, then
take time off to learn something new - business or
personal. Taking continuing education courses at a local
college or business school is a low-cost and effective
way to break from your office routine, be with new
people and try new things. Some programs are 3-5 days
off-site if that fits your schedule better.
8. Keep your priorities straight - When you go through
the exercise of listing the things you really care
about, is your business really #1, 2, and 3? Outside of
work, your priorities might be connecting with family
and friends, spending time with kids, cultivating
personal interests, staying healthy or pursuing an
avocation. To regain balance in your life, you need to
keep work, family and personal time in perspective.
Those other priorities help you find more enjoyment in
your time away from the business.
Let me know if these tips help you take a well-deserved
vacation (or two) this
|