Don't let the holidays pass you by!
“The richest and fullest lives attempt to achieve an inner balance between three realms: work, love and play.” Erik Erikson
Can we pump the brakes on time or down shift at least? It seems to be flying by. November is fast approaching and that means the holidays are here. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa (take some time to understand the holidays of your diverse organization - who celebrates what) and New Years represent (or ought to) a time of peace, reflection, family, rest and recuperation. These holidays along with the other federal and religious holidays throughout the year are also an opportunity for leaders and their people to take a needed break.
Indeed there are some professions like the military, first responders, and healthcare, to name a few, who may or may not get a break but the vast majority of professions and their leaders can and should 'pump the brakes.' I've been burned before. I considered myself too important to take time off around the holidays or felt guilt for doing so. I found myself alone as others took advantage of this time to let their hair down, reunite with family and catch their breath. I catch myself missing holidays even today where I'll email on a day when most are off. I'm getting better. Notice I didn't blog on Columbus Day! Don't let this oversight happen to you.
This speaks to a bigger problem - leaders feeling guilt over taking time off or feeling that they are too important to be away from their business. There are times which demand our presence, even over the holidays but mostly not. Unique things happen on the holidays throughout the year, especially Thanksgiving, the Christmas holidays and New Years - the world hits pause. So too should we.
I've often said, you have to plan and manage work-life balance. There is no balance in actuality, but the best way to fill the buckets of work, love and play is to leverage the times when most people are off (weekends are in this category). The holidays are fast approaching. What is your plan leader?
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Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell