How Summer Improves How You Manage
Um. No excuses.
I missed writing an April blog post - procrastination. And, a May one - vacation. Yes, I know, you were just now wondering, "Where's that blog from Cecilia?"
With my post-vacation mood and Summer just starting, I thought now is a good time to talk about why time off improves how you manage.
First, if I asked you, "What's the purpose of a glass?" You'd most likely say: to hold something. Probably liquid.
We can all agree: The purpose of a glass is to hold something.
But when your "glass" starts to get full - with obligations, workload, headaches, challenges, frustrations, delays, drama...you name it, the liquid it is supposed to hold spills over.
A too-full glass cannot adequately hold its contents anymore. That is, IT CANNOT FULFILL ITS PURPOSE.
That said, you too cannot adequately fulfill YOUR purpose when overloaded and overwhelmed.
This is when we re-introduce you to the word: Rejuvenation. I say re-introduce because most of us know when we're burning the candle at both ends that time off, getting rest and reprieve can be a solution.
Think of rejuvenation like spilling out a bit of the overflowing water from your glass. It gives you space and capacity.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MANAGERS
Having more space and capacity improves the way you lead in a few ways:
Your Patience Goes Up: When you're tense and stressed, you have a shorter fuse. Just ask anyone whose head you've bitten their head off when you were at your wit's end. Managers have more patience to tap into when they're well-rested and rejuvenated.
Your Problem-Solving Skills Improve: White space is essential to solving problems. When you get quiet and still, stop the ruminating and constant running of your brain, and take even the shortest of breaks, you open up more mental space to come up with ideas and solutions.
You Role-Model an Essential Skill: Seeing a leader take and honor their time off teaches your team it's OK for them to do the same. Talk about why time away is important. Emphasize the importance of being work-free on weekends and vacations. And continually communicate to your team that their rejuvenation is equally important as their deliverables.
Alright, my friend. Here's wishing you a good amount of time off this Summer knowing how important it is to your well-being AND your leadership.
About The Author
For the past two decades, Cecilia Gorman has helped advertising agencies and other creatively-minded companies fix costly communication and productivity issues by teaching managers how to become better connectors, motivators, and leaders. Cecilia is the author of Always Believe In Better, creator of the digital learning course for managers—Manager Boot Camp, and co-founder of the global training and support community for working women—Empowership.
Interested in growing your skills as a manager? Check out how Manager Boot Camp might help.