5 Reasons Why Taking Your Holidays Helps Your Team
By Chris Obst

I had a client tell me recently that since being in management, he hasn't felt able to take all his annual vacation time. I told him that he seriously needs to get out. Do you?

In case you know someone like that… I thought I'd share some things that came out of our conversation. How does the decision not to take all your vacation time affect the energy of your team? When you are away, your team gets an opportunity to:

1. Grow
   In your absence your team may be forced to take on new responsibilities and take some risks. Your absence creates a space for their creativity and ideas to flourish.
   
   
2. Break Bad Habits
   Your team shouldn't be totally dependant on you. If they always come to you for answers, break them of the habit by making yourself totally unavailable. If they can't turn to you, they have to figure things out on their own, and they will own what they learn from that.
   
   
3. Build Trust
   Going away shows your team you trust them. It also helps them trust themselves, and their team mates. A couple months back I talked about building trust with your team. In case you missed it there's a link to the article below.
   
   
4. Learn From Your Example
   You want fully present, fully engaged people on your team. If they see that you value taking care of your energy and effectiveness, they are more likely to do the same. Let them see the difference a holiday makes in you. And encourage them to take care of themselves so that they can bring their best game to work.
   
   
5. Inspire their "A" Game.
   The fifth reason taking a vacation is good for your team, is because the cream always rises to the top. You may think you know the superstars on your team but there's nothing like leaving people to get on with it for a few days to see who really shines, and who doesn't.

So, if you are telling yourself that you can't take holidays in August because the team needs you - get over it and take a breath. Take a look at your choices. If you really can't see how you can take a few days off this summer, call us because that's something we can change.

Don't underestimate your value in the world. Contributing at your organization is great. But give yourself the time and space to imagine the full potential for your contribution. Then go out and make it. If you don't, you are depriving the rest of your team of your gifts, and you are depriving yourself intense satisfaction.

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TAKING ACTION THIS MONTH:
If you've been struggling with your decision to take some time off in August - think no longer. Take it, and make sure you give your team an opportunity to shine in your absence.

View other articles in August 08 Issue                      Back to Performance Pulse Archives

RESOURCES:
Power of Story  :  Power of Full Engagement  :  Corporate Athlete  :  Reports  :  Articles