How to Take Time Off as a Leader Without Worry
I recently shared that I took time off from work to support my daughter as she competed for a pageant. Here are 5 tips that I follow for taking time off and being able to enjoy it without guilt or stress.
1. Timing matters
While there is rarely a perfect time to take time off, there are certainly times when you don’t want to. Note: This assumes you have a choice vs. when there is an emergency.
For example, I considered taking time off during my first busy season at Aronson. As I weighed the potential downside (and discussed with my leader), I decided that being present and available to deal with anything that could came up during that time was important to my team and the firm (even though I was fairly confident my team would do well without me).
2. Prepare in advance
The more responsibilities you have, the harder it is to fully disconnect without a plan in place for covering your responsibilities. From the mundane (such as vendor invoices or contract renewals) to the major (such as ongoing projects and key milestones), it’s important to think through who and how these activities will be managed.
3. Delegate effectively
Building upon my previous point, I look through my calendar and think through the various meeting and tasks that will take place during my absence. I identify a lead to be responsible for each activity or postpone those activities that can be delayed. And I share information generously to prepare my backup(s) to step in effectively. They may even need to shadow me on some meetings in advance.
4. Check in with your team
Provide a means to reach you in an emergency. But more than that, I actually let my team know days and times I am available to take a call or can schedule a quick check-in to discuss anything critical. I typically monitor email (sparingly) and only respond if absolutely necessary.
5. Be flexible
The recent events with OpenAI has provided great insight into the pace of change of the technology industry. Over the course of a short week, Sam Altman got fired and then hired by Microsoft to lead a newly formed AI Research division (and then returned to OpenAI). Such a decision probably couldn’t be delegated and required Microsoft CEO, Sateya Nadella, to pull the trigger.
During my most recent time off, I did have an urgent issue surface that required my attention. I identified a convenient date/time to have a video discussion to allay fears and concerns about the issue. It took 30 minutes out of my day and still allowed me to get back to my family and not miss much.
What other tips do you recommend?
“Some work will never get done. So take time to rest. And don’t feel guilty about it.”
Pastor John Jenkins
