Vacation Rituals: The First Day Back

There was a distant point in my career when I had a love/hate relationship with my vacation. On the one hand, I really understood the value that vacations could create in my life. Time away from the workplace is a much needed opportunity to recharge my batteries, shake off dysfunctional comfort, renew my passion and commitment, feed my sense of adventure and exploration and tend to my most prized relationships. On the other hand, I’d darn near kill myself beforehand to get outstanding work complete (or at least moving forward); and I’d stay plugged in while I was away. Worst of all, in the final days of my vacation, I’d start dreading my first day back in the office. Wading through piles of correspondence; steeling myself for the back to back meeting schedule that awaited my return; and playing a mean game of ‘catch up’ on all of the projects and other ‘stuff’ that continued to move (or not) in my absence. Sadly, I sometimes wondered if taking a vacation was really worth it; after all, there was a pretty hefty price to pay for being away….

It’s almost painful for me to think back to those days. But, that was then and this is now. And I didn’t know then what I know now and that is…..

•  Taking a vacation increases productivity, creativity & innovation and engagement. Contrary to the old school way of thinking, it’s not a ‘zero sum game’. The gain that you can receive from vacation does not necessarily translate to a loss for the organization!
•   You can create a healthier pre- and post- ‘vacation ritual’ that doesn’t leave you drained.

Almost a decade ago, I decided to intentionally create a different experience that would allow me to enjoy vacation time, wring as much personal value from it as possible AND build a smoother reentry to the express lane on which we travel together at work!

Here are some of my personal top tips for changing your relationship with ‘vacation time’ forever:

1.      Use your vacation time (duh)!  Did you know that those of us in the US work in the only developed country in the world without a single legally required paid vacation day or holiday? And one in four of us doesn’t have a single paid day off?  So, if you’ve got them, use them.  We’re taking the least amount of vacation time in over 40 years and leaving $52.4 billion on the table by not using all of our time off.  Plan most of your time off and schedule in advance.  Reserve a few days for spontaneity and for the unexpected.  It’s a booster shot for commitment, innovation, productivity and engagement.
2.      Delegate strategically both before and after vacation.  These are bona fide opportunities to build your bench strength and fortify your succession plan.  And you will fall in love with the freedom and peace of mind that this gives you.  I make it a practice to identify one or two people who are standing in for me (in general or project specific) while I’m gone. These folks know the boundaries and have the power to act within them.  If you haven’t been coaching your team members for such stretch assignments, start NOW and work toward your next vacation. Control freaks, beware!! This is going to be a tough assignment.
3.       If you’re spending your vacation away from your home base, allow at least one day between returning home and returning to work.  While it may seem to some that this cuts one’s vacation short, I have found it to be an incredibly helpful buffer, particularly if time zone changes are involved.  Return to as many of your normal habits, e.g. exercise, as possible that day. Savor this day!
4.      Carve out specific time on your first day back to work to debrief with those who stepped into your role and to handle top priorities. This means scheduling specific time on your calendar before you leave for these crucial conversations.  Be specific about your expectations for the debriefing sessions.  Don’t forget to focus on what went well and offer both acknowledgement as well as coaching. Grow your team members!!
5.      Make that first day back, special in some way.  Spread around your appreciation for the work that was done in your absence. Share the freedom that you experienced, knowing that your capable team was moving things forward.  Arrange (before you leave) for a special treat – e.g. coffee, cookies – for everyone that day.
6.       Be intentional!  Check in with yourself on any limiting thoughts or beliefs that you currently hold around vacation (time away from work).  Remember, the most important conversation that you have each day is the one with yourself!  In your head!  Challenge your same old same old thinking – If I hadn’t chosen to do this work, I may still be stuck in the ‘vacations aren’t worth it’ mindset.  Create affirmations and use them throughout the month before you leave.  Remember, to change your experience, you must first change your mind (thoughts).
7.       Boldly unplug from your work related electronics while on vacation. Yes, completely! Trust that your team members will step up to the leadership challenge; that they are smart enough, resourceful enough and committed enough to do a credible job.

  

Are you ready for a leadership challenge?

Week 1 Challenge:  Commit to your vacation!

Today, I dare you to check your available vacation time for the next 12 months and make tentative (yes, I know you have to check in with others!) choices on when you’ll use that time. Hold those dates on your calendar. Confirm those tentative dates within two weeks. Share those dates with your team. Encourage them to use their time off throughout the year as well.

Week 2 Challenge:  Let’s go tech naked!

If you and your technology have never been separated before, then don’t go cold turkey on your vacation. Instead, start smaller and unplug for one day over the weekend. So, this Saturday or Sunday, put your technology out of sight and get comfortable with letting go. Invite others to call you on your home phone if there is a true emergency.

Week 3 Challenge:  Work from the inside out!

This week, examine your own thoughts and feelings about time away from work. Write them down. Do they portray a positive, healthy mindset? Do they represent who you were, who you are or who you want to be?

If it’s time for a makeover, then re-write the script for the next conversation with yourself. Tell yourself a new story – the benefit of vacations for yourself and others. The ease with which you’ll return to work and re-engage. The freedom you’ll enjoy. The joy of giving undivided attention to yourself and family. Create a series of affirmations that lock in this new way of thinking. 

Week 4 Challenge:  Activate A New Vacation Habit

This week, select one tip from my top picks list and use it! Or, if you’ve identified a new habit that is very meaningful to you, then select it instead. Begin to take action now so that you can use it during your next vacation.

Evaluate its effectiveness.