Rest?

Why this may be the ultimate leadership standard

I’m taking a break today from writing about The Standards as it’s Spring Break and who wants to read about work when you’re on a break? But then again, shouldn’t a break BE a standard?

I’m the last one to listen to my own advice about slowing down, taking time away, turning off… what will I do? But my team will tell you I am famous for suggesting they have a work-life balance, not check email while on PTO, and take some time for themselves. Why? Because they will come back rejuvenated, more focused, with new ideas, and, perhaps appreciative of the quiet and quality time spent alone or in the company of friends and/or family.

So why at an Executive level is this not possible? Will things spin out of control? Will a board member need me? Will someone resign? Who will sign the contracts and the checks while I’m out? Or IS it possible and I just think it isn’t? Don’t we all need time to rest our physical body and our minds? Sometimes, we as leaders don’t give ourselves enough credit – that we are organized and planned – that we can leave and have things run without us – if not, perhaps we’re not as good as we think we are?

A strong leader has great teams they can trust to execute, to manage, and to sustain when they are out of reach. One of the highest standards is trust – in oneself and in others. Allowing yourself to let go, to allow others to take a lead, and let them showcase what they’re capable of while you step away says a lot about who you are as a leader – you chose a strong, capable team, you share the daily operations so they are not thrown into the unknown, you have solid procedures to follow, and you’re not a micro-manager!

So I took my own advice and what I found out was that it took a few days to decompress, to turn off the work mind and the daily task list. The heaviness lifted, the tiredness lessened, I didn’t check my phone every minute for a text or email, I read a book (for fun!), I put my phone away for an entire day – actually I had no way to charge it so it ran out of battery, but I am counting it as a win (though forced).

And then it happened…. Ideas, creativity, thinking about the long-term, wanting to reach out to friends and family to check in (usually I’m too tired to do this), and realizing that rest is a standard I should implement more often. To become a better me, a better manager, a better steward of my team, and a better role model – one that takes her own advice.

Here’s to a day, or two, or even three…. of rest, guilt free.