PMcrunch

As summer nears, at least in the Northern Hemisphere, thoughts of more time off and vacation occur for most of us.  As leaders, it is good, for a moment, to reflect and review our perspective on time off, especially in the current business environment.

Time off is actually a necessity of leadership, and not a luxury.  The weeks can click by all too quickly with the frenzied pace of day to day business.  As such, it is all to natural to find ourselves wondering if a restful vacation would be a "nice-to-have," or perhaps even a frivolous and irresponsible expenditure of time. 

It is true that what we are doing is important, but is it too important to leave?  Are we concerned that time off during this economic downturn may threaten our job security?  These are legitimate questions, and each of us need to grapple with them in our own situations.  But we also must take care of ourselves and our families, and recognize what it really takes for us to perform optimally.  We must also ask ourselves how well we are leading if the work requires our presence every moment.

Time away form the work place most often provides added perspective.  It also provides an opportunity to renew our commitments to people and things outside work, and reaffirm their importance. 

Do you remember your last time off?  Do you have plans for a vacation?  If not, do you have plans for some sort of restful and refreshing interludes in the months ahead?   If not, consider that the return on your efforts may be diminishing without you even realizing it.  In addition, even more slowly and quietly, this may be sowing the seeds for leadership issues. 

We need to take vacation and relaxation time seriously, and recognize that time spent away can lead to more sustainable personal, professional, and organizational success.  This is a time of year that presents more opportunity than normal to take advantage.  
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John Reiling, PMP
Project Management Training Online