Did you ever just have one of those days? You got up, got ready for work, looked in the mirror, and there you were all dressed up, but just not feeling on top of your game, not quite firing on all 8 cylinders?
I would bet that even the most energetic and enthusiastic among us has had at least one occasion when they just weren’t feeling their best and yet they felt obligated to go on with the show. We have been conditioned to “Cowboy Up,” present our very best leadership face and go to the office putting on the best show that we can.
We convince ourselves that no matter how we feel, we have responsibilities and a team that needs us. We think that if we try hard enough, we can rally the enthusiasm. We can maintain a façade that will prevent others from knowing our inner thoughts and feelings.
WAKE UP!!!
We are not that good. We are much more transparent than we think and our team members are much more observant than we give them credit for being. If you are not on top of your game, you will not be the leader you need or want to be. If you are not feeling up to the task today, then go do something else.
I know what you’re thinking: “I can’t take a sick day or an unscheduled PTO day because the team needs me,” or “If I take an unscheduled day they will lose respect for me.” Trust me; if your team can’t function for one day without your direct supervision there are other issues that need to be addressed. Your team members are much more likely to disrespect you because you aren’t living up to the expectations you have set than for taking a day off. And if you are worried about setting a bad precedent, don’t, your team members need to take a break every now and then too.
Seriously
When was the last time you took a day off? I mean a real day off, not the weekend where you try to cram in every chore that didn’t get done during the week plus worrying about what is going to happen on Monday. Perhaps you just need a break. Make the effort to go do something just for fun. Go to the zoo, go for bike ride, go bowling, read a book, take your significant other on a date, do something you haven’t done for a while due to lack of time.
Admittedly, I don’t do this very often and I am not suggesting anyone else should either, but if you really aren’t up to the task, then take a break. Your team will do just fine for a day. And if your work ethic won’t let you call in to take an unscheduled day off, then go to the office. But, upon arrival call the team together and tell them that you are not feeling up to par today and that you are going to take the day off, handle the priority issues as quickly as possible, designate someone to be in charge for the rest of the day and leave.
It’s far better to take the occasional day off than to ignore your feelings and potentially sacrifice your physical and mental health. You, your team, your friends, and your family will all benefit.
Very good post.
Great tips to follow. Being professional and showing them there’s more to come I think are the most important. You need to give them a great article, that makes them want to come back. And then make sure you don’t disappoint.
Thanks for sharing this helpful info!
Yes, indeed, the occasional day off to recharge is important. It also seems important to have things you can do in the office that are renewing. Tell your team you’ll be there, but “unavailable.” Then spend your day (or a good part of your day) doing those work-related activities that boost your energy, those things that remind you what it is about your field that feeds your soul, that are aligned with the reasons you choose to commit to this line of work in the first place.
Thank you for your comments, Bob. I really like the suggestion to maintain a list of things that can be done at the office to reduce the stress and interaction while still working toward getting things done. Cheers, Gordon
Another slant on this wonderful idea is to look at it like you do when a team member does extremely well with a project or just does a great job. You find ways to reward them with a gift certificate or a nice lunch out with you. If you’re doing right by your team and just need some time away, reward yourself in this manner. It might even be a reward for the team as a whole just to enjoy a day without you there.
Erin, you are right on the money with your suggestion. We are after all just another member of the team. We would reward them and thus we should reward ourselves. And I agree, the occasional day without oversight is good for the team in many ways. Thank you for commenting. Cheers, Gordon
For those of you with young children, or grandchildren, at home or nearby consider some time with them doing what they want, not what you think they need. They may surprise you.
Hmm… Perhaps more generally, consider that what you think is needed may be 180 out from everyone else’s universe before you act.
On another note. In a professional organization, if the boss can’t disappear for a week or more, without notice, there are “other issues” within the organization. At a minimum they involve succession and delegation.
Ken,
Your suggestions to allow others to determine our day is great. You are correct, sometimes we just need to step back and not be the decision maker. And I agree, if you can’t take time away, then there are most certainly “other issues” that need to be addressed. Cheers, Gordon.