Set the Example - Take Time Off! (Your Thursday Three Things for September 26, 2024)

Three things that reside at the intersection of wellness and leadership!

Hey everyone,

Jon Macaskill here, back with your weekly dose of wellness and leadership tips. This week, we’re talking about something a lot of us struggle with but really need to hear—it’s okay to take time off. Whether it’s for vacation, sick days, or mental health days, stepping away is not just good for you, it’s good for your team. Trust me, you’re not doing anyone any favors by working yourself into the ground.

Why Taking Time Off Is Essential for Leadership

Recently, I’ve spoken with several people who hesitate to take time off because they don’t want to leave their workload for their team. Sound familiar? Here’s the thing: If you’ve built a solid team, they should be able to handle things in your absence—that’s the mark of a great leader. You need to empower your team to step up when you’re not around, and if you’re not doing that, you’re not being as effective a leader as you could be.

Time off is crucial for a few key reasons:

1. You Need to Recharge: Whether it’s a beach vacation, a staycation, or a simple mental health day, stepping away from work helps you recharge. When you’re running on fumes, you’re not showing up as your best self, and that affects your leadership.

2. Sets an Example for Your Team: If you never take time off, your team might start to believe that taking time off is unacceptable, even when they’re sick or burned out. As a leader, you’re setting the tone—show them that it’s okay (and necessary!) to take a break.

3. Trust and Empowerment: When you step away and your team keeps things running smoothly, you’re fostering trust and empowerment. A well-functioning team doesn’t just rely on one person—it’s a collaborative effort. If you can’t leave without the entire operation falling apart, that’s a sign that you need to rethink how you’re delegating and empowering your people.

Now, let’s get into this week’s three things to help you embrace taking time off and empower your team while you do it:

1. Book Highlight: "It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work" by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson This book is a refreshing take on the idea that work shouldn’t be all-consuming. Fried and Hansson lay out how you can have a calm, collected work environment where people can take breaks without feeling guilty or falling behind. It’s a great read if you need a reminder that stepping away from work is not only okay but necessary for a healthy work-life balance.

2. Tool Highlight: Delegation Planning One of the best ways to make sure things don’t fall apart while you’re gone is to plan ahead. Use tools like Asana or Trello to delegate tasks, assign ownership, and set clear expectations. This not only keeps things on track but also empowers your team to take charge when you’re not around.

3. Favorite Thing: Scheduling Time Off Here’s something simple but effective—actually schedule your time off. Don’t just wait until you’re burnt out or sick to take a break. Look at your calendar, pick some dates, and make it happen. When you commit to it, you’re more likely to follow through, and it gives your team a heads-up to step up while you’re gone.

And there you have it! Three tips to help you step away, recharge, and empower your team to keep things running smoothly. Remember, a strong leader knows when to take a break, and in doing so, you’re setting a powerful example for your people.

Catch you next Thursday with more tips and insights. Until then, keep leading with heart and living with purpose.

Cheers, Jon

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already! Your support helps me keep bringing you the good stuff every week. And don’t forget to check out our podcast Men Talking Mindfulness—where we talk about leadership, wellness, and everything in between. You can find it wherever you get your podcasts!