Do 4 Things When You Reengage After Vacation
What do you do when you reengage after vacation? We got home at 2:00 p.m. yesterday.
We don’t need a vacation from vacation. We read. Ate seafood. Watched the ocean, birds, and lobster boats. And took walks.
We wanted seclusion. We found it in Steuben, Maine. Anyone who lands in Steuben intends to go there.
When you reengage after vacation:
#1. You are glad to be back.
Say, “It was great to get away and I’m excited to be back.”
You’re excited to…
- See colleagues and team members. “I looked forward to seeing you.”
- Hear updates. “How did you win while I was gone?” “What did you learn?”
- Learn what you missed. “What should I know about?”
Schedule time on your calendar to reconnect with people who took on added responsibilities while you were out.
Tip: Look for a new job if you aren’t glad to reengage after vacation.
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#2. Express gratitude.
People covered for you while you were gone. They want to hear you had a great time. Tell them it felt good to know they were taking care of business while you were away.
#3. Explain priorities.
“I’m focusing on three key issues for the next few days.” Take a breath. Don’t burn out quickly because you feel energized.
Energy management is essential for success.
#4. Share new insights.
“I had time to reflect when I unplugged. I thought about ….”
Perhaps you want to encourage people to take mini vacations. A nature walk. Digital detox for an evening. Or reading for pleasure.
Maybe you realized boundaries are important for team members and yourself.
Conclusion: Fuel positive energy in others when you reengage after vacation.
What do leaders do wrong when they reengage after vacation?
What suggestions do you have to reengage successfully?
Still curious?
7 Universal Principles that Explain the Persistent Problems of Leadership
Oh my goodness. I drove right through there several times last week! You were right by where I live now! (Moved there full time after I retired, but have had a home there for over 20 years.) We live in Prospect Harbor. Right by the Schoodic section of Acadia. So sorry to have missed your visit! (I paint full time now And exhibit at the Littlefield Gallery in Winter Harbor!)
Great hearing from you, Kerry. It’s so gorgeous there. It’s a small world. It would have been great to see you and your paintings. Sounds like life is good. Enjoy!
Hi Dan, If you still have my contact info let me know if you ever you get back again! It is beautiful and a never ending source of painting inspiration. I still follow your blog… it works for life too, not just leadership. You amaze me with the fresh content. Cheers! P.s. My art is on Instagram @kerryeatonfineart. You can check it out there & mywebsite is kerryeaton.com. It tends to be a little behind regarding g recent works! 😊
I spent a month in Europe this summer. I ran for trains and busses and to get to the various airports on time. I got home and hit the ground running. I still need a vacation. Next time will be different. Thanks for the tips!!
Thanks, Elizabeth. It’s pretty normal for habits of life to persist. I’ve heard people say, “We work hard, and we play hard. I’m all for hard work and hard play. However, there’s a time to unplug and stop feeling pressured to be busy.
I find it hard to not be busy because I love working and I hate laziness. Also, I don’t respect mental and emotional fatigue like I respect physical tiredness. I feel like I earned a break if I’m physically tired. These attitudes sabotage my efforts to just sit back with a book, take a relaxing walk, or simply sit quietly and feel the breeze and listen to nature.
Stop work before your exhausted. Go home when you have good energy left for family and friends and yourself. (I feel the guilt even as I type it.)
Cheers
It’s funny you should mention that. I actually went home yesterday on time and I felt like I was abandoning my post! I told my people that I felt terrible for leaving them but that I was making a choice to not work myself into the ground yesterday. I’m going to make that decision today as well. Interestingly enough, it gets easier the more often you do it. Thanks again!
One step at a time. 🙂
Great post! Expressing gratitude is so important! This is a perfect way to do that after time away. Grateful your back 🙂
Thanks, 88. It’s great to be back. 🙂
Thank you, Dan. I am heading out of town soon for a wedding and these points will be rehearsed when I return.
Sounds like you’re looking forward to this wedding. I hope you enjoy the time away and your return as well. Cheers.