In leadership, there are times when life gets very busy and stress begins to build. It happen with a big project, a fast approaching deadline, or an external pressure weighing you down. During or after you get through this stressful period, it is important to take a leadership time out.
How to take a Leadership Time Out
Leadership time outs are very helpful for leaders. There are multiple ways you can take a leadership time out. So how can you take a leadership time out?
Extended Vacation
An extended vacation (4-5+ days away from your leadership responsibilities) can give you a long leadership time out. You can take an extended vacation by going on a big trip. You can also take a “stay-cation” by staying at home to spend time with family. It is very important, however, that during your extended vacation (or stay-cation) you get away from work. The goal of a leadership time out is that it will rejuvenate you and get you ready to go back to your leadership responsibilities.
Short Vacation
A short vacation (1-3 days away from your leadership responsibilities) will also give you a leadership time out. You can use this time for multiple purposes. Take an extended weekend getaway. Spend time with your spouse. Go on a camping trip. Read the book you’ve really wanted to read. The list of things you can do is endless. Whatever you do, it is important to get completely away from your leadership responsibilities or other stresses. This allows you to take a full leadership time out.
Get out of the Situation
If you don’t have time off or are too busy to get away from the office, you can take a leadership time out by temporarily changing your routine. You could take your lunch at a different time. You could also take a quick 15 minute walk during the day. Or, you could go do something in the evening you wouldn’t normally do. The important thing is that you do something to give your mind a break.
How I learned to take a leadership time out
I learned how to take a leadership time out several years ago when I was a young leader. I had a subordinate that was very wise and observant. She explained that when a difficult situation arises, it can be very easy to lose your cool and say things you will later regret. If, however, you take a leadership time out, you get away from the stress. When you come back, you are rejuvenated and look at the situation with an objective point of view. After hearing her advice, I was much more attentive to my stress levels. I knew when I needed to take myself out of a situation using a leadership time out. I was also much more effective as a leader because I collected my thoughts before acting or saying something I would regret. After hearing her advice, I also noticed that she would do the same thing from time to time.
Summary
A leadership time out gives you a chance to regroup and figure out how you want to move forward. It helps you maintain your composure and sanity especially when you are very busy, over-occupied, and even overwhelmed. Ultimately, a leadership time out can be short or long. What is important is that you recognize when you need a leadership time out and then take one, so that you get away from the situation.
How do you take a leadership time out? How frequently do you use a leadership time out? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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Thanks! I am glad you enjoy reading my blog posts!
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Each of the posts are quite interesting- most of which on things I’ve never even considered, and inspiring too. Keep the great work up!
Welcome Ellie! Thank you for your comment! I really appreciate your support!