My daughter, Katy, was in a wedding last weekend in Philadelphia. She was a stunning bridesmaid, and as she walked down the aisle, I boo-hooed like a baby! The couple said their lovely “I do’s”, the weather was perfect, the flowers lovely, and we set off confetti bombs as they walked back up the aisle. For that moment, life was just perfect.
I almost didn’t go.
I told myself that I couldn’t take the time off, because of blah, blah, and more blah. I said that I could take a longer vacation later. I pontificated that I needed to get my book manuscript finished. I tried to even bribe myself that if I waited, I could take a beach vacation somewhere exotic.
But several weeks before the wedding, the bride told Katy, “I can’t wait to walk down the aisle, look out into the crowd, and see your mom’s curls.”
So, of course I went, and looking back, I am SO glad that I didn’t miss that moment!
Also every year, I worry about leaving on vacation. I worry that my clients will be mad that I am gone. I worry that something big is going to happen while I am not there. I worry that putting off the recruiting process will drag out longer than I want it to… worry, worry and more worry.
Here is the truth: none of those worries ever come to fruition. As a matter of fact, the opposite is usually true. My clients are able to get more work done, because I am not there. They are relieved that they get to take a break, and typically, the hiring process goes faster upon my return.
In addition, I am happier and more relaxed, and I have time to think about the hiring process from the 30,000 foot view, not just from the ground level.
Vacations have always been important: whether you go somewhere exotic or have a “stay-cation” and spend the week at the pool working on your tan lines. But especially this year, vacation is more important than EVER.
Not only are people burnt out, a huge amount of people are leaving their jobs. If you want to keep your best employees, my advice is always to let them go on vacation. And when they are gone, make sure that you are covering their work so that they can completely unplug.
We know that innovation comes from experiences outside the office. So, if you are worried that no work will get done, some of the BEST work happens when you and your team unplug.
When we return, we all have killer tans, and you get solutions to big problems.
And the bride got to see my curls as she walked down the aisle. Sniff!