Business Owners: Do These 2 Things Now to Ensure You Can Unplug on Vacation Later

Your bags are packed, and you’re on the way to the airport for a much-needed break from the office…

“Finally, I’ve been waiting months for this. I can’t wait to relax, not have to set my alarm, and break away from the office for a bit.”

As you feel your body relax and slip into vacation mode, that all too familiar pinging erupts from your phone and quickly jolts you back to work mode.

“Already?! I haven’t even arrived at the airport.”

It comes off as a surprise to you at first, but you’re quickly reminded of how many times this has happened when you’ve attempted to take a vacation. Actually, it’s much harder to remember when it HASN’T happened…

You may be thinking…

“How did it get to this point?”

“Is this all “part of the job” when it comes to being a business owner?”

“Oh well, this is what I should expect.”

Whatever the narrative is that you are telling yourself, I’m here to tell you that this is NOT how it is supposed to be for you, the business owner.

IF THIS ISN’T HOW IT SHOULD BE, THEN WHY IS IT THIS WAY?

There are 3 main reasons why business owners can’t unplug while on vacation…

Those whom you rely on to keep your business intact while you are away are acting more as tactical managers than confident leaders who feel empowered to make decisions without you.

A culture of reliance. That’s right; your leaders have grown to rely on you for guidance, decision-making, reassurance, and/or support with tasks and objectives that are well within their capabilities.

You make it easy. Harsh? Probably. True? Very likely.

If the above statement sounds like a typical day at the office where you are helping your leaders with “fire-fighting” or tactical work, you are making it WAY too easy and normal for them to seek you out at all times.

HOW DO I END THIS?

It won’t be easy, and it won’t be quick; however, there is a way to end the culture of reliance so your team can lead with confidence not only in your absence but in everyday operations.

2 Immediate Ways to Shift From Reliance to Independence…

1) Set Boundaries. Right now, your leaders don’t have any boundaries and feel as though they can swing by your office at any given time, text or call you whenever, overbook your calendar, and really throw a wrench in your agenda without seeming to know the impact.

What does this look like?

One possibility is blocking off time on your calendar every day that can’t be interrupted unless it is time-critical (you should provide examples of the FEW instances this would apply to).

And since they can’t book time or knock on your door, make sure you utilize this time to the best of your ability. Have a plan for what you want to get done, and hold yourself to it.

2) Create an escalation process. What REALLY needs your approval? Be specific about things they can and should be making decisions on without you and what things you need to be notified of.

What does this look like?

Jot down a list of the most common things your leaders come to you with.

Next, note what requires your approval/guidance and what doesn’t.

For the items that don’t, provide a brief explanation of how your leaders should handle it, so they aren’t coming to you (i.e., reviewing x data, collaborating with John Doe, retrieving financials, etc.).

Once this is done, share it with your leaders and get feedback to see what questions or concerns they have (you will likely learn a lot in this discussion).

Making these immediate changes will help begin the shift from reliant leaders to empowered, confident leaders who lead their teams and make effective decisions when you are away enjoying your time off.

Drop a comment below to let me know which tip you will try out to make the much-needed shift for your business!

P.S. Are you ready to turn your managers into confident leaders so you can spend your time off unplugging and enjoying the company of your family and friends? If so, be sure to click below to download The Small Business Owner’s Surefire Guide to Developing Confident Leaders.

You’ll get:

1. Key information about how you, the business owner, are enabling your leaders to rely on you more than needed.
2. Case studies showing the results of empowering your managers to become confident leaders.
3. Action items to try so you can immediately begin instilling confidence in your leaders.

Click above to download your guide now!

Richelle Jessey, CPC, CLDS, ELI-MP is a Leadership Coach helping business owners turn their managers into empowered leaders who engage their teams with confidence. Her end goal is to enable business owners to spend more time working ON their business than IN it.