Feed: Shut Down For A Vacation - AggScore: 14.0

Shut Down For A Vacation

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Consumer Surveys are interesting. American Express conducted a survey among the National Association of Female Executives. According to the survey forty percent of the smallest business owners, that is those companies earning less that two hundred million dollars in revenue, haven't shut down for a vacation. On the other hand, even the owners with more than two million in revues aren't being much better. Of the high-income group, only seventy five percent planned any kind of holiday. The NAFE Conference revealed that those business owners who actually get away from the office would not be really getting away. As it happens, one in three will use the vacation to further their operation. Fifty percent of them will take time form their holiday and check in with the office at least once a day. Why is it that business owners can't let go? What are their concerns? What is it that keeps owners tied to their companies to that degree? According to the survey, their major concern is an important client or customer. They feel that they will miss out on a new business opportunity. Some owners feel that there isn't a competent person who can run things for even a week and will make wrong decisions This isn't hard for an owner to feel that way. Taking a vacation for them isn't worry-free. However, with planning, preparation, and great leadership you can enjoy the excitement of their time off. Make certain that you'll not end up with a surprise. Take your current projects and set out some scenarios. Decide what should happen in these instances. Brief the staff about any possibilities and list your major concerns about each of clients. Delegate various tasks to specific staff. Entrust these people to act if the need arises. Layout the holiday schedule and introduce the staff to it. Leadership is being a delegator not a dictator. Strategically schedule your vacation during that traditional time when your business slows a bit. Perhaps the business person should think about scheduling a mini-vacation when they just can't let go for a week or two. Try taking a few days out of town. Chances are the time away will increase your sense of trust about your staff. Busy people require a brief escape. They need to break the routine. Different surroundings will help to re-energize and correct ones perspective. On holiday, turn off your cell phone. Don't pack the 'notebook' or laptop. Avoid the urge to check the email account. Keep your roles straight and when outside of work, connect with family and friends. Be certain to be a father to the children. Cultivate personal interests. Stay spiritually (does not mean religious) healthy pursuing the avocation chosen. Perhaps these tips will help to schedule a well deserved mini-vacation (or two) this summer. Adam Surizuo writes at large for http://www.alicante-spain.com , an internet site with topics around spain and alicante. On his site you might discover his comments on costa blanca beach and alicante.