This article was taken from the September 2011 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
The Work Foundation's Jane Sullivan says: "The reason why people come back from holiday determined to do something different is that they gain a new perspective." Here's how to make the most of your time away.
PREPARE FOR DEPARTURE
Make sure everyone knows you're leaving and write notes for those who'll be looking after your role. "You've earned that two-week break, but people can make you feel guilty," Sullivan says. "You have to learn to ignore colleagues sometimes."
DELEGATE RESPONSIBILITY
Going on holiday is a good opportunity to delegate and to give people the opportunity to step up. "We often want to believe that we're indispensable," says Sullivan. "But the sign of a good manager is someone who does develop people."
PRETEND YOU'RE ABROAD
Even if you're not going out of the country, remember you're still on holiday. "Don't tell people you're staying at home," advises Sullivan. "Lie -- invent where you're going. If people know you're at home, they'll think it's fine to get in touch."
MANAGE YOUR DEVICES
The hold that your smartphone has over you must be broken on holiday. "People are fearful they're not committed if they switch off," asserts Sullivan. "But replying to emails during time off just makes people think, 'Go away, you're on holiday.'"
STAY CREATIVE
If good ideas start popping into your head, don't shut out work entirely. "You may lie on the beach and think, 'That's the solution to that issue!' That's fine. The point is to allow your mind to have that freedom to rest and find new perspectives."
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
