Vacation? Fugeddabout it: Why chronic availability is sabotaging your leadership influence and your team’s ability to follow you.

Greetings, fellow leader! Dr. Linda Travelute here, your guide to maximizing both your impact and your well-being at Maximized Leaders. Today, we’re diving into a topic as vital as it is often overlooked: vacations. Yes, those magical, sun-drenched escapes where you’re supposed to ditch the laptop and recharge your batteries. But for many leaders, the idea of true detachment feels like a distant dream. We check emails on the beach, answer calls while sipping margaritas, and return from “vacations” feeling more drained than ever. Why? Because we’ve inadvertently created a culture of chronic availability.

Imagine this: You’re basking in the Italian Riviera, picturing yourself sipping espresso and soaking in the Colosseum. Suddenly, your phone buzzes with a work email. It’s “urgent,” and you, the ever-reliable leader, jump in to save the day. But hold on, vacation-zombie. What message are you sending by doing this? Let’s unpack the six ways chronic availability is sabotaging your leadership and your team:

1. You’re training your team to expect you to be a human robot. Every time you answer that email on the beach, you’re reinforcing the idea that your work is never truly done. This creates an unhealthy dynamic where your team feels they can (and should) reach you anytime, anywhere. Remember, boundaries are your friend, not your enemy.

2. Subliminal message: “Take your vacation, but don’t really.” By constantly checking in, you’re subtly implying that your team shouldn’t truly disconnect, either. This leads to burnout, resentment and disengaged employees. Don’t be the reason your team dreads their “relaxation.”

3. Trust is a two-way street. When you micromanage even on vacation, you’re sending a clear message: “I don’t trust you to handle things without me.” This stifles initiative, creativity and leadership development within your team. Empower your people, and they’ll surprise you.

4. Restless leader, restless team. Picture this: You return from your “vacation” frazzled and stressed. Guess what? Your energy is contagious. Your team will pick up on your frantic pace, leading to a ripple effect of anxiety and exhaustion. Prioritize true rest – it’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

5. From passion to ashes. Chronic availability is a recipe for burnout. When you never truly disconnect, your passion for your work dwindles, replaced by resentment and exhaustion. Remember why you started this leadership journey? Reconnect with that spark by giving yourself permission to unplug.

6. You become the victim of your own creation. The irony is, by being “always available,” you end up feeling taken advantage of. You’ve blurred the lines, and now the responsibility for constant work falls on you. Take back control by setting clear boundaries and leading by example.

So, how do we break free from this chronic availability trap? Here are three actionable steps:

1. Set clear boundaries: Communicate your vacation schedule and expectations to your team. Train them to solve problems independently and know when to truly escalate.
2. Delegate effectively: Empower your team members to take ownership of their tasks and make decisions. Trust them, and they’ll rise to the occasion.
3. Embrace the power of “off”: Turn off notifications, resist the urge to check emails, and truly disconnect. You’ll return refreshed, recharged and ready to lead with renewed passion.

Remember, leaders who prioritize their well-being are not weak, they’re wise. They understand that true leadership starts with self-care. So, ditch the guilt, embrace the “out of office” reply, and step into a leadership style that fuels both your success and your sanity. Now, go forth and conquer … after you’ve enjoyed that gelato, of course!