Take a Break

I always admire people who work hard and strive to get ahead. But sometimes we can overdo it. Recently, in a self assessment homework assignment, a manager listed coping well with a hectic pace and long hours a one of her strengths. She said "I usually run from one job to another. I never take breaks and usually work through lunch doing whatever is needed to keep my department running. I usually work late and am the last one to leave at night." She went one to say "My positive attitude in coping with a hectic pace and long hours without complaining or slacking send a positive message to my team that I am willing to do what it takes to get the job done."

I cautioned her. There's a fine line between coping well and appearing harried and out-of-control. While I do admire hard work, a positive attitude and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done, there is a balancing act. Even the most determined motivated and aggressive managers need to back off from time to time. As frantic as things may be, a break is good for mental health. It allows time to become grounded and centered, and it restores your perspective and focus.

My advice: Take your breaks every day, even though they may not be at the same time. Have your lunch everyday as well. Work late when you have to, but limit it. If you need to work late everyday, there's something wrong with the way you're managing your personal workload. Use your management talents to fix that. And, if you are doing a lot of extra time, be sure to reward yourself with some extra time off.


About Pelleyblog: Pelleyblog is designed to be a resource for supervisors and other first line managers. Currently most of our readers are from Rhode Island, Central Massachusetts and Eastern Connecticut. But everyone interested in management topics is welcome. We also welcome your participation. Feel free to comment on this or any other post.

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