In theory, the Holidays should be fun.
They’re a time to celebrate with family and a reminder to take time to relax and recharge. But for many franchisees, the reality is that the holiday season is busy and stressful.
Franchisees assume their business cannot cope without their leadership, so they often skip vacations to ensure the business runs smoothly.
Every entrepreneur needs to take vacation time and team members often shine when given extra responsibility. So whether you take time off during or after the holiday season, try these five tips:
1. Show appreciation. Balance taking time off, especially during the holidays, with showing up and showing appreciation for your employees. Before you leave, schedule a potluck or happy hour to reward and celebrate their hard work.
2. Start small. Take a day or two off and see how things go. If any problematic situations arise or are mishandled, explain to employees how it should’ve been handled differently; this is a learning experience for you both.
3. Be clear about expectations. Communicate who is in charge in your absence and how they should reach you in case of emergency. Let it be known that you won’t be constantly checking email and ask your second-in-command to call you directly if it’s urgent.
4. Empower staff. Encouraging staff and helping them grow into new responsibilities is part of your role as a leader. Allow employees to use their judgment to make small decisions in your absence; they’ll develop a sense of responsibility, and you’ll be able to focus on the big picture.
5. Create process. With the right processes in place, you should be able to leave nearly everything to your staff – with the exception of emergencies. Document your processes so you can teach others how you handle everything from day-to-day operations to more complex situations.
Just remember, taking a break will give you a chance to recharge and refocus. You’ll come back to your business with a fresh perspective and ready to take on new challenges.