How To Step Back In After Being Away

One of the reasons we don’t take time off is the fear of missing something while being away.  We picture the inbox filling up and the workload multiplying.  The idea of going back is daunting.

To tackle that overwhelming feeling of getting back to work you need to find the right pace.  To step back in after being away you need to make sure you:

GIVE YOURSELF MARGIN

Even if you can try not to hit the ground running.  Margin will give you the breathing room you need to focus on the day.  Use the margin to:

• Embrace a little quiet time.

• Grab a cup of coffee.

• Catch up with a coworker.

• Imagine yourself succeeding (SERIOUSLY)

Give yourself about 30 minutes.  Arrive early and then get back into the routine. (For more on maximizing your capacity click here)

REVISIT YOUR SCHEDULE

Chances are your schedule got out of whack before you went away.  Before you get back into the routine take the time to accomplish the following tasks.  

Your schedule needs to be focused.  That means making time to clear the clutter and then prioritizing what’s most important. 

CREATE A LIST

After being away it’s hard to find focus.  Take a few minutes to jot down everything you need to get done.  Then look at that list and prioritize it.  Share it with someone to get feedback.

Then start working on the things you can get done quickly. Small wins will build momentum.  That momentum will help you tackle some of the bigger challenges.

CHECK-IN WITH THE TEAM

It’s been a while since you’ve seen everyone.  Ask them about their time off and ask them what they’re working on.  You might discover something that impacts what you should be doing.

Take the time to let them know the game plan for the week ahead.  It’s important to let your volunteers, co-workers and pastor know that you are ready to go.

EMPTY THE INBOX

It’s important to go through your inbox because it will impact your to do’s.  Chances are there are items and issues that need to be addressed.  If you let them sit too long they’ll become more difficult.  

While it’s important to empty your inbox as soon as possible try not to make this first thing.  Opening the wrong message while still getting acclimated can negatively impact your mood.

REVIEW THE MISSION

If you’ve been away for a significant amount of time things can get misaligned.  Review your mission and remind yourself what it is you need to be doing.  It’s easy over a break to get sidelined and stuck in ideas.  

Those ideas can be important but whether they are relevant depends on the mission.  Measure your dreaming to your mission to know how to move forward.

REMIND OTHERS OF THE VISION

Not only can things get misaligned but so can people.  As the leader, you need to be beating the “vision drum” over and over.  While people might still know it, don’t be afraid to remind them of it.  It will build up any momentum that might have been lost while you were out.

Stepping back into the office after being away does not have to be painful.  It can be a fresh start.  Just take the time to develop a plan and rediscover that pace.

What is the first thing you do after being away for awhile?