If your team can’t function without you for a week… you don’t have a strong team.
You have people waiting for instructions.
Let that sink in.
Far too many leaders stay connected during their holidays — not because they want to, but because they feel they have no choice. According to a recent study by Deloitte, 67% of executives check emails and messages regularly during their vacations. Some do it because their bosses expect it. Others, because they fear losing control or not being needed.
Whatever the reason, here’s the truth: that’s not healthy, and it’s not real leadership.
Taking time off shouldn’t mean returning to a pile of chaos, burnout, or a disconnected team. But in order to avoid that, you need to prepare — and preparation doesn’t begin the day you pack your suitcase.
Real disconnection starts long before the out-of-office reply
Leaders who can truly unplug are those who consistently:
- Communicate clearly and consistently
- Delegate responsibilities based on trust, not control
- Empower their teams to take ownership
- Promote internal cooperation and psychological safety
When that foundation is in place, taking time off is no longer a threat — it becomes a sign of a mature, self-managed team culture.
Before you leave:
- Clarify expectations with key team members
- Define what decisions they can take on their own
- Explain when and how they should escalate issues
- Prepare a proper handover document to avoid confusion and last-minute calls
These simple steps prevent firefighting while you’re gone — and show your team you trust them.
If disconnecting feels impossible, ask yourself why
Is it the nature of your role?
Or is it the way you’ve built your leadership style?
If you’re the bottleneck in every decision, constantly firefighting or checking in out of habit… it’s time to reflect. Real leadership isn’t about micromanagement or availability 24/7. It’s about creating systems and people you can trust — even when you’re not there.
And if you’re a senior leader expecting your managers to stay online during their vacation, know this: you’re risking more than productivity.
You’re risking their engagement, health, and relationships.
Chronic stress, disrupted sleep, and family tension aren’t signs of commitment — they’re signs of poor organizational culture.
Want to lead differently?
If you’re curious about how to disconnect without losing control — and want to model healthier leadership in your company — watch the full video below. I explain it in depth, with practical examples you can apply.
🎥 Watch the full video here and subscribe to my YouTube channel if you lead teams or aspire to — because leading shouldn’t hurt.
Let’s make sustainable, emotionally intelligent leadership the norm — not the exception.
Watch more videos on Susana Jimenez’s Youtube Channel
