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The Secret to Successful Time Off From Team Management Revealed

Kelsea Koenreich

Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of entrepreneurship can feel like a daunting task. 


We're accustomed to wearing multiple hats, juggling countless responsibilities, and driving our businesses forward with unwavering dedication. So, even when we take time off… we are usually still managing and running our team behind the scenes.


That means that time off isn't actually time off. The mental load remains and we have an underlying level of stress or anxiety about everything functioning without our presence. 


It happens every time I run a retreat—a rare opportunity to disconnect and focus on refilling your cup, and casting a bigger vision instead of being in the day-to-day..


My clients know they need it, and that their teams are capable but there is still discomfort that leaves them checking in and pulling them away from the present moment. Until I bring them back and reassure them, of course.


The truth is, when the business is yours, fully stepping away feels terrifying. 


And with the accessibility of technology, we also don’t have to. But this mindset of never being able to turn off is destroying us, and our relationships.


So, why can’t we take vacations, turn off our phones and shut down our business brains? We don’t trust that everything will go smoothly without us.


Fear-Based Resistance to Time Off

Why is it so challenging for us to embrace vacations and moments of complete detachment from work? 


At the core lies a deep-seated fear—anxiety that everything will unravel in our absence. The idea that nothing can move forward without us in it feels true, since we are at the helm and the ones who built everything from the ground up. Yet, we have a team of people who are willing and able to support us - and we pay them to do so.


As the driving force behind our businesses, it's natural to feel indispensable. After all, we've poured our hearts and souls into building our ventures from the ground up. 


We don’t take vacations or time where we are fully away because we are afraid. And fear is a mother fucker that stops us from doing, being and experiencing so much in our lives. 


Fear keeps us locked in, checking in constantly, writing emails from the beach, and frantically checking in to make sure that things are going as they are supposed to be.


This fear of detachment often leads to a cycle of overwork, burnout, and strained relationships.


But if you set your team up for success, you are also setting yourself up for success, to live the life you’ve worked so hard to build.


Letting Go and Empowering Our Teams

The first step in overcoming this fear is to let go of things we can’t control. Identify what is in your control and plan ahead.


In order to not micromanage every aspect of our businesses, we need to empower our teams to step up and thrive in our absence. 


By entrusting them with responsibilities and fostering a culture of accountability, we not only alleviate our own burdens but also cultivate a sense of ownership and growth within our teams.


How to Set Up Your Team and Business for Time Off

  1. Mark Off Your Calendars: Designate periods of time for vacations and downtime on your calendar. This signals your unavailability and helps shift your default mindset from always being on to allowing yourself to truly disconnect. Consider removing work apps from your phone during these periods or even having designated phone-free hours to fully unwind.

  2. Step Back and Assess Needs: Take a step back and assess the essential tasks and operations that will need attention during your absence. Identify areas where you typically take the lead and cross-train team members to ensure seamless continuity in your absence.

  3. Plan Ahead and Time Block: Prepare for your time off by meticulously planning and time blocking your schedule. Work backward from your departure date to allocate ample time for preparation and delegation.  Provide your team with clear instructions and resources to empower them to handle tasks independently.

  4. Batch Your Work: Implement batching techniques to streamline your workflow and maximize productivity. Dedicate focused blocks of time to specific tasks, such as content creation or client meetings, to minimize distractions and optimize efficiency.  By batching your work, you can accomplish more in less time, freeing up additional space for leisure and relaxation.

  5. Communicate Clearly: Transparent communication is key to ensuring a smooth transition during your absence.  Clearly outline expectations, deadlines, and responsibilities for each team member, and encourage open dialogue to address any concerns or questions. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, you empower your team to excel in your absence.

Embrace Freedom and Flexibility

As mom founders, we deserve the freedom to prioritize our well-being and enjoy life beyond the confines of our businesses. But sometimes our businesses aren’t set up for freedom - and that’s something we can change within the structure and operations.


By confronting our fears, empowering our teams, and implementing strategic measures, we can pave the way for sustainable success and fulfillment. 


Remember, true success isn't measured by how much we work but by how well we live.


Ready to revolutionize your approach to time off and create a business that thrives even in your absence? 


Dive deeper into the Female Founders Freedom Framework—a comprehensive resource designed to empower mom entrepreneurs with the tools and strategies needed to achieve lasting success and enjoy a balanced life.


Take the first step toward reclaiming your time and embracing a lifestyle of freedom and flexibility and download the free Female Founders Freedom Framework now.

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©2023 by Kelsea Koenreich 

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