Traveling for work can be both exhilarating and tiring. While it’s rewarding to make face-to-face connections with clients and prospects, it can be challenging leading your team back at the office. You may feel like you’re not as accessible or engaged. You might also wonder how to balance your workload and downtime when you’re on the road.
These are all normal concerns, according to Isla Moon, a contributor to the SmartBrief blog. Constant travel makes it trickier to have a consistent presence, but you can still lead your team effectively. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share Moon’s tips on how you can be an effective leader, even from afar.
Establish your own rituals on the road. You follow certain routines when you’re in the office, so keep this up when you’re traveling. Your to-do list isn’t on pause when you’re away, so outline what you want to accomplish each day and how you can collaborate with your team if needed. Moon encourages leaders to take breaks throughout the day, too. Try to follow the same routine you normally do to stay in a productive rhythm.
Plan your time wisely. How you allocate your time on the road matters, Moon says. Don’t be afraid to delegate certain tasks and trust that your team members can get the job done while you’re away. Moon says she personally likes to keep her work trips short, which helps her physically and mentally. A lot can happen in a week, she says, and if she’s gone longer that that, she starts to feel behind. When you know you’ll only be gone a few days, you can take comfort knowing you’ll be back soon to handle anything pressing.
Be intentional about stepping away from work. It’s not always easy to differentiate between your work and personal life. When you’re traveling, this becomes even more important. Moon says that while every destination is an opportunity to learn the nuances of international business or cultural perspectives, you should still take a step back for yourself. Prioritize your mental well-being so burnout doesn’t set in.
Share your experiences with your team. Moon recommends bringing something back from your travels, whether it’s a new perspective or a small token to thank your team for their accomplishments while you were away. She says these small things go a long way because being an effective leader has everything to do with being open to new ways of doing things and recognizing when it’s time for a change.
When you’re traveling for work, you can keep things running smoothly in your absence. Try to X and X, and be sure to carve out some time for yourself, too. Whether it’s going for a quick run or taking a few minutes to engage in your favorite pastime, when you’re recharged, you can lead with the most impact.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Isla Moon is a contributor the SmartBrief blog.
