For many leaders, Labor Day marks the unofficial end to summer. It is when the days begin to get shorter and the temperatures commence their descent downward. There tends to be a little sadness in the air as the carefree (or at least less busy) routines of vacations and connecting with family and friends slowly dissipates. We know what lies ahead and some may not want to welcome the change as readily as others. It’s really not that dismal, just an adjustment and realignment that starts with a healthy send-off of the summer season.
Leaders can’t greet the new season without first acknowledging what has transpired during the past few months and how it has impacted their leadership.
Here are five ways to lead with a proper goodbye to summer:
1. SAY GOODBYE TO LONGER DAYS OF LIGHT
When our days are filled with more bright light we can often get more accomplished in both our professional and personal lives. We were able to have more work/life balance because there was plenty of time at the end of the day to pursue our activities and interests. We were able to have later dinners and evening walks. We were even able to take early morning runs or meet friends for early breakfasts. Goodbye longer days of light.
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2. SAY GOODBYE TO STEPPING BACK
Summer is often the time when many leaders choose to take vacation with their families and friends. We felt carefree to step away from our routines and do some exploring and relaxing. Some of us are even planning our next summer vacation now. We gave ourselves permission to let go of our highly structured work worlds in order to rejuvenate and breathe. Goodbye stepping back.
3. SAY GOODBYE TO CATCHING UP ON ALL TYPES OF READING
For many leaders, having the opportunity to get lost in a book is a true benefit of the summer season. During the year some of us may read our industry journals or buy a business book, but in the summer we honored ourselves by reading all types of interesting books, as we satisfied our thirst to escape. Goodbye catching up on all types of reading.
[Tweet “Bring the knowledge from the books you read this summer to your leadership.”]
4. SAY GOODBYE TO SUMMER FRIDAYS
There are many organizations that offer the fantastic perk of either being closed on Fridays or closing early. It is a great way to show people how much they are valued. Leaders who had this benefit got used to planning all sorts of outings and connections on those Fridays. Having a three-day weekend during the summer months was a true gift that we devoured. Goodbye to summer Fridays.
5. SAY HELLO TO NEW LESSONS LEARNED
So what did you learn about yourself and others this summer? What new knowledge did you obtain that will help you grow your leadership as the new season rolls in?
- Take stock in all the reading you did and decide how you can apply this new information to your job and career.
- Who did you meet this summer and what impact did they have on your leadership?
- What will you do differently as you enter this new season that you learned over the summer?
- How will you continue to grow as the new season takes hold?
Hello to new lessons learned.
How will you say goodbye to your summer? What new experiences or skills are you bringing along?
Terri – I found myself craving fall as I read your post! Imagining cooler temps, mixed with warm sunshine, changing colors, crunching leaves, spiced candles…
And appreciate the reminders that endings are also fresh starts. A brain that has rested and relaxed and been filled with family, friends, books, exercise, travel…. Is a brain that is more creative when it returns to work!
I wish I could bring some autumn to you Chery! The cooler temperatures do help us to regroup and think of new beginnings. It can just be so helpful and empowering to think back on how our summer experiences and connections have given us a jolt to grow.
Thanks Chery and hopefully some cool breezes will come your way!
I’m getting ready for summer here. I’m noticing the stress I feel about stepping away (and saying hello to summer) just like many in the Northern Hemisphere are probably noticing their stress about saying goodbye. Every seasonal shift brings something new and if we harness the opportunities that are present and allow ourselves to sink into them, we can continue to evolve as leaders. Here’s to the upcoming shift and all that it brings.
Great piece, Terri!
Alli
First of all, you are so lucky that you are preparing for summer now! It is such a great time for catching up and just changing up our pace.
Great point Alli that at different seasons leaders are more able to “sink into” their lives and take time to grow and explore. Enjoy your time preparing for your summer break!!
Thanks Alli!
Fantastic article Terri….. I so much appreciate your leadership. You provide such GREAT wisdom in all your blogs. I look forward to all your articles… THANK YOU for all you do!
Thanks Cynthia and here’s to a great fall season!
Hi Terri,
Loved this post as I have never thought of summer in the five points you make. While I felt a wave of sadness for the good-byes, I am ready to say them and shift to the new season. Too much of any one season can lead to a bit of boredom and a lack of appreciation. And that is the case with summer for me. It’s time for all that autumn will bring!
Terri
I’m with you Terri in my need for seasonal change. Each season brings its own unique weather and events that keep leaders on their toes and challenged. I just know that we can lead more successfully when we give each season its proper goodbye and identify what we have learned.
Thanks Terri for adding your rich comments to this dialogue! Happy Fall!