Bridges Edition of 8/7/2006

Welcome to Bridges, a monthly newsletter published by Robin Fogel, Executive and Career Coach & Consultant. My goal is that these newsletters include practical information that you can use in your work and in your life. If you enjoyed the newsletter please forward it to your colleagues, friends and family.

If you would like to take advantage of a business consultant or executive coach, please
email me at robin@coachrobinfogel.com for a complimentary coaching session or visit my website - www.coachrobinfogel.com

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VACATION TIME
August is time of vacations for many and yet a recent survey found that a third of American workers admitted that they don't use all of their vacation days. That same survey reported that 52% felt more positive about their jobs after the vacation respite. An Expedia vice president was quoted as saying, "Vacation deprivation is at an all-time high. There are incredible health and wellness benefits associated with time off from work. Americans should take a cue from their foreign counterparts and relish the vacation they earn".

So take that vacation but make it a real one. Let your co-workers and boss know that you can't be reached unless it is a true emergency -we all know what a true emergency is - do you manage a nuclear power plant? That means taking a real holiday - no checking cell phones and email. Focus on the time away. Do something fun, plan leisure activities - walk, swim, bike, anything you think of as relaxing. Read a great book, or two. See a great site, visit a museum. Think of it as your opportunity to refill that well.

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WORKPLACE TRENDS
A June article in the New York Times noted a trend among younger workers who thought nothing of quitting their jobs rather than limit their vacation time to two weeks. "Quit and start again - but first, get away". They may use the time for travel and adventure, or to visit with family and friends but these younger professionals see a longer work horizon, with less certainty and want to enjoy their life. The article went on to say that this shift for Generation X and Y came as they watched their parent's loyalty to their employers rewarded with layoffs and downsizing, and they are looking at their lives differently. One of these young, mobile and employable workers said, "To be unemployed for six weeks is a healthy thing to help you say, I am not defined by what I do".

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A GOOD READ
If you are looking for that special book to take on holiday, consider "The Whole World Over", by Julia Glass. This second novel by the author of "Three Junes" uses a similar format to her first book, following the overlapping lives of the characters, and shows how small incidents of fate can determine the future. I can't wait for her third book and hope she's busy writing.

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CONSULTING/COACHING NOT FOR PROFITS EXECUTIVES
Over the past few years an expanding part of my business has been to work with executive directors and staff of not for profits, supporting them on issues such as board relations, staffing, and leadership development. If I can be of assistance to any not for profit or association for which you volunteer or are associated with, I hope you'll consider recommending my services.
http://www.coachrobinfogel.com/business.html

I appreciate your comments and feedback on this newsletter, please keep them coming. If there is a topic you would like to hear more about send me an email at robin@coachrobinfogel.com.

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FINAL THOUGHT
Every now and then go away and have a little relaxation. To remain constantly at work will diminish your judgment. Go some distance away, because work will be in perspective and a lack of harmony is more readily seen.
-Leonardo da Vinci
COPYRIGHT: 2006, Robin Fogel & Assoc., LLC. All Rights Reserved. May be distributed and reprinted in its entirety with copyright, subscription instructions, and contact information intact. However, you may not copy it to a website.