Bridges

Edition of 7/8/2008

[Bridges]

If you would like to take advantage of a 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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VACATIONS, GOOD HEALTH and PRODUCTIVITY

Over the years I've used one of the summer issues of Bridges to comment on why taking a vacation is good for you. The statistics are pretty dismal - Americans are at the bottom of the heap when it comes to taking time off for vacations and I suspect, given the worsening economy, the numbers aren't going to get any better. I read one article that said 137 countries mandate paid vacation time; the US being the only industrialized country that doesn't. So, why is taking time off important?

A recent article in the New York Times cited a number of studies that draw a scientific link between the benefits of vacation and health. The article mentioned one study of 12,000 men over nine years and found that those who "failed to take annual vacations had a 21 percent higher risk of death from all causes and were 32 percent more likely to die of a heart attack". On a less startling level, another study cited in the article found that after a few days off for vacation, people averaged an extra hour of sleep and the study measured an "80 percent improvement in their reaction times".

I think of vacations as being helpful in many ways. Getting ready for vacation can be a great motivator to help you clear the decks before leaving, finally getting to all those tasks you've been putting off. Once back, even if you face a lot of work, pace yourself so you don't lose those positive benefits accruing from the time off. And, how many times have you been stuck on a problem or issue, only to find that the answer was right there? All you needed was a little distance to see it on your return.

Finally, vacation means really getting away - not checking your email, or writing your newsletter, but really disconnecting. It really does give you perspective, gives your body and mind the opportunity to recharge and gives you the ability to return to work refreshed and productive.
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USING SLOW TIMES - THE ECONOMY, SUMMER - TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

I heard a great interview on the radio with Danny Myers, a famous New York restaurateur, about the positive effects the tough economy had on his business. He said he'd been through many slowdowns and he has learned to use that time to do two things - hire great staff, folks who in a stronger economy may have other options, and then to allow that staff to use the slower period to build relationships with some of the restaurant's customers. He said the staff sends personal notes to customers. They could be to tell them about something upcoming at the restaurant or to wish them a happy birthday. He said that when the economy turns around, as it always does, those customers remember and appreciate the personalized attention.

Using Danny Myers as a model, what is the one thing you can do to advance your business, practice or career this summer? Here are a few suggestions:

- Consider a note to your clients to let them know how thankful you are for their business.
- Ask those clients if they would serve as a reference or be willing to facilitate an introduction.
- Network - make time for that cup of coffee or lunch. Take the time to learn about someone else's business or career. Become a resource for them and the benefits will come back to you.

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For those who ask me what it is that I do, I offer Executive Coaching and Human Resource consulting in the following areas:

-Business Consulting & Executive Coaching - working as an independent sounding board providing advice on staffing issues, developing emerging talent and helping managers sharpen their communication and management skills;

-Career Coaching for career advancement, change or transition;

-Not for Profit Consulting - providing Executive Directors with independent sounding board, consulting on staff issues, board relations and staff development
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FINAL THOUGHT

Vacation is what you take when you can't take what you've been taking any longer. -The Cowardly Lion
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