The Value of Unplugging

The Value of Unplugging

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I just spent two fantastic weeks in Italy with my wife and I think it’s the first time in 10 years that I truly unplugged from work: no email (the caveat is that I did have someone on my team checking my email and deleting, reply, etc. to anything time sensitive), no vmail, no Yammer, no Twitter, no Linkedin, and no work related reading.

On the plane home I was thinking about the times that I’ve had the biggest epiphanies in my business: not during the work day, in between meetings, or driving to a lunch. The most creative times I can remember have been while I was on vacation, on a plane, or completely relaxed and disconnected from the day to day.

As CEO’s part of our role is to be the chief dreamer. Scheming and dreaming the future of our organizations is the part of our job description that comes before the strategic planning and operational plans. The challenge is that our busy day-to-day environment is not conducive to creativity.

So here’s my challenge to you: the next time you’re out for dinner or relaxing on the weekend and reaching for your favourite RIM or Apple device ask yourself this question: do I really need to check my email right now?

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Mike Desjardins
miked@virtusinc.com

Mike is a a graduate of UBC’s Sauder School of Business with a Bachelors of Commerce, Mike has spent the past 21 years transforming businesses.

3 Comments
  • maria
    Posted at 20:47h, 22 September Reply

    So what was your epiphany during your rejuvenating free time in Italia?

  • Mike Desjardins
    Posted at 17:44h, 28 September Reply

    The biggest learning/epiphany is the value of unplugging to truly be present on vacation and actually enjoy the experience!

  • Joan Noel
    Posted at 15:04h, 19 October Reply

    Oh so true. I unplug several weeks each year! Great to see you getting that idea out there is a big way.

    Warmly,
    Joan

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