Whether it is a Friday afternoon at the beach or a quick getaway to a friend’s lake house, even the most work-focused leaders find a way to get out of town and unplug during the summer. With all that relaxing time can come a lot of down time.
For those of us who love reading but cannot quite get into whatever Elin Hilderbrand book is lying around the vacation house, here are a few gateway reads that might bridge the gap between work and play.
And we’re scrolling….
While we are undoubtedly only carrying our phones around for photos (not email) during time away from the office, since we have them with us we can indulge in a little scrolling.
McSweeney’s provides great articles on topics that are often work adjacent but with a witty, sarcastic or understandably edgy tone. In between rides at the park, waiting for a friend at the pool, or in a few minutes of stolen quiet time, these quick articles can address the need to read while providing a bit of humor.
Similarly, with less time or the desire for a little more nonfiction, Information is Beautiful is a visually enticing, geeky way to absorb all sorts of data in a few minutes. And local Edible magazines provide interesting, quick perspectives on the food, restaurant, bar and agribusiness scenes wherever we may be, in addition to juicy tidbits on where to get some good grub.
A different perspective
Peering through the glass into someone else’s life is also a great way for a little distraction for those who cannot quite embrace fiction. Michelle Obama’s “Becoming” provides a unique perspective on the careers of two very successful working professionals raising a family.
Although we may know how it turns out, the ideas around leadership, civic responsibility and how we help others succeed are as insightful as traditional business leadership books.
In “Educated,” on the other hand, Tara Westover provides a perspective to which few of us can relate. Her book does, however, illustrate the importance of education, opportunity and the critical role those in positions of power — from the classroom to the board room — can have on the people around them.
Choosing to use that power to lift or suppress voices, even in situations that may seem inconsequential, can create a powerful, profound impact.
Literally…
If, in fact, you are sitting on a beach wondering why it is necessary to own more than a bathing suit and flip-flops with a bottle opener built in to be happy, then perhaps “Let My People Go Surfing” or “Essentialism” might be the right books. The first is one of Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard’s books, which describes his nontraditional and original (at the time of writing) way of approaching business: take time off!
The latter, by Stanford professor Greg McKeown, will provide the rationalization and justification for leaving all that is unessential behind. Both books provide well-articulated business reasons for spending time away from the office.
The bottom line is to take time off, enjoy some different perspectives, and return to work feeling even more refreshed.
