In the interest of time during this busy holiday season, these blog posts will be short and sweet so that you can get back to business more quickly.
Here is tip #14 …
GET AWAY
No, I’m not suggesting you take a holiday this time of year (wouldn’t that be nice?). But I am reminding you that you need to leave the store for an hour or two each day. You need to go home and rest or go to a restaurant and have someone serve you.
This time of year we get in early, stay late, and always seem to be running errands whenever we leave the store. I know. I was part of that grind for twenty four years.
Unfortunately that is a recipe for disaster. If you work yourself too hard you will …
- Learn to hate the holidays
- Wear yourself out (often too soon)
- Get so tired that you accidentally snap at a customer or staff
- Ruin your health so that you miss out enjoying Christmas Day or New Year’s Day
- Become so cranky your kids won’t like you
When I was young, my sister and I talked about how our “Christmas” dad was so far different than our friends’ “Christmas” dads. Don’t be that guy (or gal).
Every day take at least an hour break just for you.
No errands. No hiding in your office where they can find you. Get out of the store and try to relax.
Your store won’t implode if you’re gone for an hour (or if it will, then we need to talk about a little reorganization and maybe some staff training?). But you might implode if you don’t take those breaks.
The next ten days will be your busiest stretch of the year. Make sure you take care of yourself while you’re taking care of your customers. It makes the holidays so much more enjoyable.
-Phil Wrzesinski
www.PhilsForum.com
PS Since I was working from 7am until 9pm I usually took a couple hours mid-afternoon. Often I would go home and nap. If that wasn’t possible, I would go to a restaurant and read the newspaper. That’s what got me through over two decades of holiday retail sales with my sanity (somewhat) intact.
PPS Put the calmest person on your team in charge. They keep everyone else calm, which keeps the fires to a minimum before you return.
Great timing! In the last month I have worked 10 days straight (twice) and broken an ankle. Sometimes if you don’t know better, the Universe takes care of it!
Oh Markie! I am so sorry to hear about your ankle. Hang in there. But, yes, you’re right. Sometimes the Universe steps in. After hearing your story, I’d rather be proactive, though, lol.