Nov 23

Happy Thanksgiving, Now Go Home

I notice the same old stories in newspapers about crowded airports and busy freeways. In conversations, I notice the same old attitudes about the holidays, about impending exhaustion, eating and drinking too much and shopping. And I notice the same old behaviors that keep us all racing around and missing the big picture. You’ll be glad to know I will not contribute anything to those same old stories today.

Instead, I say this: Go home.

Turn off your computer and the office lights and go home. Warmly wish your coworkers a joy-filled holiday of rest and community and football and just go home. Stop by the store and pick up a special treat for your kids, partner and friends. Drive slowly so you treat your neighbors well along the way.

Go on - just do it. Your business won’t fall apart. Nor will the opportunities that have yet to fully germinate before Thanksgiving. Chances are good they will still be growing on Monday.

You are important to your business. You are indispensable to your family. Don’t get the two confused - important to your business. Indispensable to your family.

Important to the business - indispensable to the family.

Now, just finish your phone conversation, tell your secretary and business partner that you’re leaving for the weekend to go be with your family and friends. The people in the office will understand - even if they don’t quite get it.

It’s not irrational what I’m suggesting. It’s not crazy. Your business will survive.

If you’re an employee and you “just can’t do that sort of thing…” consider that you really can - with some forward planning.

When the new year comes, put in your vacation request and take the entire Thanksgiving week off. Yes - the whoooooooooole week. I promise your coworkers will welcome you back the Monday after. And I guarantee your family and friendship relationships will be enriched by your extra focus on them.

But for now, for you business owners who have the luxury of calling the shots - make the call now to close early. Go home…and let your staff go home, too. Everyone will be better for it on Monday.

Go home!

Happy Thanksgiving.

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