The Leading Edge - Winter 2008 - 12

benefits vacation deprived? TAKE A BREATHER TO REFLECT ON THE VALUE OF TIME AWAY FROM THE OFFICE By Ann M. Gynn Donn Pearlman does not let work get in the way of a good vacation. Then again, he does not let vacation get in the way of good work. “On a recent 18-day vacation to Europe I not only had the overseas cell phone but also brought my laptop and spent about $300 for Internet service while on a cruise ship for 12 days and at hotels in England,” Pearlman explains. The Las Vegas-based public relations firm owner says much of his work is extremely time sensitive and can’t wait a week or longer. “I notify my clients whenever I travel, telling them I’ll be out of the office, but not out of touch. Even if the cell phone doesn’t ring for a day or two…I have peace of mind knowing I can be contacted if necessary,” Pearlman says. Each year, more Americans are forgoing vacation days in favor of the office. In 2007, 52-million adults in the united States did not use all their vacation days, according to an Expedia. com survey. Forget the mantra that people should create balance, separating their work and personal lives. That’s not really possible, says Mark Stevens, CEO of global marketing firm MSCO. “Successful people are constantly thinking even when they’re outside the office,” he says. Stevens is not advocating that executives forgo vacations, though. He says time away from the day-to-day of the office is essential. “you’re removed from the tactical weeds,” he says. “you have to be able to dream. At the beach, hiking or some other place your mind wanders off to places it won’t go during the day when you’re talking about planning a meeting or something.” Away time is when the real breakthroughs occur, Stevens says. His belief comes from firsthand experience. About 18 months ago, he was hiking when he went around a bend on the trail. Although not a religious man, he found himself thinking about the Bible. Millions of people believe in God even though the higher power is not visible—what more powerful “selling” is there, he observed to himself. Stevens stopped hiking, sat under a tree and began typing on his Blackberry. The results appear this winter with the debut of his latest book, “God Is a Salesman.” The book does not focus on any one religion. rather, Stevens addresses how trust, guarantees and faith in service providers impact everyone’s ability to sell. 12 VOLUME 8 n ISSUE 2 n WINTER 2008
The Leading Edge - Winter 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Leading Edge - Winter 2008
