Do you bring your laptop with you when you go on vacation? Do you ever feel frustrated with your cell phone or Blackberry? According to a recent report by Harris Interactive, one-third of vacationers bring their laptops with them on vacation. While having a meal at a restaurant on a Sunday, I saw a man sitting with his family talking on his cell phone, clearly discussing work. He did not seem pleased, and neither did his family!
Powering On and Power Off: A Step-by-Step Guide
In the words of Charles Dickens, “It is a time of great opportunity and also a time of great challenges.” This sentiment certainly rings true when it comes to the concept of connectivity. The heartwarming stories of 9-11 victims being able to reach out to their loved ones in their final moments contrast sharply with the chilling anecdote of a mother answering her phone in the delivery room during the arrival of her grandchild, as shared by my friend.
I was incredibly thankful for my cell phone when I found a young woman stranded on a highway without one, allowing me to quickly get her assistance. It’s so handy on trips to be able to use the Internet to look up activities in the area on a rainy day and easily find directions. It’s reassuring to know that my family can contact me in any situation, whether it be an emergency or good news, regardless of my location. The same goes for my coworkers.
Troubleshooting Powering On and Power Off Issues
The question is whether or not it is advisable to bring your laptop on vacation or keep your cell phone on at all times. Clients often inquire about what they should do in these situations, but the real question should be about what they will actually do. It may be more beneficial to ask what they would like to do, or even better, what action will lead to the best outcomes. To determine this, it is important to first identify what their best results are.
I have consistently stressed the importance of being organized as a way to control what you can control so that you can better handle things that are out of your control. In our interconnected world, it is easy to feel like we are at the mercy of others. I find it frustrating when people complain about having to answer their cell phones. If you don’t want to be reachable, you can simply turn your phone off. If your job requires you to be accessible, you may need to consider if you are in the right job or if you have trained people to expect you to always be available. While good customer service is important, it does not mean you have to be available 24/7. Effective communication is key. It can be frustrating to not receive a response for days after leaving a message, but in most cases, waiting an hour for a response so you can enjoy lunch with a colleague uninterrupted would not significantly impact the situation.
Tips for Powering On and Power Off Your Device Safely
My daughter, who holds a Ph.D. in counseling, pointed out that connectivity can become an addiction that negatively affects both your own life and the lives of those around you.
How does this relate to productivity? My main focus is aiding individuals and groups in establishing a productive atmosphere where everyone can efficiently complete their tasks and still have time to enjoy life. When used correctly, connectivity can enhance productivity and allow for leisure time. However, if used inappropriately, it can hinder work priorities, harm health, and negatively impact relationships.
The important thing is not whether you bring your laptop on holiday or keep your phone on all the time. For some individuals, checking emails once a day during vacation brings a sense of tranquility and can be done while others are resting or swimming. On the other hand, for some people, the essence of vacation is to disconnect from technology. There is no definitive answer on what is the right or wrong approach. The crucial question is whether your decision is improving or harming your life and the lives of those around you.
Also Read: 5 Simple Steps to Success for Small Home Based Businesses
The decision to either “Power Off” or “Power On” is ultimately in your hands.
P.S. THOUGHT TO CONSIDER: The key to making connections more valuable is being able to access the necessary information quickly. Are you wasting time searching for what you need? Can you easily access the information others in your office have? If not, fill out our Productive Environment Scorecard at www.ProductiveEnvironment.com and receive a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation to learn specific steps to ensure everyone in your organization is taking correct action with the right information at the right time.
