I wrote this blog post from the offices of Buchanan PR’s PRGN Chicago affiliate, LC Williams & Associates. In the span of a two-hour flight, my daily view went from the habitually willful “can-I-have-a-treat?” faces of our office pups, Lacey and Romeo, to sun-drenched sailboats docked along Lake Michigan.
The inspiration – not to mention effect on my productivity – was enormous. This got me to thinking: how can a change of scenery benefit PR professionals?
Great Minds Don’t Think Alike. As PR pros, we’re conditioned to collaborate. And while collaboration certainly has its advantages, one of its biggest downfalls can be the onset of group-think. When we step outside of our immediate environment and engage with those not part of our usual circle, we often uncover great ideas. Leave the office for lunch, chat with your neighbors, people-watch in a café – you’d be amazed at what these small breaks can do to spark creative thought.
Gadgets Gone Wild. Smartphones, tablets, laptops – they are certainly the tools of our trade, but they can easily morph from being productive to destructive. Think about it – when was the last time you sat down to write a news release without simultaneously checking your email, Twitter stream, Facebook news feed, or all three? While in Chicago, I took a brief technology hiatus, only checking email and visiting social media sites at designated times during the day. I could completely focus on a particular task at-hand, giving it full attention before moving onto the next item on my “To-Do” list. The result? I finished projects quickly and efficiently, which left even more time for sightseeing and other fun activities. My advice: toss your cellphone (if only temporarily), and taste the freedom!
Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude. As PR professionals, we all struggle with issues of time management. Long hours, tight deadlines and conflicting priorities are standard in our business. While many of us thrive in this kind of work environment, the truth is that it can be stressful if we don’t take a break every once in a while. Getting away from the office allows us to recalibrate and come back with a renewed sense of optimism and energy. When I returned from Chicago, I was more thankful than ever for the great corporate culture we foster here at Buchanan PR – and eager to get back to work servicing our fantastic clients.
Whether it’s two hours, two days or two weeks, a change of scenery can do a PR professional a world of good. What are some other ways spending time away from the office has benefitted you?