What I’m learning about leaders as a Sabbatical Coach
The concept of rest is gravely misunderstood and underdeveloped in our culture. We picture sitting on a couch for hours at a time. Alone. Looking out the window. In our sweatpants. Bored. I’ve experienced this bewilderment toward rest firsthand in my role as a Sabbatical Coach. But I experienced it myself as I approached my first sabbatical many years ago.
I acted excited about ten solid weeks off work, but below the surface I was afraid. I didn’t want to waste my time, to do it wrong, to mess something up. But I wasn’t sure what to actually do. And not do. I wanted it to count, so I did my best to cajole wisdom from others who had experienced sabbaticals. One leader told me to buy a motorcycle and hit back roads for a few weeks. My wife and young kids weren’t pumped for that.
My first sabbatical was a gift of fresh air for my mind, heart and soul, but I stumbled my way through the process. I grade it a C —. I did the best I could on my own. I didn’t know it, but I needed a Sabbatical Coach. I had no clue such a thing existed, or I would’ve sought one out. Now, a decade later, I’ve gotten the surprising opportunity to be that coach to dozens of leaders. I’ve watched lives transform in front of me as I help them prepare for their sabbatical, navigate it and reorient to life after sabbatical.
Here’s what I’ve learned serving dozens of leaders as a Sabbatical Coach.
Extended rest away from work is scary and overwhelming for leaders.One coaching session demystifying and clarifying sabbatical can flip fear about sabbatical into anticipation for sabbatical.
Proactive communication is vital! Helping the leader clearly communicate the purpose of the sabbatical ahead of time flips suspicion into support.
Leaders envision a mythical “right way” to do sabbatical. Instead we must invite them into a healthy discernment process based on their unique needs and season of life.
A simple framework for sabbatical puts a leader at ease and makes their dreaming and planning process more effective. At Stay Forth we describe three distinct phases of sabbatical and help them create a roadmap.
Sabbatical should be a gift for the leader AND the spouse. Both need something to look forward to.
A sabbatical can bolster marriage and parenting. Clarifying what needs to be replenished in their body, mind, heart, soul and relationships informs how they invest their sabbatical.
Leaders need help making decisions about YES’s and NO’s on sabbatical from an outside and objective source. I do this by separating the “Have to’s” from the “Get to’s”.
Reframing sabbatical from escape to engagement invites vision and an appropriate posture of offense.
Here’s a podcast episode going a bit deeper.
For a free Sabbatical Breakthrough Session click below
Alan Briggs is the founder of Sabbatical Coaching Group, where he guides leaders through the transformative power of sabbaticals. With deep experience in culture coaching and anti-burnout strategies, Alan is passionate about helping leaders find clarity, balance, and renewed energy in both their personal and professional lives. He’s the author of five books, including AntiBurnout, and when he’s not writing or coaching, you’ll find him exploring the Rockies with his wife and four kids. Alan also hosts the Stay Forth Leadership Podcast, where he shares insights on sustainable leadership.
