Time to Recharge!

By Bill Algee, CRA, FAHRA

Many of us are hard at work implementing our plans for growth opportunities, cost reductions (cost transformation is what we call it here), IT system “go lives,” changing radiology groups, and working through constant change. Does any of that sound familiar? It seems like my days are so full with meetings and projects that sometimes, I feel like there is no end. So, I pack my laptop to take home at the end of the day with the intent of getting ahead. Often times, it’s just wading through email and trying to catch up on something I’ve surely missed. Now, I am not complaining, it just is what it is. For me, when I get in this mode, I need to find ways to turn it all off.

Recently I found an article online www.leaderonomics.com/leadership/take-time-to-recharge that really spoke to me about downtime and recharging my batteries. There are a couple of key elements of this article that I need to incorporate in my practice to become a better leader.

Disconnecting. When I go on vacation I have learned to turn off my work email (for the most part). I have built an awesome team that, should something happen to me, will carry on without missing a beat. They also know how to get ahold of me if there is an emergency. It has taken me awhile to get to this point, but I find it very refreshing to not be married to my phone, internet, email, etc., even in the evening (I am pretty sure no one expects you to be answering emails at 10:00 pm or 1:00 am and actually I’ve found it freaks my team out a little bit). Turn it all off!

It’s not work. What is that thing you do that brings you joy (I am not talking about sorting a closet!)? For me it’s music. When I am home alone I rarely have the TV on, I am listening to music. Sometimes it is rock, to get a little aggression out or some 70’s music just to chill and unwind. Of course with me you just never know. So, for those of you that aren’t aware, I do a weekly podcast called “Ages of Rock Podcast,” with a couple of buddies. That is my escape, it’s not about work or family… it’s just about guys hanging out chatting about music. The great escape!

I hope you are able to find those things that provide you with some time to recharge your batteries. It’s okay to turn it off and make sure you have something in your life that is so far from the work you do, it refreshes you. Our teams need us to do this and often times we have to give ourselves permission.

I want the best of both worlds
And honey I know what its worth
If we could have the best of both worlds
we’d have heaven right here on earth, ow

Best of Both Worlds ~ Van Halen

Bill Algee, CRA, FAHRA is the 2018-2019 president of the AHRA Board of Directors. He is the director of imaging services at Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, IN and can be reached at balgee@crh.org.