A Color-Coded Approach to Taking Time off and Unplugging

Let's be honest: the holidays are supposed to be restful, but for leaders and team managers, they often feel like just another item on an endless to-do list. Between wrapping up year-end deliverables, managing team schedules, and yes, actually wrapping presents, the idea of actually taking time off can seem virtually impossible.

For leaders who can't unplug, who check email for "just a minute" on vacation, who feel guilty about disconnecting, or who return from time off more exhausted than when you left—you're not alone. The struggle to truly take a break isn't a character flaw; it's often a mismatch between how you're wired and how you're approaching your time off.

As Shani Harmon recently wrote in Forbes, even small breaks from the daily grind can go a long way in filling your tank. The key is understanding how to prepare for, experience, and return from time off in a way that actually works for your natural communication style.

Unplugging and Taking Time Off

If you're familiar with Insights® Discovery, you know that our communication preferences shape everything we do - including how we recharge and take time off. Not everyone approaches downtime the same way, and understanding your natural style can be the difference between a restorative break and a stressful attempt at relaxation. Let's explore how each color energy can actually unplug during the holiday season.

Cool Blue: The Strategic Planner

If you lead with Cool Blue energy, you're probably already three steps ahead, mentally mapping out every detail of your time off. You're cautious, precise, and deliberate—which means the idea of "just winging it" during the holidays makes you twitch a little.

Your holiday prep superpower: You excel at creating systems. Use Harmon's advice to set up email rules before you leave, color-coding priorities and routing messages appropriately. Document everything your team might need while you're out, and create a detailed handoff plan. This isn't overthinking; this is how you'll actually relax.

Your challenge: Remember that not everything requires analysis. It's okay if your holiday plans aren't optimized for maximum efficiency. Sometimes the best break is the unstructured one. To truly unplug, you need to trust the systems you've built.

Earth Green: The Supportive Anchor

Earth Green leaders are caring, patient, and encouraging—which often means you're the one covering for everyone else's time off. You don't want to inconvenience anyone, so you might hesitate to fully disconnect or ask for what you need.

Your holiday prep superpower: Your natural ability to support others means your team trusts you completely. Use that trust to delegate and empower them to handle things while you're gone. They're more capable than you think, and you've prepared them well.

Your challenge: As Harmon wisely notes, "We can't be at our best if we don't get our rest." Book your own time off once others return, and actually take it. Your patient, supportive nature is a gift to your team, but not if you burn out in the process. Give yourself permission to unplug guilt-free.

Fiery Red: The Results Driver

Fiery Red energy is competitive, determined, and purposeful. You probably have strong opinions about how time off should be structured (efficiently, with clear objectives), and you might be tempted to "just check in quickly" on that important project.

Your holiday prep superpower: Your direct, decisive nature means you can cut through the noise and prioritize ruthlessly. Identify what must be done before the break and what can wait. Then communicate those decisions clearly to your team—no ambiguity, no second-guessing.

Your challenge: Harmon shares a story about a workaholic boss who emailed strategic questions over the holidays, probably to escape family time. Don't be that person. Your team deserves a break from your intensity, and honestly, so do you. Channel that determination into actually disconnecting. For leaders who can't unplug, this is your biggest growth opportunity.

Sunshine Yellow: The Enthusiastic Connector

If you're leading with Sunshine Yellow energy, you're sociable, dynamic, and enthusiastic—which means the holidays might actually excite you (all those parties and social gatherings!). But you also get easily bored with routine and details, which can make pre-vacation prep feel like torture.

Your holiday prep superpower: Your natural flexibility and openness mean you're great at adapting when things don't go as planned. You can handle the unexpected with grace and creativity, which is a huge asset when managing holiday chaos.

Your challenge: The boring details matter. From setting that out-of-office message and briefing your team before you check out for a few days, your future self (and your stressed-out colleagues) will thank you.

Coming Back Strong in 2026

Regardless of your color preference, Harmon's advice about re-entry is gold: consider returning a day early to catch up quietly, or book time with your team to get reoriented together. By using a color-coded approach to unplugging and taking time off, you can start the year with more self-awareness and intentionality.

The bottom line? Taking time off isn't selfish—it's strategic. It's what allows you to lead effectively in the new year. For leaders who struggle to unplug, understanding your communication style is the first step toward actually resting during your break. So whether you're planning every minute or embracing spontaneity, make sure you actually step away.

Ready to tackle 2026 with a team that's aligned, energized, and communicating effectively? Contact Amplify Connections Consulting at kristen@amplify-cc.com to explore how understanding communication styles can transform your team's dynamics in the year ahead.

Note: This blog was written with assistance from AI.