We all need to take breaks from routines, projects and meetings to maintain our mental, spiritual and physical health. When you take a break, make it count. Instead of playing mind-numbing solitaire, get away from the computer completely.
Here’s an immutable rule that shows respect for people that “follow the rules”: Start meetings on time. Whether you’re an executive director convening a staff meeting; a board chairperson convening a board meeting; or a project manager convening a team meeting, it’s important to honor the members of the group that fulfill your expectations of them.
One of the many challenges that face employers is how to pass on their own passion for the work to their employees. Sometimes it seems like you can barely keep them showing up for work in the morning, let alone stick around long enough to develop any kind of loyalty or enthusiasm for the job at hand.
I can’t remember who first told me the story of the rabbi walking home at night, deep in thought. He inadvertently overshot his home and ended up near an army camp. A centurion challenged him, “Who are you and what are you doing here?” Like many a person, I’ve adopted that phrase — that pair of questions — as something to ask myself on a regular basis.
The past two editions of the Angle have reminded chief executives that saying ‘not now’ is important for themselves and for the organization. To wrap up the series, here are tips that recap what we’ve said.
· Have a strategic plan and have the items on the plan in priority order.
· Know approximately how many hours over what amount of time (days, weeks, months or years) it will take to accomplish each initiative.
· Keep yourself focused on the highest priorities.
· Keep your board focused on the highest priorities.