Leadership

The Urban Dictionary defines a “workation” as anytime you bring work material, laptops, paperwork or keep meetings in an attempt to “keep up” during personal or vacation time. The secondary definition is when you have to take a trip for work and you escape your home and family life for a few days and it feels like a vacation. The Online Slang Dictionary defines it as a paid work trip that can be combined with aspects of taking a vacation.

Never heard of the term before? See how the popularity of a workation can work for you or your employees.

Planning To Work Remotely
There is a big difference between taking your work on vacation to finish up something before a deadline and planning to take your work on vacation. Having to take your work on vacation only ruins your vacation and often you don’t get paid for the time you are working. A workation is exactly what it sounds like. Rather than sitting in your office surrounded by four walls and mountains of distractions, a workation allows you to go to a vacation destination and take your work with you. You can still attend meetings remotely, make video calls and finish projects. You pay for your trip while getting paid to work at a new location. Sometimes a change of view is all you need to improve productivity, mindset and work product.
In another type of workation, some larger companies may send their employees to a vacation destination and offer seminars, trainings, conferences and other events in other cities or countries. Usually these companies see to it that the employees work during office hours, leaving evenings and weekends free for the employee to enjoy and explore the destination. Here the company pays for the trip as well as for the work the employee does while there.
But why would you want to take a workation instead of a regular vacation? And how would this work for you as a small business owner?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Workations
Like every work option, workations have their pros and cons. Let’s take a look at each of those before delving into how your small business can make this work for yourself or your employees.

Pros:

• A workation allows you to step out of your normal work/life routine and enjoy work and leisure at a distant location.
• It gives you flexibility and helps you maintain a good work/life balance, allowing you to spend quality time with family members during your off hours.
• You gain an experience of international communication and experience if you desire.
• Personal enjoyment along with work improves efficiency.
• A workation gives you a change of scenery without using precious vacation days.
• You get to enjoy a fun new place or spend time with far-off loved ones during your lunches, nights and weekends.
• You don’t have to deal with the stress of preparing for, missing and recovering from a week off work.

To see the disadvantages of a workcation and what it can mean for your small business, read the full story HERE in the Fall/Winter 2018 issue of Tools for Success magazine. You can also pick up a print copy of the magazine at a Progress Bank location near you. Click for a complete list of LOCATIONS.

We’ve all been there. You’ve been called into a meeting which does not involved your projects or is just a rehash of a previous meeting. Or maybe it’s that weekly conference call that literally is a rundown of the last week’s conference call. Are unproductive meetings weighing you down? The truth is that companies waste billions of dollars a year with unproductive meetings. Here are some ways to identify whether or not your meetings are costing your business time and money and what you can do to streamline your efforts.

Meetings with No Purpose

Meetings are necessary for communication and done right, they are invaluable. It’s common for companies to hold meetings for status updates and team bonding. Granted, these things are necessary for deadlines to be met and for a team to work well together. But what happens when meetings are held just for the sake of having a meeting?

* Meetings with no purpose drain employees of energy and lead to low morale and bad ideas.

* Fifty percent of high-level manager time is spent in meetings. Your most valuable and most expensive team members are wasting the most time.

* The money that is lost each year in an unproductive meeting could be spent furthering a company’s vision.

* People put off having inconvenient discussions by scheduling a meeting instead.

* Limit the number of meetings. Train your team to treat meetings as a time-intensive endeavor.

How to Avoid Death by Meeting

Obtain a written agenda in advance. Start with a list of topics to be discussed and make sure that material is provided to attendees at least one day before the meeting. For better results, provide background information on the agenda so that everyone attending has the same information. If you are invited to attend a meeting where an agenda has not been provided ahead of time, ask for one so that you may be better prepared.

For frequently held meetings such as a weekly status meeting on a project, save time by creating a meeting template. Once you have that in place, preparing an agenda becomes a matter of filling in the blanks.

Running a successful meeting is common sense and it begins with a facilitator setting a clear, pre-meeting purpose. Leave boring, unproductive meetings behind and use your everyone’s time in the best manner possible.

For even more tips on how to make the most of your meetings, read the full story HERE in the Spring/Summer 2018 issue of Tools for Success magazine. You can also pick up a print copy of the magazine at a Progress Bank location near you. Click for a complete list of LOCATIONS.

Ann Marie Harvey is Vice President of Communications at Vertical Solutions Media. She specializes in creating dynamic copy that is both genuine and compelling. Editing the written word is her passion.

It’s easy to go off-roading during the day when you should be staying on the path to productivity instead. Business owners often talk about the need to be more productive. They’re frustrated about daily interruptions. They want to make more progress – faster.

Of course, as an entrepreneur, you’ve got to focus on the big goal. Who else will keep the ultimate destination in view for your company? When challenges arise, you may question the goal. “Is that really where we want to go?” “Maybe our goal isn’t clear.” “Perhaps it’s too unrealistic.”

The problem isn’t the goal. It’s often a boundary issue. Without clear boundaries, you’re taking a circuitous path to reach your goal. What takes you off path? Here are three possibilities:

1. Unclear boundaries. You don’t have proper boundaries in place to begin with. You’re stuck in habits that don’t serve you well. It could be that you’re responding immediately to any request regardless of the level of urgency. Or you’re allowing too many people to have too much access to you.

Establish clear boundaries to determine how you’ll go about your work and how other people will engage with you.

2. Violated boundaries. These are boundaries you’ve established that aren’t being respected by other people. For example, you’ve asked team members not to disturb you for a couple of hours during a critical meeting, yet they continue to interrupt. You may have conditioned them to come to you before making decisions. But you’re really bottle-necking the processes.

Help other people identify new ways to work around you when needed.

3. Invisible boundaries. You’re crossing your own boundaries and don’t even realize it. For example, you think you need to be involved in a meeting when your presence isn’t really required. As the owner, no one is stopping you. Exercise self-restraint. Discern each temptation to get involved. Remember the more commitments you say “yes” to, the more you need to say “no” to.

Boundaries in business are a good thing. They keep lower priority issues from entering your space. And they keep you from meandering into territory that you don’t belong. In some cases, you need to build a wall, especially when stakes are high. In other situations, a screen will do. You can keep an eye on outside activities while remaining inside to handle your own. Build better boundaries to guard your time and reserve your energy to do your best work. Secure your boundaries to unlock greater success.

Author: Gayle Lantz is a leadership consultant, author, speaker and founder of WorkMatters, Inc., (www.WorkMatters.com) a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders think and work smarter.

With Father’s Day approaching, I’m reminded of one of my dad’s favorite sayings, “She’ll learn.” He used to say that at times when I made decisions that he didn’t necessarily agree with. It was a way of allowing me to let my own experiences teach me lessons… like the time I insisted on learning how to ride my bike on my own without training wheels. I was in Kindergarten when our family lived in Boston. I crashed a number of times. Even though I didn’t want Dad’s help, I knew he was there. I learned.

In your leadership role, it’s tempting to want to guide, direct, teach or coach those you lead. And that’s a good thing. However, there are times when your team members need to learn on their own through their own experience. Sometimes you want to jump on the bike and show them how it’s done. Or you may want to help them pedal faster… or slam on the brakes!
If they need a new bike, help them get one or build one.

Let them ride.

You’ll be helping them build capability through their own experience.

To foster their development, do the following:

• Ask what they have learned recently about a success and/or failure. Have them reflect on what they did well and what they would do differently.

• Ask them to share their learning in some way. For example, they could share what they have learned in a team meeting, especially if it will help someone else.

• Challenge them to take on another task or responsibility that stretches them out of their comfort zone.

• Recognize their efforts. Yes, results are important, but you can’t win them all. Reinforcing effort will help them stay more motivated.

• Model the learning behavior you want to see in them. Let them know what you’re learning based on your own leadership experience.

You may have a strong team with great skills, but if they are not continually learning, they won’t maximize their potential.

Next time you find yourself in a typical meeting with everyone reporting in on activities or giving status updates, invite each person to share something specific they have learned through the project or through their experience with the team.

Break the “busyness” with just a little time to reflect. You’ll likely gain valuable tips, insights or ideas you may not have considered.

Try it. You’ll learn.

Gayle Lantz is a leadership consultant, speaker, author and founder of WorkMatters, Inc. She works with organizations, executives and top performers who are serious about growing their businesses and themselves.

Ever struggle to find just the right words when you’re in a sensitive conversation? If you’re in a leadership role, it’s not uncommon. If you’re like many of the executives I coach, you just want to get things done, but “people issues” get in the way. While the words you choose to use are important, there are other factors that matter as well.

Here are some quick tips to help you address difficult people and situations as they arise.

Focus on:

Intention: What do you want to happen as a result of the conversation you now need to have? Be clear about the purpose or expectation you have for the conversation. For example, your intention may be to encourage some type of change or to help someone improve performance. Maybe you’re trying to smooth relationships.

Tone: What do you want the person to feel as a result of the conversation? Encouragement? Trust? Willingness to improve? Keep your tone light when you can. If you are stressed and serious, other people will sense that. Have a positive expectation for the conversation.

Questions: Hear the difference between “WHAT were you thinking?” And “What do you think you can do differently next time?” Use good questions to help bring out the best in others, not to shut them down.

Timing: Timing is everything. If you are reacting to a person or situation that makes you angry, wait. Allow the dust in your mind to settle. Many times the situation is not as bad as it first appears. Even if you’re ready to have the conversation, the timing may be off for the other person. Read the other person. Open a difficult conversation when people are more likely to be receptive.

More people and companies are recognizing the value of coaching conversation to address difficult issues. They realize the role of the lead is not always to solve problems, but to be a good coach or mentor–to build capability in others. Whether you are trying to improve a difficult situation or develop a top performer, make your conversation count.

Gayle Lantz is a leadership consultant, speaker, author and founder of WorkMatters, Inc. She works with organizations, executives and top performers who are serious about growing their businesses and themselves.

It’s the New Year–a time for new beginnings. Are you feeling excited, optimistic and energized?

If you’re like many people I know, you might be feeling tired, sluggish and overwhelmed already. And it’s okay to admit it. It’s easy for pressure to build quickly after you’ve had a change to let go of work during the holidays. If you’re having trouble getting back on track, you’re not alone.

Here are some quick times for easing back into the New Year:

1. Take your time. You may not feel like you have a choice about the pace in which you operate, but you have more control than you realize. Set realistic expectations. Set boundaries where needed. Get clear about your priorities. It’s okay to walk before you run. What pace feels right for you?

2. Notice your resistance. When you’re too tired or you’re avoiding some activities, this might actually be a good sign. Pay attention. Maybe you don’t want to step back into the same environment or activities that don’t serve you well. Think about something new you can try–a change you can make that would give you more of what you really want. What are you resisting?

3. Don’t judge yourself. Too many people say, “I should be accomplishing more,” or “I should be more active,” or “I should lose more weight.” They think they are not good enough, capable enough, etc. Replace those thoughts with “I am…” positive statements like: “I am figuring things out,” or “I am taking one step at a time,” or “I am moving in the right direction.” What do you really need to hear right now?

4. Start small. Choose one area of your life or work that you would like to improve. Set a short-term goal. If you want to run a marathon, you don’t go out and run the entire distance. Maybe you’ll run a mile this week as a start. What’s something small you can do that will still give you a sense of accomplishment?

Pay attention to how you feel, not just what you do as a leader. When you feel strong, healthy and vibrant, you are more likely to enjoy life and work. Make your own well-being a top priority this year.

Author: Gayle Lantz is a leadership consultant, author, speaker and founder of WorkMatters, Inc., (www.WorkMatters.com) a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders think and work smarter. Learn more at our Contributors tab.

Ever struggle to find just the right words when you’re in a sensitive conversation? If you’re in a leadership role or own your own business where you interact with the public, it’s not uncommon. Some leaders have admitted they will avoid an employee because of having to tiptoe around an issue or worrying about striking a nerve. The idea of confronting the person becomes more stressful than dealing with the negative impact of ignoring it.

As a business owner, you just want to get things done, but “people issues” often can get in the way. While the words you choose to use are important, there are other factors that matter as well. Here are some quick tips to help you address difficult people and situations as they arise.

Focus on…

Your intention: What do you want to happen as a result of the conversation you know you need to have? Be clear about the purpose or expectation you have for the conversation.

For example, your intention may be to encourage some type of change or to help someone improve performance. Maybe you’re trying to smooth relationships.

Your tone: What do you want the person to feel as a result of the conversation? Encouragement? Trust? Willingness to improve? Keep your tone light when you can. If you are stressed and serious, other people will sense that. Have a positive expectation for the conversation.

Your questions: Hear the difference between…”WHAT were you thinking?” and “What do you think you can do differently next time?” Use good questions to help bring out the best in others, not to shut them down.

Your timing: Timing is everything. If you are reacting to a person or situation that makes you angry, wait. Allow the dust in your mind to settle.

The situation often is not as bad as it first appears. Even if you’re ready to have the conversation, the timing may be off for the other person. Read the other person. Open a difficult conversation when people are more likely to be receptive. More people and companies are recognizing the value of coaching conversations to address difficult issues. They realize that the role of the leader is not always to solve problems, but to be a good coach or mentor–to build capability in others.

Whether you are trying improve a difficult situation or develop a top performer, be sure to make your conversation count.

Author: Gayle Lantz is a leadership consultant, author, speaker and founder of WorkMatters, Inc., (www.WorkMatters.com) a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders think and work smarter.

As you head toward the end of the year, you’re likely thinking about what you most want to accomplish over the next couple of months — trying to squeeze in that last bit of business activity before the holidays arrive.

You might feel like you’re pushing toward the end of a marathon — running out of steam, losing energy, allowing your body to move on autopilot just to cross the finish line.

That’s one strategy.

But there are a couple of better ways to gain momentum — to get a second wind to carry you across the finish line. (It’s really not a finish line. It’s the starting line for next year.)

Catch your breath to review your progress.

That’s right. Stop what you’re doing for a minute. Think about the progress you’ve made in whatever areas of your business or life are most important to you. Simply list anything that represents progress of any kind: small steps to major breakthroughs. Seeing your progress is motivating.

Imagine your best future — or at least the best picture of the year ahead.

It’s too easy to dwell on problems. If I asked you to describe what you are most looking forward to in the year ahead, what would you say? What would be most exciting to accomplish? Where are your best opportunities?

Think about:

•             The impact you can and want to make next year.

•             The role you want to play.

•             The partnerships you want to create.

Your optimism about your future will help you gain more momentum heading into the New Year.

You’ll give yourself a running start.

So…

The secret to a strong finish is preparing for a strong start — taking a little time to reflect on your progress and to imagine compelling new possibilities.

Choose carefully the lens through which you want to view your past progress and your future success. It can propel you and your business.

Catch your second wind!

Author: Gayle Lantz is a leadership consultant, author, speaker and founder of WorkMatters, Inc., (www.WorkMatters.com) a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders think and work smarter. 

What’s next? It’s tough to think about it when you’re focused on what’s needed now.

Customers call. You’re there.
Discover a problem. You fix it.
Deadline. You meet it.
New business opportunity. You chase it.

Often business owners talk about how busy they are, yet they’re frustrated because they’re not accomplishing what they really want. They feel stalled. Their engine is running in high gear, but they’re not moving forward. This happens when they’ve lost sight of their business strategy — the bigger picture that should be guiding their actions.

Effective business owners know that to be most successful they must constantly strike a balance between strategic and tactical thinking. Tactical action might get you through the day, but strategic action will position your company to thrive well into the future.

Here are three important keys, along with specific actions you can take, to help your thinking pendulum swing over to the strategic side more frequently.

1)      Discipline – Set a date on your calendar to “force” yourself to focus on strategy by setting aside time during the year to set new goals and refresh their vision. Do this periodically throughout the year. As a start, determine what you really want out of the business. Write it down.

2)     Clarity – The more clear you are on what you want to accomplish and why, the easier it becomes to prioritize. You will act with greater intention, instead of reacting to whatever lands in your lap. Can you express your top three strategic objectives? When you can, help your team gain the same level of clarity.

3)      Execution – Do what needs to be done. It’s not enough to set aside time to focus on strategy if you can’t act on it. Identify just one way you can execute more effectively (e.g., chart progress; increase leadership capability; remove impediments; gain commitment). If you can’t execute, something needs to change.

While the thought of spending time on strategy may sound laborious, rethinking your strategy can actually be an ideal way to gain new energy for yourself, your team and your company.

Author: Gayle Lantz is a leadership consultant, author, speaker and founder of WorkMatters, Inc., (www.WorkMatters.com) a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders think and work smarter. Learn more at our Contributors tab.

Are you struggling to achieve big goals while being consumed by petty issues that slow you down? If you’re like many business owners, you feel like you’re carrying a heavy load. You’re taking on entirely too much — and you know it — but you won’t let go. It’s not enough to tell you that you should be delegating more. You’d likely agree. Logically, it makes sense.

But in practice, you’re not following through. Start with these five easy tips for learning to let go:

1. Accept that you are not the ONLY person who can do a task well. As one client said, “I realized I was putting my ego first.”
2. Start small. Rather than handing over a major responsibility, ease into it by creating a less risky assignment for a direct report.
3. Look at the alternative. If you don’t stop trying to “do everything,” you’ll continue to be frustrated and burned out.
4. Develop your staff. The stronger their capability, the better you’ll function as a team.
5. See yourself differently. Leaders don’t do it all. They lead! Revise the image you have of yourself or your role.

Having trouble delegating? Put your excuses on the table. Then note the reasons why you must pass the baton when it comes to some tasks. What could be different in your business if you let go more easily?

Release your grip.

Author: Gayle Lantz is a leadership consultant, author, speaker and founder of WorkMatters, Inc., (www.WorkMatters.com) a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders think and work smarter. Learn more at our Contributors tab.