Today provides us all with an opportunity to share our experiences and learn from one another. Here are a few things I’d like to share; hopefully they help some of you along your journey.
- Have a plan.
This involves thinking ahead and identifying gaps between your future needs and where you currently stand. Today it may mean having adequate equipment on-hand to continue operations during an evolving pandemic (and rest assured: we will get through this). Other days it may mean planning to transition from a 24/5 operational schedule to a 24/7 operational schedule. Still other days it means how to balance challenges in your personal life with a demanding work schedule. All of these things can be daunting, but can become significantly more manageable if you plan ahead for the unexpected. Having a simple playbook or framework for action can reduce challenges by orders of magnitude.
- Put people first.
Whatever business you are in, you aren’t alone. There are always other stakeholders/customers/suppliers/associates/etc… These are the people who make your business work. Add family to this list and it suddenly becomes what makes your business truly meaningful. If you fail to keep your people first on your priority list, YOU WILL FAIL. Give your people the attention they deserve. Then (once you think you have it all figured out), start over again. Needs and perceptions change; you may not have been doing as well as you thought. Take care of the people and the rest will fall into place.
- Communicate.
Holy crap, what a revelation! You may think you are keeping your boss appraised of what she/he needs to know (you probably aren’t). You probably think you are getting essential information to your team members across multiple shifts (you definitely aren’t). I’ll bet you even think that you are communicating your expectations and needs to your peers (nope, still not doing well enough here either). The fact is that you are busy, and so are they. Things are going to get missed, and its going to happen often. Expect it. Deal with it. Practice good communication skills and techniques. Once you think you’ve overcommunicated, verify that the message has been received and actions are in work.
It’s been a busy year so far; what are some experiences you’d like to share?
All good stuff. Glad to see you are still making a go of it on here. You’ve inspired me to get more active on my blog. Hope all is well with your family.