Two nights ago, I was driving home from work and listened to this feature on NPR that focused on work/life balance, especially for high achieving women. In the broadcast, the moderator talked not only about how women have the need for work/life balance but also men and anybody who is trying to balance their high career aspirations and their high personal aspirations as well.
I was quite interested not only for my wife and daughter but also for me personally and for the many school executives I’ve heard who are struggling to make this balancing act work. It reminded me of three stellar pieces of advice I received earlier in my career:
1-ask yourself, “What justifies you being on the payroll? What is it that only a person in your position can do to positively affect the organization?” That should be one of your top priorities. It’s easy to get caught up in the “dailies” that affect us all. Yet, focusing on your top priorities helps keep you focused and can give you a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day and week. I’m trying to keep my focus by looking at my major priorities and responsibilities on a weekly basis and then writing down the ONE thing I need to do to keep that priority going.
2-ask yourself, “Can anybody do this task as well as I can?” Well, of course the answer is No. Nobody can do it as well as you can. You’ve developed a great deal of wisdom and expertise in this area and it’s something that you’re comfortable with. The corollary, though is, “Can anybody do this job, period?” If the answer to that is affirmative, delegate and track it.
3-ask yourself, “What can I do to save an 30 minutes a day?” Look at things that may be an energy vampire (web browsing may be one of them, constantly checking email may be another) and set aside times during the day to do this but not to let it overwhelm your priorities.
So my question to you this time is, what are some ideas, strategies, and tactics that you have found that can help you save a half hour (or more) each day. I’m eager to hear what has worked for you.
Look forward to hearing your ideas.
Chris