Thursday, December 06, 2007
December Dilemma
December is an odd business month. Most people approach the weeks leading up to the holiday in a state of reflection. They look back on 12-months of production goals; they review client profitability (usually to see who ‘qualifies’ for a token gift); they dig out from under this years accumulation of office junk; they sigh with relief at the end of another fiscal year; they typically celebrate with a party.
While rest and reflection serve a purpose, they are only part of the story in your team leader role. Let’s face reality—no significant work will be completed the last two weeks of the month because of time off. But, that still leaves a good chunk of time available to reflect and reenergize. How?
Take the first week in December to:
* verify production / performance goals were met
* review client profitability and determine who (if any) you may need to drop
* dejunk your office space
* talk to vendors and get invoices processed
If that weren’t enough, take the second week in December with your team to brainstorm ways to:
* increase production efficiency
* convert under-performing clients based on their needs (look at other divisions; suggest a different product line)
* appreciate all your clients personally (not just a generic card or email)
* celebrate team achievements outside the traditional holiday office party
It is in this second week that you raise your sights and see the possibilities. Possibilities are, after all, always there. It takes a thoughtful and focused leader to allow dedicated time to bring out dormant suggestions from the team. There are at least a dozen different ways to make brainstorming more interactive and fun. Try at least a couple and you will be rewarded with so much information that taking time off during the holiday will be necessary—necessary to relax, regroup, and reenergize for the challenges of 2008.
Until next time...live like you mean it!
Marjorie