How Hard Do You Work? Part 2

Yesterday we presented the dilemma of working too hard.

Yet, sometimes hard work is necessary.

Here's how to manage it (whether as a leader or as an individual).

1) Acknowledge Reality.

If you're in charge, tell everyone that they will be expected to work hard. This sets clear expectations for the immediate future. As an individual, acknowledge that you are about to engage in an intense effort. Then tell others who might be affected this.

2) Ask for Commitment.

That is, ask for everyone's support. Gain their agreement that they will support the extraordinary effort ahead. As an individual, make a agreement with yourself that you will devote the effort necessary. And recognize that you may need to renew this commitment when progress becomes uncertain or obstacles appear.

3) Be Reasonable.

Recall the bell curve shown yesterday. Your goal is to achieve as much advantage as possible without falling down to the low end of the curve. As an individual, monitor the return on investment for your extra effort. Then make adjustments, slowing down if needed.

4) Take Holidays.

In this case, holidays may be brief, such as ten-minute, breaks. Or take occasional, deliberate departures from the intense schedule. For example, you might take a day off or send everyone home at noon. As an individual, you may pause to take a brisk walk outside or simply close your eyes for a two-minute nap.

5) Manage Focus.

During a time of intense effort, it's important to make sure that all of the hard work is spent on critical tasks. Thus, extra attention must be given to identifying and honoring priorities. As an individual, you must be fiercely protective of your time, resisting distractions.

6) Provide Rewards.

While rewards matter even during good times, they become critically important during periods of hard work. Thus, be positive, acknowledge people's efforts, and offer praise. As an individual, take brief breaks to recognize and commend how much you have done.

7) Stop When It's Over.

Hard work is a temporary solution. Thus, return to a normal routine once the special event has passed. Otherwise, everything degrades because of high turnover (people quit) or stress (your body quits).

Key Point: Work hard strategically. After all, it's a business, not a panic driven stampede.

Much success,

Steve Kaye

714-528-1300

Author, Speaker, IAF Certified Professional Facilitator

PS: My workshop on Time Management shows how to work smart.