Career & Office

Set (Loose) Goals for Your Time Off

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When you are taking time off? How can you make the most of it? It may seem counterintuitive, but research has shown that people who set personal goals to achieve during their downtime — such as seeing friends, pursuing a hobby, or even organizing a closet — report being happier than those who prioritize more passive “rest and relaxation” (i.e., sitting around in your pajamas watching TV or playing video games).

Think of this approach as proactive recovery that helps you recuperate from the daily grind. Whatever your goals are, the important thing is that you lay out a plan. One caveat: This doesn’t mean you should treat these goals like a to-do list. Stay flexible — this is your time off, after all!

But ultimately, feeling like you’ve made the most of your vacation days will give you a sense of pride, accomplishment, and happiness that will fuel you when it’s time to get back to work.

Take your time…go long…

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When we think of any problem, we get anxious about how to solve a problem, how to tackle it stress-free.

But there is a secret to solving a problem stress-free or without being anxious.

Let’s take an example of a real-life scenario in an office setup for Ramesh, who is a Team Manager:

Ramesh, wanted his team to follow a set of specific goals.

He has tried earlier to make them follow many times but the team hasn’t listened or acted.

He got discouraged and stopped taking any action getting frustrated about what kind of manager he is if he cannot drive his team.

But let’s rephrase the problem:

He wanted his team to follow a specific goal in the next 6 months.

He added a longer time element to the problem, now with this time frame, he can first think of immediate subordinates and coach them first. And then slowly percolate it to the rest of the team. In the end with a more extended vision, he was able to drive the team.

Why can’t we do this to all our problems, add a time element and if possible a realistic longer time element to it? We look at every problem and try to solve it immediately, but things take time. 

With time on your side you can solve any problems in life.

Do the most impactful task…

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If I tell you that daily you need to accomplish only one thing? What that should be? And if that task is accomplished you will reach your goal.

In this case, how will you break your goal and how will you decide on that one single task per day? 

But rest assured if you set a goal and have one single task accomplished per day for that goal…you will achieve it.

As long as your goal is not moving and you know how to break it down.

Stop Calling Your Team a “Family”

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You might assume describing your team as a “family” is a good thing. After all, that word describes a group that is close and supportive of one another. But selling your team on the idea of being a family can encourage unhealthy dynamics where personal and professional lines begin to blur, undying loyalty is expected, and people feel taken for granted.

Instead, you want to acknowledge the transactional nature of professional relationships while also encouraging trust, respect, and fun. Rather than sending a family-centered message like “We’re all in this together,” try “We share the same purpose and goals” (making clear what those purposes and goals are).

Set boundaries around personal and professional time; outline when and where it’s appropriate to work (like not on vacation!). Let everyone know that time off is not only encouraged but expected.

Finally, acknowledge that most people won’t stay at the same company for their entire career and that it’s okay for people to move on when they’ve outgrown their roles.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for What You Need at Work…

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Asking for what you need from someone at work can be challenging — even downright intimidating. But as with all relationships, it’s important to advocate for yourself. Here’s how to do it.

  • Build up goodwill ahead of time. For example, you might try sending this colleague an article you think they would enjoy, inviting them out for a coffee, or expressing appreciation for their work. Then, make your ask. The more positive interactions you have with this person, the more likely they are to be authentically invested in your needs.
  • Leave room for dialogue, flexibility, and compromise. Making demands makes the other person feel obligated to say yes, but making requests shows consideration and gives them an out. This might sound like asking someone in your network, “I know that you have a knack for making connections, and I would love to be introduced to someone in your LinkedIn network. Is that something you’d be comfortable doing? And if not, I understand.” Be direct, but also be willing to move on if their answer is no.
  • Don’t take rejection personally. Instead, get curious. Ask follow-up questions to better understand the “why” behind the no. This will help you get to yes next time.

How to improve your presentation immediately…

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Follow these rules to immediately improve your presentation.

  • Make slides that reinforce your words not repeat them.
  • Create slides that demonstrate, with emotional proof, that what you’re saying is true, not just accurate.
  • No more than six words on a slide. EVER.
  • Don’t use cheesy images, use proper stock images.
  • No dissolves, spins, or other transitions. Keep it simple.
  • Surprise them – Put up a slide that triggers an emotional reaction in the audience. Let them sit up and want to know what you’re going to say that fits in with that image.

Keep These Negotiation Tactics Top of Mind

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As a leader, you need to be fluent in negotiation—even if you’re not currently sitting in the C-suite. Whether you’re negotiating the terms of a project, your next salary, or a corporate acquisition, here are some key principles to keep in mind.

  • Justify your offer. Negotiators who provide explanations for their proposals are more likely to reach agreements than those who don’t. Even if your offer is too low, a compelling, well-reasoned justification demonstrates to your counterpart that you’ve given considerable thought to your offer and that it’s well-informed.
  • Frame your proposal. The context surrounding an offer can influence its perceived value and, ultimately, the negotiation’s outcome. Don’t just say a big number—tell a compelling story.
  • Be prepared to assess “anchors.” A powerful tool in negotiation, anchors are the initial reference point that influences the perceived value of the thing being negotiated. Come prepared to assess whether an anchor price is too high or too low, or to set the right anchor price yourself.
  • Leave emotions at the door. Both overly positive and negative emotions could lead you to make irrational, counterproductive decisions (like overlooking risks, making aggressive demands, or making extreme offers that you can’t back up).
  • Negotiate process, not just price. Focus on setting ground rules for the deal, agreeing on a timeline, and establishing the roles and responsibilities of each party. When the process is negotiated in good faith and agreed upon by both sides, it can help establish a sense of fairness and transparency.

Choose a Career That Matches Your Personality…

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Don’t beat yourself up if you have the type of personality where you get easily bored or distracted. You’re not alone. And as long as you choose a job or career that matches your natural temperament, there’s no reason you can’t be successful. 

For example, you might consider entrepreneurship, a career path that provides lots of variety. From coming up with an idea, to finding the resources to turn that idea into action, to interact with customers or clients, there’s rarely time for boredom or routine. 

If you have difficulty switching off or disconnecting, you may want to consider a career in PR or media production. There’s never a dull moment in those jobs where you have to be prepared to react to news or learn how to communicate with very different audiences in a wide range of media. 

Another career if you want to avoid monotony and routine is consulting, where you regularly interact with new clients and take on novel problems. 

Your personality is an inherent part of who you are. Identifying a role that is a fit for your natural disposition will help you improve your job performance and maximize your career potential.

Use Microvalidations to Affirm Your Colleagues…

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Most of us are aware of microaggressions: subtle comments or acts of exclusion that can negatively impact the well-being of people who belong to historically marginalized groups. To go further than simply recognizing and avoiding microaggressions, try using micro validations: equally subtle but powerful actions or language that affirm and encourage your underrepresented colleagues.

  • Acknowledge people’s presence. Give a nod, a warm smile, or a greeting when your colleague enters a room or a virtual meeting. In many cultures, simply addressing someone by name and making eye contact signals positive regard. And when someone is speaking, give them your full attention—put your phone away, close your laptop, and listen.
  • Validate people’s identity. Refer to people in a way that’s in line with how they think of themselves. For example, call your colleagues by their preferred names. Don’t use unsolicited nicknames or anglicize names that are less common or difficult for you to pronounce. And respect people’s gender identities by being aware of—and using—their pronouns.
  • Voice your appreciation for people’s contributions. Share directly with your colleagues how they’ve made important contributions, influenced decision-making, or helped build a strong team culture. Thank people for challenging the status quo.
  • Hold people to high standards. Don’t shy away from assigning challenging work. Do provide the resources and developmental feedback people need to succeed.

Showcase Your Accomplishments Without Bragging

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Success at work often depends on being — and being seen as — both competent and likable. You need people to notice your growth and accomplishments while also enjoying your company. But how do you showcase your work without coming across as a shameless self-promoter? Here are a few tips:

Share when others are sharing. The penalty for bragging seems to dissipate when others in the room are engaging in self-promotion.

Share when asked. Humility is admirable. But if someone requests information or an answer that requires you to reveal positives about yourself, you should oblige. Research indicates that when someone details an accomplishment in response to a direct question, others don’t judge that person as any less agreeable.

Find a promoter. Peers, bosses, mentors, and sponsors will likely be happy to speak up on your behalf if and when you ask them to.