Start the Week with Positive Energy: Three Strategies for Leaders
Following the recent post on opening and closing the week, I was asked for some best practices to make the most of this time. We’ll start with Monday mornings. The beginning of every new week brings opportunity, and there are many roads before you. What direction will you choose?
The opportunity to 'hit the ground running' is often the tale, running from meeting to meeting, creating a long list of projects and tasks, falling behind and catching up, only to fall behind again. This path often leads to burnout, carless mistakes, and unhealthy stress.
The opportunity to pause, create a Monday morning routine, and get intentional about the week ahead is alternatively available. It does not mean meetings magically disappear or lists get shorter, yet it helps leaders to focus on the things that matter most while taking care of themselves. Design something that works for you and puts you in a position for a successful week.
Start by blocking the first work hour of your Monday morning every week. Call this meeting 'Opening My Week.' This is a time to transition from the weekend to the workweek. Here are three ways to use those 60 minutes wisely:
Strengthen relationships by checking in and demonstrating gratitude.
Who can you recognize this week? Use email, chat, text, and especially handwritten notes to express authentic thanks to at least one person.
Journal for 10 to 15 minutes. What are the things going well in your role right now? What do you want to accomplish this week, and more importantly, why?
How can you appreciate your clients and external partners? Identify opportunities to connect with them this week.
Review your calendar for the coming week, scheduling at least 30 minutes for your development.
When you peruse your calendar, how does it make you feel? Are there opportunities to delegate or empower others if a week is particularly active? Assess meeting-heavy days to ensure breaks are scheduled.
What podcast, book, article, or video can you learn from this week? When are you most likely to do it?
Develop relationships by identifying time(s) to walk the halls or virtually chat with direct reports. Who would you like to know better?
Identify your Top 5 items to be accomplished this week.
Write them on a notepad or checklist and view them often. This exercises forces you to prioritize. Cap the list at 5 must-haves. Get specific on the actual accomplishment you seek. Is it a step toward a goal or the goal achievement?
For the priorities that require support or assistance, how can you communicate now to ensure deadlines are met?
If time is not already scheduled on your calendar, block ample time for each of the top 5 items.
The investment of one hour at the beginning of the week sets a tone of positive energy and productivity. This practice is especially beneficial for leaders to reinforce gratitude, wellbeing, and focus. Try it for a month to experience the benefits, and encourage your direct reports to do the same.
Dr. Katie Stone is the founder of Together Evolving. Email Katie at katie.stone@togetherevolving.com to learn more about the transformational impact coaching has on you and your leadership.