Here are three possible ways you can improve your
work - and your workplace - this year:
1. Know what you’re doing before you worry
about how you’ll do it.
We jump to thoughts of implementation so
often in our work, and that tendency creates several problems. We may not know
exactly what we’re implementing, why we’re implementing it or how much is
possible. By skipping ahead to the details, we begin work that may not make
sense—and we unnecessarily constrain ourselves. This year, be mindful about
each idea you’re pursuing and determine its larger purpose before running
forward with activities. It’s not about what you’re doing but why you’re doing
it.
2. Spend at least 15 minutes a day in
deliberate thought about something bigger than your to-do list.
This is critical. I believe in mornings -
but for some people, it works best to do this exercise at the end of the day to
prepare for the next morning. What larger purpose defines you right now? One
year from now, what will you be glad you did tomorrow? Ten years from now? What
are the big things that need to happen to advance those aspirations? I believe
the sum of our efforts each year reflects the rigor we apply to these larger
questions. Take a few minutes each day to ask them. You may not have every answer,
but you’ll make smarter choices along the way - and let the little crap go more
easily. For me, five minutes at the start of my workday plus nightly blogging
are tools I use in trying to step out of everyday to-do lists and think about
what ideas matter most each day. What tools can you put into place to schedule
reflection?
3. Think about what unites your colleagues
rather than what’s in it for you.
The best workplaces in the world have
something in common: Colleagues embrace a collective vision, and they’d do
anything for each other. I’d always prefer to be in that kind of culture than a
dog-eat-dog slugfest because it’s better for me and better for my organization.
Try to set a course toward that kind of camaraderie. Define what you all want
to do together. Along the way, share credit. Recognise the achievements of
others. Sacrifice something selfish if it yields a greater good. If you are a
manager, you have the chance to transform the experience of those who report to
you. Seize it with a spirit of selflessness. In the end, it’s the fastest way
to achievement - and happiness - for everyone.
Katya Andersen
COO and CSO at Network for Good
