It seems like just yesterday we were worried about Y2K and fearing the crash of our computers and technology infrastructure. Fortunately, we needlessly worried about something that never came to pass.
A few years ago a friend and I shared a New Year’s Eve in front of my fireplace reflecting on the joys and challenges of the past year and writing down what we wanted to remove from the upcoming year. Then, following the ceremonial “burning bowl” tradition, we threw the lists into the fire. It felt great to get rid of all traces of bad circumstances and bad decisions. I no longer had to carry the weight of certain experiences or beat myself up for not knowing better.
This process also enabled me to focus on what I DID want in the next year. At that time I was focusing on my personal goals, but wondered what could happen if my attention was focused on my business goals instead. What would I like to Keep Doing? Start Doing? Stop Doing?
During the past year many long strides have been made to achieving my business goals. Our clients and associates have greater stability, opportunities and access to more resources than ever before! If each of us were tasked with compiling business lists, what could we put on those lists? Below are just a few examples of things I have considered adding to my list to help propel my professional life.
Keep Doing Lists:
- Make customers Number One
- Give 100% to each project
- Offer cutting edge products
- Show respect for all
- Continue to grow our skills
Start Doing Lists:
- Create an individual development plan for each employee
- Provide meaningful management development
- Recognize achievement and celebrate it
- Have greater work/life balance
- Evaluate the resources that are available to all associates
Stop Doing Lists:
- Stop office gossip
- Stop making decisions based on politics rather than integrity
- Stop taking things personally
- Stop working in a way that is only reactive rather than proactive
- Stop giving up when an obstacle appears on the path to reaching a goal
I am not sure what will be on my final list, but suspect some of the above will make it. I look forward to the relief that comes with learning from the past and knowing that the New Year offers yet another chance to better myself. Happy 2015!
Linda serves as a Principal in MCM’s HR Consulting practice, and has experience working with various-sized companies throughout a variety of industries. Linda’s experience in organizational development, training, executive coaching and hiring assistance spans over 25 years. Previously, Linda was the President and Owner of Personnel Profiling, Inc., an HR consulting company that offered a suite of employment assessments and services to help companies gain a competitive advantage by hiring, retaining and developing great talent. Linda’s formal education includes a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Louisville with a concentration in counseling psychology. Linda and Members of her team will be ongoing contributors to the Academy Blog.
Academy Guest Blogger
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (800) 846-1555
www.aaepa.com
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