Let’s face it. It’s lonely at the top. For me, it was a down-right ghost town!
I was in a director position for almost 3 years. Its very different than being a mid-level professional.
My job was to change a low morale-overworked staff with mad customers into a smooth-running department with better morale, provide less slightly overworked staff and a zero-customer complaint log. And keep up with the extreme deluge of the incoming workload (as all directors did more than direct or manage, we were also working directors).
I turned the department around. I made a team from the employees in the division. I led the installation and implementation of a new software. I created and implemented systems and processes that reduced customer complaints to zero. I involved the team to help make these decisions as they were the ones on the front line. I kept up with the extreme workload. I did what I had to do to keep my head above water. All on budget!
I worked 60 hour weeks plus weekends. I had no hobbies. I stopped networking. I thought daily about getting a mentor and expanding my network. There was no time. I should have made time!
It was like a ghost town!
If you think talking to your team about ‘you’ and ‘your problems’ is a good idea, think again. You are responsible for your team’s evaluations and workload. What would they think if you have problems? Would you look weak? But can you go to your boss, who does your evaluation, is a better option (although they usually have great ideas)? Maybe – maybe not. Depends on you and your boss.
We live in a world connected by social media, emails, video conferencing. We can find church services, conferences, lunch and learns, and groceries and shopping all on line. No need to leave your home or office. Isolation sets in.
This is not only bad for your health but also bad for your brain.
Make yourself leave the structure you are working in. Get outside.
Grab someone and go to lunch.
Talk a walk.
Say hi to your neighbors. Even work neighbors appreciate a grand happy ‘hello’! Get involved in outside activities such as work or your professional organization.
Pick up a craft.
Just do something different with a group of people.
Its super easy to get started:
Take action and search out opportunities through work, your professional organizations or tap into your creative side to:
Start a movement. Work with HR to create challenges to get you and others outside or provide passes to the gym or other fun activities. Schedule fun no-work work lunches.
Join groups and committees outside of your office and aligned with your professional goals.
Join groups or start a group looking to address challenges you are passionate about solving. (I started a successful coaching program for midlevel planners through my organization).
Take a breath and leave your desk. Its so worth it!
Don’t sit in front of your computer to network. In person and face-to-face networking leaves a longer impression on you and your peers. Utilize professional organizations and local meetups tailored to you and your industry or hobby. Yes, find a hobby!
That’s it!
