Tip 12

Go Ready

Would you knowingly board a flight if you knew the pilot hadn’t slept in days? I’m willing to bet you wouldn’t. We all recognize the importance of having that person in the cockpit awake and alert. More than that, we expect them to be prepared for the job at hand by arming themselves with things like maps, flight plans, and weather reports. We expect them to show up ready to work and regard anything else as completely unacceptable and dangerous.

Why don’t we apply the same standards to ourselves? Walk into any office, first thing in the morning, and you’re bound to find a number of people who are physically present, but clearly are not ready to do their jobs. Some of them are too sleepy to concentrate; others are still dwelling on problems or situations at home; and still more are intent on talking about what they saw on television than they are on getting anything done.

But no matter what the underlying symptom is, they all stem from a common cause—not feeling ready to work. Showing up unprepared is a bad habit, and one that could be costing you time and money. Here’s how to break it:

• Do SEEDS first. See Tip #6 on taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually.

• Be true. You are paid to work. You are paid to deliver results. Have the integrity to come to work ready to deliver, not just talk about current events and the latest TV show. The office is not the place to dwell on arguments or to make dinner reservations.

• Be ready anywhere. In your briefcase or bag, stash some reading material you’ve been meaning to catch up on. This could be an industry journal, a report, or even a career development book. One of my best friends always has a good book with him—that way he is less stressed and doesn’t feel like he is wasting time if he has to wait for someone.

• Don’t forget your notebook. Take advantage of time away from the office by carrying a small notebook for brainstorming or mind mapping. Creative thinking can happen in the most unexpected moments.

Employees spend an average of 36 minutes per day at work on personal tasks. By gender, men take 44 minutes and women 29 minutes, with the 18-34 year old group using the most time. —Office Team Surveys, February 2007