Opinion
10 MUST DO THINGS BEFORE CHRISTMAS
10 things to do by Christmas
With just 10 business days to go before Christmas here is the top 10 things I think you should do to end the year strongly.
1 – Thank in person (or at least with a handwritten note) your direct report team, colleagues and anyone that has played a significant part in your success during the year. If you have a number of layers of teams reporting through to you be sure to send them a note of thanks.
2 – Thank at least 10 customers in person or by phone.
3 – Communicate your operating hours during the holiday period, including emergency support options, if appropriate.
4 – Review a list of sales leads and call at least 10 of them before the year is out, especially if your product or service can help them during this busy period.
5 – If you have an impact on invoicing or debt collection get busy get the invoices out and overdue accounts followed up. January can be a specifically tight cash flow month so get a head start.
6 – Block out 2 days in the new year to review with your team the previous 6 months performance and to refocus efforts for the coming 6 months.
7 – Clear your inbox, not only is it important to be timely in responding to communication but it will help set you up for the new year.
8 – Donate to charity, no man, woman or child should be hungry on Christmas day – a donation from you will make a difference no matter how small.
9 – Buy yourself a Christmas present, you work hard and you deserve to celebrate your successes. If you don’t think you’re worth a present why would anyone else?
10 – Be sure, before you leave for the holiday break, to setup and test your email out-of-office reply.
Get busy and have a safe and enjoyable festive season.
EXPECT GREATNESS
I’ve been reading the biography of Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson and it has been an excellent read so far. It has also reminded me of the importance of attention to detail, when it matters.
Jobs is quoted “By expecting them [staff] to do great things, you can get them to do great things.” This quote from Jobs is exactly what I believe and i attribute part of my success to it.
In 2004 when I was recruited into Optus is I was faced with two teams that had a reputation for failure, they constantly paid out cash to clients as a result of failing to meet contracted service levels. Staff regularly resigned, the average length of employment was less than 60 days – in fact the combined group was considered in many ways as the departure lounge.
I am really excited that together I and the teams were able to change things around and in less than 3 months we became the place people wanted to work. As the leader I did the following
1 – set and demonstrated an uncompromising focus on delivering excellence to our customers
2 – clearly defined that I expected 110% from my team and that in return I promised to reward, recognize and develop them
3 – provided a clear vision if what the future looked and felt like
4 – lead with transparency, inclusion and passion
I am sure the history books will write that not everything I did was perfect as a leader, but time and time again when I have applied the above formula I have lead my teams and divisions to deliver excellence.
Your people can and will deliver excellence if you inspire them, engage with them and partner with them in delivery.
