Summer, summer time
  Taking time for oneself is a non-negotiable "must" to maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit. It's impossible to run a car engine on all cylinders 24/7, 365. The human body, mind and spirit are no different. (Peter Vaida)
Our aim is to slow down and relax a bit this summer, so we are only sending out this one bulletin. Back to normal in September! So what have we got for you this month?
We’re focusing on you this month and looking at how we can lead ourselves better.
In the newspapers last week there was a story about how the feel good feeling after a holiday can disappear within 2 days and how nearly half of all leaders really worry about going back to work after a break. Some people even do some work during their holiday such as dealing with emails, answering phone calls or even go into the office.
So why do we do this to ourselves and what can we do to make that holiday feeling last longer?
- plan your return – ease yourself in gradually.
- start planning your next break to give you something to look forward to.
- ask a work friend what has been happening so that you won't get any unexpected surprises.
- and finally, keep something from your holiday on your desk to bring back pleasant memories when work starts to become a bit stressful.
Do no harm
It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable. (Moliere, 17th century French dramatist)
Lead by example - if you treat others the way you want to be treated yourself then no harm will come from it.
Look at your own faults first before you correct the faults of others. If you want them to do something tell them clearly what to do and support them whilst they do it. Then make sure you discuss how it went with them . Remember mistakes do happen - we often ‘slip’ – just get things wrong, usually not deliberately. If you take responsibility then others will trust you and follow your example.
Taking responsibility
There is a person with whom you spend more time than any other, a person who has more influence over you, and more ability to interfere with or to support your growth than anyone else. This ever-present companion is your own self.
So how can we become more aware and self-accountable? How about taking the following steps:
- Help others to develop as leaders. By helping others to lead you become a better leader and show others how it's done.
- At the end of each day, think about how things have gone. Are you proud? Could you have done better?
- Ask people you work with about how they see you.
- Keep your promises to others and to yourself. Does what you do every day reflect your values, your standards, your philosophy of leading? What are your boundaries? Do you try to protect them?
- When something goes wrong, don’t just ask "whose fault is it?" Instead ask "what can we learn from this?" or "what can I do to improve this situation?" Don't blame someone but instead take responsibility for sorting it out.
At the end of the article I read there is a great quote from Deborah Lee: ****Self-accountability is who you are when no-one is looking**.
Self-accountability means always doing the right thing even when we are tempted to bend a few rules simply to get things done quickly.
If we take responsibility ourselves it frees up our precious creative energy. Rather than moaning or feeling sorry for ourselves we can move forward and learn so that we get things done that really matter to us. Remember, everything we do and everything we don’t do has an impact for which we are accountable.
To read the full article
Giving yourself a break
I feel like I'm always rushing, always stressed, and still don't have enough time for the things in life that are most important to me. What can I do? (most common question to agony columns)
We need to look at how we can take more responsibility for ourselves too. Part of that is being able to deal with stress and protect ourselves.
So what do we need to know? Here are some handy hints:
It’s ok to say no if someone asks you to do something but you haven't time to do it. .
Be clear on your priorities and spend your time doing what is important to you. Don't forget adequate sleep and other healthy habits are essential.
Map it out Where does the time go? Never agree to new activities until you've thought about the time they will take, overestimating the amount of time you think it will take to complete them.
Manage money wisely Many people are working longer hours and even more than one job. Try to plan spending less, saving, paying off debt, and possibly earning more (not by working more but by getting paid what you're worth).
Stay organised and not just at work. Sort out your home and it can really help.
To thine own self be true If you really know yourself then this can stop you getting yourself into difficult situations. How? For one thing, by knowing your limitations, you avoid taking on too much. Concentrate your energy on what you do best and give the jobs you are not so good at to others.
To read more about where these tips are from
And finally...
REST: A state of quiet or repose; a cessation from motion or labour; tranquility; as, rest from mental exertion; rest of body or mind.
Hope everyone was or is able to have some rest this summer - in whatever form that may take.
Look after yourselves,
Jo Verrent
Project Manager, Sync
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