Today is the first day of the secular new year of 2018.  Which means you probably are making sure you keep your brand-spanking-new New Year’s Resolutions.    (I make my personal resolutions in September/October, when the Jewish New Year rolls around.  And, my corporate KPI [key performance indicators] are evaluated three or four times a year to make sure we’re measuring (and achieving) the right things.)

(By the way. some of us are also participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge this month.   If you’re a blogger, you should check it out.)

If you haven’t made your resolutions yet, you should get cracking.  Not that I believe in New Year’s Resolutions per se.  But, the basic  idea- to resolve to do things better- and follow our plans- whenever we make them– is a great practice.

Here is a list of questions that should be addressed as part of this sort of planning- if there is a business interest and not just a personal improvement program at stake.

1. What systems can I install or use that will let me better control my work (and personal) life?
   I know that many of us entrepreneurs tend to adore chaos. However, our families, clients,  and employees DON’T have such high regard for this confusing state of affairs! And, I know you hate my preaching about plans- but you really need one (business and/or marketing).                                                                                                And, if you have not done so for a while, I suggest you keep a log of your work hours and how you spend your time for the next six weeks. Do the same for your personal life for a week or two.  You’d be amazed at what you learn.
   Each week, determine which one or two key activities you did not enjoy doing- and for which you spent more than a few hours doing each period.   Then, discuss these tasks with your consultant (I AM available 🙂 ) to discern how these may be automated.
   Your goal is to eliminate about 15 hours a week (about 20% of your time) doing things you least enjoy, and to have systems that will take over these needs by the end of the test period.
   Regarding your family time, make sure you are spending enough time with each of your loved ones, and that you do things THEY enjoy (yes, sometimes you won’t) to ensure what I call shalom bayit [domestic harmony, excellent family relations].  It will make things work smoother at home- and, at work.
2. What can I do that will reduce my sense of isolation?
   When we feel isolated or alone, our enthusiasm and creativity suffer. (Neither “coffee klatches” nor “water-cooler discussions” pervade in the smaller enterprises that most of us habit.) I have recreated those feelings by finding a group of people with whom I interact every morning – in a coffee shop, of course!
   Here are a few other ways.
   • Find two or three key projects where you will involve the efforts and time of your staff and/or business partners.  This will increase their sense of participation and collaboration, as well as yours!
   • Find one or two professional peer groups in your area and get permission to visit an upcoming meeting.  When you find one you like, make it part of your routine.
3. What is it costing me to be right all the time? Or… How can I stop holding onto my fantastic idea(s) just a little too long?
   Keep your own bravado in check: Make an accounting of all those ideas you are still carrying around with you; they’ve overstayed their welcome. If you can’t find at least five (5), ask your employees or a consultant for help. Find a way to sell off or release those dead projects from life support by 31 March 2018.
4. .Can I be more effective If I outsource certain functions/ projects?
   Can you name two or three projects worth outsourcing in your company right now? PC maintenance, HR support, administrative assistance and back office functions are good places to find your potential outsource situations.
5.  What would the value be of outsourcing the “people development” to someone else in our company? (Or, what leadership or peer groups would help me refine those skills?)
   Many of us can hardly find the time to manage our own schedules and performance, let alone our employees’. And, we need to understand that attrition due to poor leadership and people management can cost 2-5 times that employee’s salary!

If you are serious about becoming a better business leader, find some great development programs, and/or surround yourself with the leaders you emulate (see step 2 above). Join their business groups. Make it an ongoing process and be prepared to do the work to become better at what you need to do. Ask your consultant (need I remind you again 😎) to recommend some training programs for you. Be prepared to offload assignments that are consuming your time and are non-strategic, because this will consume significant and unnecessary energy.

Here’s to a great 2018!

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