The Management Tip of the Day

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January 3, 2019 After a Vacation, Approach Your To-Do List Thoughtfully Coming back from vacation can be painful. But you can do a few things to make the return easier. Use your first 30 minutes in the office to look through what's on your to-do list and make a plan for it. Keep in mind that what's most urgent now may not be what was most urgent before your time away. Check in with key people to discuss what you missed and what needs your attention. Thank anyone who covered for you, and ask them what they need from you now. If you have to read all the emails that came in while you were away, start by scanning your inbox for key names — your boss's or a big client's — and read those first. And as you resume work, don't let the vacation glow fade. Take moments to remember the best experiences of your time away, and use them to tap into the joy or calm you need to stay energized. Adapted from "How to Minimize Stress Before, During, and After Your Vacation," by Tristan Elizabeth Gribbin

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The Management Tip of the Day

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January 2, 2019 Getting Better at Something Requires Commitment We all want to get better at something. Maybe you'd like to be a more inspiring leader, be more productive, or take more risks. But ask yourself two questions. First, do you really want to do better? Presumably the answer is "yes," but if you're looking to improve because, say, your boss wants you to, be honest about that. Change will happen only if you're committed to it. Second, are you willing to feel the discomfort of trying things that don't work right away? Learning anything new is inherently uncomfortable, so be prepared to feel a little awkward. You will make mistakes. You may feel embarrassed or ashamed, especially if you are used to succeeding. But if you remain committed through all of that, you will get better. Adapted from "If You Want to Get Better at Something, Ask Yourself These Two Questions," by Peter Bregman

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