That single sentence has been one of my most insightful discoveries.
I have learned a lot about someone, whether it is personal or business, by observing how they handle any situation.
Do you realize that you are sending a message to anyone you meet by how you handle yourself and how responsive you are?
If you meet someone at an event (let’s say a prospect or client), do you realize that any follow up you do (quick or slow, doesn’t matter) tells them subliminally about how you do business. Here’s an example:
One of my coaching clients has a practice of emailing me a recap of our conversation, with action items outlined, within 24 hours of our meeting. That gives me a great sense of the discipline he has as the President of his company and it shows in the performance of his company. He demonstrates that same discipline to his direct reports with their bi-weekly one-on-ones. I know he is aware that team members follow the lead of their boss.
I have had other coaching clients who are not so responsive. They may be slow to respond to my emails and then complain about the lack of accountability from their own senior team members. Sometimes we don’t notice the example we are setting for our teams.
Although I have heard many people say that they are “one way” at work and “another way at home” – the reality is that there is no reason to be inconsistent.
With the month of January coming to a close, this is a great time to reflect on how you want to be for the rest of 2025. Are there new habits or disciplines you want to develop? Whether it is arriving on time to work, starting meetings on time, creating a follow up system and process to better utilize your time and get better results (both in business and in your personal life), there is no time like the present to make some commitments.
I am not talking about the “new years’ resolutions” of losing weight or of working out every day. We have all seen the busy workout gyms the first two weeks of January and then they go back to being empty as we lose momentum.
Here are some suggested commitments for your consideration:
- Get 7 hours of sleep each night, by going to bed by 10pm each night and then getting up at 5:30am. Track your nightly amount of sleep hours.
- Make your things to do list at the end of your workday and prioritize items by A (big, urgent, important), B (nice to get done) and C (I can delegate or not do at all).
- Start your work day by working only on the A items. No matter what comes up. Cross them off once completed.
- Mark a lunch break on your outlook calendar and spend the first 30 minutes doing a quick-paced walk, then eat your lunch. Wear walking shoes to work or have a pair under your work station.
- Make a list of customers you want to develop a better relationship with and note how often you want to touch base. Track your interactions on a spreadsheet.
- Do the same with your closest friends and family members.
You may not realize the message you are sending to people with your actions (or inactions). Be sure to notice those around you and the messages they are sending you.
Sometimes, it’s the smallest actions that make the biggest impact.
How you do anything, is how you do everything.
Onward and Upward,
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