Business Education

If You Work Even When Your Not at Work You Need to Stop and Read This

Work, work, work, work. It’s a well-established entrepreneurial behavior. And, in the age of on-demand information and immediate connectivity, it’s only getting worse. Unfortunately, too many people are a part of an always-at-work culture. Sure, they love what they do. But, it causes burn out and just isn’t healthy. If you’re constantly working, even when you’re not at work, you’re not alone. So, read on to learn a few ways to effectively deal with it.

A Different Look at the Always-at-Work Behavior

We’ve talked about wasting time. And, in a very real sense, that’s what you’re doing when you’re working when you’re not actually at work. In other words, the fact that you’re not truly in the moment means you’re only cheating yourself and the others around you.

Depending on the job and the employer’s expectations, which should be clearly outlined, employees who accept a job and commit to meeting those expectations need to accept that they are “on call” and be willing to answer communications. However, remember the old adage, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Everyone deserves some time to disconnect. —Forbes.com

Think about it for a moment. If you are constantly distracted by work, you’re effectively taking time away from family and friends because you’re not enjoying what’s going on. In fact, you don’t even need to be there since it’s not what’s capturing your attention.

How to Prevent Workaholic Urges

Now, it’s one thing to “know” there’s an issue but a totally different thing to do something about it. After all, you’ll have to fight through those feelings that push you into your always-at-work disposition. So, let’s take a look at some effective ways to prevent workaholic urges:

Recognize there’s a problem. You’ve probably heard this a number of times. It’s unavoidably true. You must start by recognizing there is a real problem. Then, commit to make a change. Don’t beat yourself up too much if you slip now and again because that’s just part of the process.
Ask for help from your team. You’ll need to enlist the help of your team to make real strides. Tell them to keep work at work. You’ll probably find they are happy to help out.
Establish a set turn-off time. Another way to get away from the urge to work is to establish a set turnoff time. (A good time is when it’s time to cook dinner or sit down for dinner.)
Learn to indulge in relaxation. Relaxation isn’t a bad thing. So, stop treating it like it is the end of the world because it isn’t. Find something you enjoy and take time to enjoy it.
I am personally working on myself too! I recently took a break to Mexico with my 14 year old daughter to unplug. Guess what, I plugged in my lap top to work in the mornings and found myself working until noon on a few days! Not good! I actually felt a small amount of anxiety because of my actions. I am now working on a better plan for unplugging.

How else do you get away from the urge to work all the time? What other methods and strategies do you use? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting!

Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Like this article?

How Small Business Owners Can Effectively Navigate Government Bureaucracies

July 14, 2023 No Comments

For small business owners, dealing with government bureaucracies can often be a daunting task. Navigating complex regulations, paperwork, and procedures can consume valuable time and resources. However, with a strategic approach and the right knowledge, small business owners can effectively navigate government bureaucracies and ensure compliance while minimizing administrative burdens. How Small Business Owners Can Effectively Navigate Government Bureaucracies With this in mind, the following article will provide a detailed guide on how small business owners can tackle government bureaucracies efficiently and effectively so they can spend more time doing what’s most important – growing their organizations. Now, let’s get it to, starting with acquiring a firm grip on the applicable rules. Understand Applicable Regulations The first step in navigating government bureaucracies is to understand the specific regulations that apply to your business. Identify the relevant government agencies and familiarize yourself with their mandates, rules, and procedures. This will help you gain clarity on the requirements and expectations set forth by the government, enabling you to comply with them effectively. Seek Expert Advice Government regulations can be complex, and seeking expert advice is crucial to navigate them successfully. Consider consulting professionals such as attorneys, accountants, or a business coach with extensive experience. They can help you understand the legal framework, interpret regulations, and guide you through the bureaucratic processes. Establish Clear Internal Processes Create internal processes and systems within your business to streamline compliance with government requirements. This includes maintaining accurate records, filing necessary reports, and ensuring timely payment of taxes and fees. By organizing your business operations, you can reduce the risk of non-compliance and simplify interactions with government agencies. Utilize Government Resources Government agencies often provide resources, guidelines, and tools to help small businesses understand and comply with regulations. Visit agency websites, attend seminars or webinars, and explore available publications or guides. Take advantage of these resources to gain insights into the regulatory landscape and the specific requirements for your business. Maintain Open Communication Building relationships and maintaining open lines of communication with government officials can be invaluable. Reach out to the appropriate agency contacts and establish connections. Seek clarification on regulations, request assistance when needed, and proactively address any compliance concerns. Regular communication can foster a cooperative relationship with government representatives, making it easier to navigate bureaucracies. Be Proactive in Compliance Proactive compliance is key to minimizing bureaucratic hurdles. Stay up to date with regulatory changes that may affect your business, and make necessary adjustments promptly. Regularly review your business operations to ensure compliance with current regulations. By taking a proactive approach, you can mitigate potential issues before they escalate and avoid unnecessary bureaucratic entanglements. Utilize Technology and Automation Leverage technology and automation tools to simplify administrative tasks and streamline compliance processes. Invest in accounting software, record-keeping systems, and compliance management tools that align with your business needs. Automation can save time, reduce errors, and provide an efficient way to manage regulatory obligations. Engage in Advocacy Joining industry associations or business networks can amplify your voice and provide collective advocacy on regulatory matters. Collaborate with other small business owners facing similar challenges and work together to advocate for regulatory reforms that promote entrepreneurship and reduce bureaucratic burdens. Participate in public consultations and provide feedback on proposed regulations to influence policymaking. Seek Assistance from Small Business Support Organizations There are numerous organizations that offer support and resources specifically tailored to small business owners. Chambers of Commerce, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and other trade associations can provide guidance on navigating government bureaucracies, offer training programs, and connect you with other entrepreneurs who have successfully dealt with similar challenges. While government bureaucracies may appear overwhelming, small business owners can effectively navigate them with the right strategies. By understanding regulations, seeking expert advice, establishing internal processes, utilizing resources, maintaining open communication, being proactive, leveraging technology, engaging in advocacy, and seeking assistance from support organizations, small business owners can overcome bureaucratic hurdles and focus on running their businesses successfully. Remember, navigating government bureaucracies is a continuous process, and staying informed and proactive is essential for long-term success. So, what other advice would you give small business owners who are dealing with government bureaucracies? Please take a few moments to share your experiences or approaches so that others can benefit from your perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

I Just Learned One of My Best Employees Criticized My Business On Social Media, What Should I Do?

March 1, 2021 No Comments

You’ve just discovered one of your best team members has criticized your company on social media. So, you’re wondering what to do about it. Well, that depends if the comments were overall positive or negative. If the former, there’s quite a bit you can do. However, if it’s the latter, there’s relatively little you can do. Read on to learn more about how to deal with employees who criticize their organizations on social media. Dealing with Negative Employee Comments about Your Business Let’s begin with a negative situation. You’ve recently found out a great employee (who you like and trust) has made some really disparaging comments about your company — maybe even directed at you personally — on social media. Now, you’re wondering what to do about it. If the comments are negative and harmful to your business’ reputation, you most definitely need to address the situation immediately. Criticism in the workplace can be constructive if an individual is pointing out concrete inefficiencies and offering suggestions for positive improvements; or criticism can be destructive, when one person tears down and negatively critiques the actions of others while offering no suggestions for positive improvement. —Houston Chronicle Small Business This is a difficult conversation to have, there’s no doubt about it. But, a stern warning might be enough to move past the moment. It’s probably also necessary to talk about his or her future and potential separation from the company, should the behavior continue. While it’s a hard thing to do, derogatory comments simply are not acceptable. So, invite him or her to vent their grievances in private instead of on social media. Dealing with Positive Employee Comments about a Your Business If this is a situation where the comments were critical yet constructive or positive, it’s an entirely different set of circumstances. Since it’s a totally opposite attitude, you might still be personally hurt or feel undermined, but it’s far better than dealing with a completely negative scenario. Here are some effective methods for dealing with a good employee who publicly criticized your business on social media: Make him or her understand the proper context. The very first thing you need to do is to let him or her know that it is not acceptable or appropriate to criticize the company on social media. Instead, the appropriate time and place is right in the workplace, where discussions are private and between colleagues, where such input belongs. Let your employee know your door is always open. Of course, it’s up to you to open your office door and make all your employees understand they have an open-ended invitation to speak with you at any time they feel it is necessary. (Obviously, you’ll need to set some boundaries to ensure there’s mutual respect and interactions remain overall positive.) Solicit feedback from all your team members regularly. While this might be super-obvious, it’s most definitely worth repeating. You cannot operate in your business in a vacuum. It’s not a good dynamic and worse yet, when you don’t listen to the people around you who are in the trenches with you, it’s only going to erode the environment and worsen over time. What other suggestions do you have? How else would you handle such a situation? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your unique perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Best Ways to Manage Your Time and Energy

May 24, 2017 No Comments

Building a business isn’t easy and it requires a lot of time and energy to be successful. For the majority of entrepreneurs, challenges are met by putting in long hours and trying to be more productive. However, this leaves little time for family and friends, exercise, and hobbies. While it’s generally accepted as just part of the cost of doing business, eventually, a hectic schedule and overdrive pace will take its toll. This can lead to health issues, deteriorating relationships, and personal dissatisfaction. You might also come to despise your own creation and view it as a curse, rather than a blessing. Best Ways to Manage Your Time and Energy If your business is an energy drain, it will do more damage than just make you tired. It will also cause you to make decisions that aren’t necessary in your best interest or your employees’. You’ll probably begin to rationalize assigning certain responsibilities to different team members, it won’t necessary be for the good of the company, but rather, just to give you a break. That’s not a good practice and will lead to even more poor decisions. The core problem with working longer hours is that time is a finite resource. Energy is a different story. Defined in physics as the capacity to work, energy comes from four main wellsprings in human beings: the body, emotions, mind, and spirit. In each, energy can be systematically expanded and regularly renewed by establishing specific rituals—behaviors that are intentionally practiced and precisely scheduled, with the goal of making them unconscious and automatic as quickly as possible. —Harvard Business Review If you feel tired, unenthusiastic, and generally uninterested, it’s because this very phenomenon is happening to you, and, it’s time to realize its unhealthy impact and do something about it. Your energy, like your time, as the nearby quote states, is finite. Both must be managed in order for you to be productive and content. If you’re not productive and content, then, you’re sabotaging your own company, and doing your employees and customers a disservice. The best way to manage your energy is to manage your time and here are some ways you can improve your time management skills: Create useful lists. One reason people tire is they are hand-wringing over what needs to be done and that often wastes enough time to cause them to rush. When you write down a list, you have a clear, actionable plan. Prioritize your lists and entries to ensure that you have ample time for what’s most important. This might take some time to master, but, eventually, you’ll become more organized and discover how much time was wasted when you didn’t have lists to follow. Minimize company meetings. The not-so-subtle truth about meetings is nothing actually gets done. Okay, so you lay out a course of action, or, come-up with a strategy, but, you don’t execute during meetings — you execute after them. So, keep company meetings to a minimum to increase productivity. Take advantage of waiting times. You wait in traffic, you wait at the doctor’s office, you wait, you wait, you wait here and there. What’s more, you’re fully aware of the fact that waiting means time is being wasted. So, make it productive. These are great times to go over or create to-do lists, write out a grocery list, reply to email, make a phone call, the possibilities go on and on. Stop trying to multitask. There’s a persistent myth that multitasking is a way to get more done in less time. However, when you multitask, you’re asking your body, mind, and senses to do something that isn’t natural. It’s counterproductive and conducive to making mistakes. Instead, focus on one thing at a time to do it right. Delegate responsibilities. Delegating doesn’t have to be a four-letter word. It’s part of being a good leader and giving others the power to unleash their own potential. It’s also a great way to avoid multitasking and get more done. When you accomplish something, be sure to reward yourself. Do so in a healthy, upbeat way and without excess. You’ll find that you enjoy what you do more and be more optimistic about the future. As you transition into 2016, knowing you have a finite amount of time to achieve your goals with the energy you have, what will you do different to better manage your time so that you remain energized, productive and get results? Want to find out about what a business coach can do for you? [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]