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How to Make a More Productive Monday on Friday

With another hectic week coming to a close and the excitement of the weekend just hours away, it’s no wonder why Fridays are less than practically productive. In some business environments, it’s the unofficial slack-off day, one comprised of mundane tasks, a bit of cleanup, and perhaps, some tying of loose ends. Plans for the weekend take away attention from the inbox, and minds wander. Fridays, by-and-large, are informal work days, and that’s a shame, because these could serve as launch pad for serious Monday productivity.

How to Make a More Productive Monday on Friday

Ironically, Mondays aren’t much better, as these are the days returning from the weekends dreamed about on Fridays. The first day of the work week is one that’s often dreaded, in-part because of what wasn’t done on Friday. Talk about a dichotomy, this one scores high on the list. What’s worse, is that your team members aren’t alone in this experience, because you too, are right alongside them, especially on Friday afternoon, after lunch.

Monday mornings are the most critical time of the workweek — they set the stage for the day and week ahead. Most successful people are keenly aware of the typical Monday-morning workplace dynamic of unanticipated events, overflow of communications, and general chaos. —Business Insider

Even with all your entrepreneurial drive, you too, are ready to enjoy the downtime the weekend delivers, and it’s important because it lets you let go, at least enough to refresh. This dynamic doesn’t have to bedevil your company, or more particularly, you. There are some things you can do to make a more productive Monday on Friday:

Plan in advance for the following week. Monday is often treated with disdain precisely because of what it holds in-store. Ironically, it’s what wasn’t done on Friday that makes this a reality. Mondays don’t have to be a scramble to catch-up, they can be a productive day, if you prepare on Friday. So, prime your sales pipeline, get organized, and plan out the week. You’ll do yourself a huge favor, and you’ll avoid that nagging feeling that you forgot something.
Identify one or more things to get done today. Instead of counting down the clock to the end of the day, look at the time available to use for a task or two that’s yet to be completed. When you tackle a project, even if it’s small, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, and not guilty about taking time for yourself over the weekend.
Reach out to customers early in the day. Because Friday is a lackadaisical day in so many offices, you can use this phenomenon to your advantage. Reach out to customers you haven’t connected with in awhile, and double down by following-up with deals in-the-works.
Leave a small reward to enjoy on Monday. One reason Mondays seem so bland is because they lack reward. Whatever it is that perks you up, and not just a cup of coffee, like a favorite snack, put it aside for next week. You can even set a reminder to make it all the more special.
Begin the week with thoughtful recognition. There is probably at least one person who helped you out this week, perhaps two or three. Show your appreciation by picking something up for them over the weekend and surprising them on Monday. It will keep you eager to get back Monday morning, and will create a sense of appreciation and excitement to the recipient(s).

Another thing you can do on Friday to make Monday more productive is to get that one pain point out of the way. It will make the weekend all the more enjoyable and sweet, plus, it won’t daunt you next week. I started doing this in the form of a game or competition. How many pain point, or high priority projects, phone calls or tasks could I accomplish before I leave on Friday? How many projects or priorities do I have on Monday that I could complete on Friday to make Monday an easy start? And it is working for me with higher productivity, growth and more free time. Make your Friday count so that Monday is a breeze!

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Key Ways To Make Your Business More Transparent

April 17, 2018 No Comments

No matter what business you’re in, you want customers to have faith in your ability to meet their needs every time. That’s at the very core of being successful. The key to creating and fostering trust in customers often comes down to transparency. You want your customers to feel as though your business is an open book, and that they’ll always know what to expect from you. Transparency is something that’s both simple and complicated for businesses to achieve. It’s simple because it’s a matter of living up to the expectations customers have for your business. Yet it’s also complicated because it involves helping to set those expectations that customers have in the first place. Building a more transparent organization involves creating an internal culture that encourages honesty and transparency as well as building stronger relationships with customers. Transparency begins inside your organization, which means leadership must embrace the concept. You can’t expect your employees to embody transparency with your customers if there isn’t a strong culture to promote transparency internally. An effective way to create that culture of transparency is to encourage your employees to communicate with management as well as with one another. You can do this by establishing an open-door policy and giving employees a platform for expressing their thoughts during meetings. When you communicate with your employees, it can be extremely helpful to be clear with your messaging, avoiding corporate jargon and speaking plainly to your employees. Even if the news is bad, your employees likely will appreciate your honesty and internalize the spirit of transparency in their interactions with customers. Key Ways to Make Your Business More Transparent created by Track Your Truck.

What the Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X Actually have in Common

October 11, 2017 No Comments

The Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X are certainly receiving a whole lot of media attention. It’s two creative titans battling it out, attempting to win more customers. But, these two companies have quite a bit in common. At least, in one aspect. And, it applies to you as an entrepreneur. What the Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X Actually have in Common What you might think as rivals vying for bigger sales numbers is actually an important business lesson. It’s all about momentum. Keep momentum going and it serves up great rewards. After all, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL were hits. And, we all know the iPhone revolutionized the tech, communications, and entertainment worlds. So, it’s great to take away a valuable lesson from this latest product introduction round. As the momentum starts and objectives are met watch for a change in pace; just like an out-of-shape runner, the tendency for many will be to stop part way up the hill to pat themselves on the back and look at how much distance they’ve covered. Don’t let them stop! You are pushing a rock uphill, as the momentum starts and everyone sees progress you need to double your efforts to keep it moving. —Inc.com You probably know there are many components to running a successful business. That’s certainly no secret. But, specific actions can work wonders. For instance, giving up bad habits and other hangups are prime examples. Another strategy is to get in front of people personally. However, you need momentum to stay on track. How to Keep Momentum Going That’s what the announcement and release of the Google Pixel 2 teaches us. It’s a follow-up, designed to entice consumers. And, it’s generated a whole lot of media buzz. Now, every single thing about it will certainly be poured over by tech lovers. You can apply this lesson to your business. Keep momentum going and reap the rewards by doing the following: Set new goals and objectives. As you hit milestones, dedicate yourself to setting new goals and objectives. Planning ahead means moving forward and that’s a great way to keep momentum working for you. Automate where it is possible. Use automation to your advantage to maximize productivity. Don’t get bogged down where and when it isn’t necessary. You can set content marketing and social media marketing on a schedule, as two examples. Always keep inspiration nearby. Research from Harvard and MIT reveals books are a great source of inspiration. Engaging your brain in something you love breathes inspiration. And, it also increases your knowledge, so it’s two-for-one. Schedule time off and actually use it. Another way to keep momentum going is to take time off. That sounds strange at first but makes a lot of sense when you consider the benefits of rest and relaxation. What ways do you keep momentum going? How do you stay motivated? What methods work best for pushing forward you’ve done? Please share your thoughts and experiences by leaving a comment! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group. [shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

Tips for Holding Employees Accountable without Being Rude or Micromanaging Them

October 13, 2023 No Comments

Tips for Holding Employees Accountable without Being Rude or Micromanaging Them Holding employees accountable is a vital aspect of effective leadership. However, finding the balance between accountability and maintaining a positive work environment can be challenging. Micromanaging or being rude can lead to demotivated employees and a toxic workplace. How Small Business Owners Can Effectively Hold Their Employees Accountable Again, holding employees accountable is an important part of being an owner or manager. It helps to ensure that employees are meeting expectations and that the team is on track to achieve its goals. Still, it is essential to hold employees accountable in a way that is respectful and does not micromanage them. Here are some tips for holding employees accountable without being rude or micromanaging them: Set clear expectations. Establish clear, specific, and measurable goals for each employee. When expectations are transparent, employees understand what is required of them, making it easier to hold them accountable. Discuss these expectations openly during meetings or performance reviews. Encourage ownership. Encourage employees to take ownership of their tasks and projects. When employees feel a sense of ownership, they are more likely to hold themselves accountable. Foster an environment where employees feel responsible for their work, and acknowledge their achievements and responsibilities. Communicate effectively. Open and honest communication is key. Provide regular feedback, both positive and constructive. Clearly communicate the impact of their work on the organization, emphasizing the importance of accountability for overall success. Listen actively to their concerns and be receptive to their feedback. Implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Establish specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with organizational objectives. Regularly monitor these KPIs and discuss progress with employees. This data-driven approach makes it easier to objectively assess performance and hold employees accountable for their results. Provide adequate resources. Ensure employees have the necessary resources, tools, and training to fulfill their responsibilities because a lack of resources can lead to unmet expectations. Regularly assess their needs and address any gaps promptly. Adequate resources empower employees to be accountable for their tasks. Encourage problem-solving. When issues arise, encourage employees to participate in problem-solving. Instead of imposing solutions, involve them in finding resolutions. This collaborative approach fosters accountability as employees take responsibility for implementing the solutions they propose. Recognize and reward accountability. Acknowledge and appreciate employees who demonstrate accountability. Publicly recognize their achievements and efforts. Rewards, both monetary and non-monetary, can motivate employees to maintain their accountable behavior. Celebrating accountability creates a positive reinforcement loop within the workplace. Lead by example. Leadership sets the tone for the entire organization. Demonstrate accountability in your actions and decisions. When employees see leaders taking responsibility, they are more likely to follow suit. Be transparent about your own challenges and how you overcome them, emphasizing the importance of accountability. Foster a supportive environment. Create a supportive work environment where employees feel comfortable asking for help or clarification. Encourage teamwork and collaboration. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to be accountable, knowing they can seek assistance when needed. Lastly, be sure to address accountability lapses, but do so professionally. If an employee consistently fails to meet expectations, address the issue professionally and respectfully. Schedule a private meeting to discuss concerns, providing specific examples of their behavior. Offer support and resources to help them improve. Approach the situation with empathy, understanding that everyone faces challenges. Right now, you can get John Waters’ latest book for FREE! (Currently selling for $19.95 on Amazon). This inspiring book titled “Profit by Design: The Blueprint to Successfully Scale Your Business and Regain Your Freedom” is a must-read for business owners who want to do just that! Request your FREE copy in any of the following ways: Phone 602-435-5474 Visit Waters Business Consulting Group Send a quick email: Steve@WatersBusinessConsulting.com

How to Make a More Productive Monday on Friday

How to Make a More Productive Monday on Friday

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Related Posts

Key Ways To Make Your Business More Transparent

What the Google Pixel 2 and iPhone X Actually have in Common

Tips for Holding Employees Accountable without Being Rude or Micromanaging Them

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