This has been my Christmas/end of year subscriber email for the last two years. A hard deadline like the end of the year forces us to make choices. The great thing about having time constraints is they bring with them an opportunity to choose wisely and be intentional about what matters. But that also comes with a responsibility to let some things go.
Read on for my 6-step advice for making these strategic choices about your last week of work.
1. Start with the right mindset
Right now, you are probably totally focused on what NEEDS to happen before you finish and go on leave.
Let's just flip that for a minute.
Would you humour me and start from the assumption that the most important thing right now is setting yourself up to have a quality rest while you're on leave so you can come back fighting fit and ready to go.
That's quite a big shift. It requires putting yourself in the picture of what you're in your role to do. In fact, it requires putting yourself before all the things you've got to do. But think about it - in the big, big picture, your work is only as good as you're feeling, right??
So what is going to help most with THAT this week? What is going to help you finish strong, with only the most critical things done, and a clear head so that you can switch work properly off on your last day?
2. Give yourself permission
Permission to spend some time prioritising, that is. Step away from your desk if you need to.
3. Prioritise by consequences
First - on the left side of the page have a brain dump of everything you've got on your plate to be done before you finish.
Second - highlight the things that must be done before you finish. Be ruthless.
Third - on the right side of the page for each highlighted item, write what will happen if it's not done before Christmas.
Fourth - order your highlighted items in order of the severity of the consequences.
Before you dive into number 1, put another lens over it...
4. Prioritise by impact
Next, list your work-related goals for the next 3-6 months. Stick with the big chunky, high-level things. Put them in order of importance if you can, but you don't have to spend a heap of time on this.
Now, go back and see which of your must-do highlighted list items are going to progress these goals.
5. Now you're ready to cull and focus
Looking at your notes so far, start a new list of must-do's in an order that allows you to balance your consequences with your impact.
Hot tip: One more consideration to throw in the mix - do any of these tasks energise you or elicit positive emotions (even if it's an enjoyable challenge feeling)?
Although consequence and impact will likely hold more weight, you'll be more efficient and effective at tasks you enjoy, and they're more likely to energise you to do other things. They'll also leave you in a better state as you go on leave - remember this was our ultimate goal.
Next actions - Let go:
Email anyone you need to regarding the un-highlighted list or even any highlighted items that are not going to get done and give them a heads up and apology if needed. Now you can breathe.
Email anyone regarding the items you're not sure if you will complete and warn them but assure them that you will do your best. Watch the understanding replies flow in (they're likely in the same boat remember), and relax.
6. Get on with number one!
Now that you know what is most important to what you want to achieve, what you want to avoid, and what will preserve your own effectiveness for the long run, you can focus and work efficiently at getting it ticked off.
If you liked this, sign up for my articles straight to your inbox, check out my website, follow me on LinkedIn, or contact me on nina@ninafield.co.nz to discuss how I can help you with strategic thinking and strategic leadership development.
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