As a manager of more than 35 employees and mom of 3-year-old-twins, making time for myself is always a challenge. Making time for others is even harder – but ever so important. I love my job and take my role as a service provider very seriously. But last night, when I got the 11 PM email from a customer who urgently needs 400 pages of PDFs and Helps for an entirely new release within the week, I didn’t have to take a long pause before giving my answer.
Tomorrow morning I’ll be swimming the Kinneret to raise money for a wonderful charity called Sadnat Shiluv. I got sponsors, I got in the pool and I am ready. A few years ago, I probably would have cancelled my participation in the swim to make sure this project got off the ground. Instead, I am going to trust the amazing team of writers and support staff I have put in place and go swimming instead. I don’t have to sacrifice my personal goal…the work will get done and we’ll make the deadline. We always do.
It is so important to recognize that, like you, your employees are people who have families, struggles, relationships, needs, aspirations and goals. Don’t force yourself or your employees to choose between personal goals and work deadlines. They can co-exist if you build and foster the right working environment to support it. It really is win-win for everyone.
