5 tactics to leave work at the office
December 21, 2017
By Brian Maynor
Leaving work at the office is typically easier said than done, especially if you’re going to be out of the office for several days like over the coming holiday. However, it is possible.
Creating a sense of separation is important in this process, psychologically more than physically. While we may be miles away from the office physically our minds can remain trapped there, preventing us from enjoying our family and friends.
Deborah Bright, a leading executive coach and author reexamined some of the classical tactics for leaving work at the office, and found that while some of them were not ‘new’ they were extremely effective when used in conjunction with other practices.
Here’s a recap of her findings. See if they work for you as you prepare to leave work for the holidays:
1. Finish with one small task. Whether it’s sending an email, returning a phone call or signing a document, when we end the day with a simple completed task it gives us a sense of satisfaction that the day was productive, making it easier to walk away from work.
2. Make your list. Creating a to-do list not only helps you organize your thoughts and projects; it helps you prioritize them so that you come in the next morning you can start being productive immediately. It should come as no surprise that this is one of the top 3 skills that enhance performance and redirects stress.
3. Tidy up. Clutter is disruptive on all levels. Physically we are fumbling around getting frustrated that we can’t find what we need and that impacts our mental state, often causing confusion, anxiety and stress. By straightening up our space we once again shift mentally and physically into organization mode, which is based on practicality not emotion. The added bonus is that we don’t walk into a mess the next morning.
4. Find your anchor. Deborah describes this as a very specific action for each of us that symbolize the end of our workday. It could be locking our office door, turning off the monitor or calling home. The idea is that the act helps us make the mental switch from on the job to off the job, much like clocking in and clocking out did for payroll.
5. Change your evening salutation. When we get home or meet friends one of the first things we always hear and say is “How was your day?” Most of us say it without even thinking. The downside to asking that questions is that it opens the door for a litany of all the things that went wrong during the day. That is not the tone we want to set for the evening. Instead of asking an open-ended question, be more direct. One suggestion is asking, “What good or exciting things happened today?”
When it comes to responding to ‘How was your day?” it’s best to keep our responses brief and positive.
There is nothing time consuming or arduous about these tactics. They are meant to be simple. The key to success is doing them consistently. All of these can be done in less than 15 minutes, but the benefits can last well into the next day.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
