Work/Life Balance Tips for the Business TravelerWritten by Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE
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MENTAL -- staying connected with your psyche.-- Self-talk is powerful when traveling. Why become angry and upset at weather delays (over which no one can do anything)? Mechanical problems are a fact of life. If at all possible, never book yourself on last flight to your destination. Always have a later flight. And if you can't make it, consider that you have been given a gift of time. -- Use time in flight to get caught up on journals, periodicals, etc. For me, a successful trip is when my briefcase gets lighter and pocket of seat in front gets heavier.--See your destination with new eyes. Consider that you are an explorer. Try something new: a restaurant, a neighborhood, a museum, even note difference of people. Keep a small journal and write observations. This also lets you bring home "more than work" to share with home front.-- Start day quiet. Meditate. Deep breathe. Allow enough time to get ready before you leave hotel. Lastly, expect unexpected and let go of outcome. Do what you can for contingencies. Bring a cell phone, essential numbers and don't book last flight out. Then relax into uncertainty of travel. Stress comes from trying to control uncontrollable. Let it go. © 2000 by Eileen McDargh. All rights reserved. Reprints must include byline, contact information and copyright.
Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE, is an international speaker, author and seminar leader. Her book ‘Work for A Living and Still Be Free to Live’ is also the title of one of her most popular and upbeat programs on Work/Life Balance. For more information on Eileen and her presentations, please call 949-496-8640 or visit her web site at http://www.eileenmcdargh.com.
| | The Newest Case for Human CapitalWritten by Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE
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examples. Greet Street, a maker of greeting cards over web hands, a new employee their “desk in a box”. You set up your own phone, computer and then literally start wandering halls to talk with people. You can sit in on any meetings, make connections and finally, you create your own job title to reflect what you will bring to company. John Chambers, CEO of Cisco, a $6 billion networking giant, hosts a monthly birthday breakfast. The purpose is not only to celebrate, but to have employees voice opinions, ask tough questions, and for Chambers to find out what’s not working. Along these same lines, Richard Block, president of AGI, a printing firm, holds “Stump President” sessions. Any question is fair game and employee who asks most difficult question (as determined by a panel of employees), receives a reward (usually dinner and tickets to a Chicago Bulls game).While these are some concrete ideas, true engagement is a process of continuously learning how to create a community of diverse talents joined by a shared vision. This comes only with time and clear intention. Lastly, heart of meaningful conversation and engagement is also a willingness to suspend judgment, to listen without ego, to challenge without malice, and to have a fanatic devotion to maintaining trust. Consider this a lifetime journey. And there are many of us who offer our services as “traveler’s aid”. (1) Workplace Visions, Jan./Feb 1998. SCHRM © 2000 by Eileen McDargh. All rights reserved. Reprints must include byline, contact information and copyright.
Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE, is an international speaker, author and seminar leader. Her book ‘Work for A Living and Still Be Free to Live’ is also the title of one of her most popular and upbeat programs on Work/Life Balance. For more information on Eileen and her presentations, please call 949-496-8640 or visit her web site at http://www.eileenmcdargh.com.
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