What can we learn from working mothers? Pt. 1
What can we learn from working Mothers that lead large organization?
- They can change activities quickly
- They focus on results
- They keep track of lots of random information
- They prioritize and reprioritize all the time
- They go for the best fit solution quickly when there is an emergency
- They are used to emergencies
- They know how to ask for help
- They adapt to change
- They pick their battles
- They hold firm when they believe it is really important for their constituency (kids or staff or company objective)
- They tend not to care who gets the credit
- They can negotiate with 3 year olds
While some of these ideas may be a little too perfect, I have seen everyone of these stories in real life....just not all in the same person. :>)
I'll break this down into smaller pieces over the next few days.
They can change activities quickly
Standard advice for most CEO’s is to clear your desk of distractions and focus on one thing at a time. I wish. Most CEO’s can’t get that kind of clear focus until all the staff goes home at 7 pm. So, be clear on what is important and schedule time on your outlook for you to do YOUR projects.
They focus on results
Many firms place a lot of emphasis on face time-being there late because the boss is late. You will notice that the working Mother is not one of those, many times to her political detriment. She has only the allotted time before the day care center closes to get all the day’s work in. She doesn’t smooze, she’s meeting with her staff, or finalizing the report. She probably hasn’t seen the latest movie, or watched the basketball game, but she doesn’t miss the deadlines at work or at home. Pay attention to the results and the outcomes.
They Keep Track of Lots of Random Information
She remembers your birthday. She remembers the birthday of all her staff. She knows their kids’ first names and what grade they are in school. She remembers the client’s birthday. She remembers the names of her kids’ friends. She remembers what is important to the person inside the employee or client. Pay attention to the relationship.
They prioritize and reprioritize all the time
The client calls and wants the project finished 2 days early. She puts the kids to bed and calls the team who all work on the project remotely until it is agreed that it will be finished on time. Be flexible.
More to come on Wednesday.....
