What Would You Do Differently If You Were In Charge?
A few years ago, I read an article in John Maxwell’s leadership newsletter where he shared a tip for staying positive when you are not in charge at work. He said that when he was in a subordinate position, he started keeping a list of “Things I’ll Do Differently When I’m In Charge.” He said this list helped him vent his frustrations in a positive way, plus they helped him make a list that would make him a better leader in the future.
I made my list back then, and I make sure it comes up in RememberTheMilk.com to-do list once or twice a year as a reminder. Although I’m in charge now of my own company, I don’t manage many people yet. However, my husband and I can still apply these values in our daily work. I can’t say I’m reached my ideals yet, but I still press on toward the goal!
Here’s my “Things I will do differently when I’m in charge” list:
- Have fun!
- Let people be people; stop expecting them to have no weaknesses
- Talk to people when I have a concern rather than hitting them upside the head or ignoring it
- Not play favorites
- Get rid of dead wood
- Not make fun of customers or co-workers
- Encourage group breaks and communication
- Work as hard as I expect them to work
- Not make people come to work sick
- Delegate, plan and execute (don’t change at last minute)
- Be respectful of others
- Be patient and be better than I currently am with rushing
- Laugh
- Work respectable hours
- Blog
What is on your “Do Differently List?”