Take time to get back in the work flow
Q: I am returning to work after five weeks of vacation and am already feeling overwhelmed. Last time I had over 2,000 emails in my inbox. What tips do you have to get me back on track faster this time?
A: Believe that being rejuvenated and clear headed will help you accomplish more than you think. Be realistic and give yourself time to reacclimatize.
Keep your out-of-office message on and avoid booking appointments for one or two additional days so you can get reoriented and reorganized.
Perhaps change your out-ofoffice message to say you are back and if something needs urgent attention re-send it.
Get a status report from your boss and colleagues on key projects so you have a clear sense of the big picture and key priorities. A 15-minute standup huddle will keep things brief and concise. Where are things at? What are the highest priorities? Reconfirm timelines and deadlines.
After these meetings, create a new to-do list and block time in your calendar to accomplish them so you are in control of your time, not others.
Review and clean the clutter out of your inbox because the junk can obscure the critical ones. Only read and respond to urgent emails. Beginning with the most recent, file or delete unnecessary CCs, solicitations.
Resist the temptation of easy low priority emails that may give you an immediate sense of accomplishment but really put you further behind.
Use your positive holiday energy to boost your productivity. Don’t wear yourself out with long hours and taking work home. Returning the next day fresh and clear will keep your momentum strong.
Put the details into perspective by remembering the bigger picture and what really matters in your role.
Originally published in The Province, September 8, 2013.
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