Press 'REFRESH' - innovative and useful ideas for every leader!
Monday, September 13, 2010 at 1:51PM 
Spring has sprung. Birds are tweeting, blossoms are blooming and it's a great time of year to rejuvenate, refresh or even restore the many relationships you balance in your working day.
Don't underestimate the power of an 'interaction rennovation'. That is, clear the dust, sweep out old well worn paths and get back to basics.
The business world is all encompassing with stuff and crap (technical terms for the stuff and crap) that has to be done to make a buck. Deadlines, budgets, whatever. May I add, the bigger the business, the more disenfranchised people become.
Your people may have been forgotten somewhere along the bumpy, stuffy, crappy corporate journey!
A five day 'engagement intensive' is a great way to clear the cobwebs and make positive inroads with the people around you. And the good news is, I've done all the thinking and hard work for you.
Day 1 - Send or say 'thank you' to 20 different individuals who may have assisted you in some way. Try very hard to get to 20.
Day 2 - Arrange to meet 5 people you regularly speak with/email, but, have never met face to face. This may include a supplier, IT help desk, a colleague's PA etc...
Day 3 - Nominate 5 team members from various groups (a random pick) and have lunch with them in a 'common area'. You might like to take the sandos! Keep it low key.
Day 4 - Discard any 'official wear' and spend an hour walking through parts of the business you may not ordinarily be visible in. Smile and say "g'day" whenever and wherever you can.
Day 5 - Book dinner out for the family/partner/live in and leave work at 5.00! Do something (rest or exercise) so you are alert for the evening. Turn off your phone/Blackberry and try not to mention the 'w' word even once.
This might all sound very simple and maybe some of you may say, 'simplistic'. You will be amazed just how powerful the power of 'simple things' to people. In our crazy, pressure filled lives, taking time out to engage authentically with the people who support us will pay great personal dividends.
Please let me know how it goes. It is too easy! And it's free!
Reader Comments (2)
Maggie
What a wonderful idea. I feel inspired just reading about it.
I shall start with my clients right away, and pass it on to everyone I know.
Thank for such a lovely start to spring.
What a terrific article! Huge strides could be made in five days if all leaders took the time to do this!