Page 283 - Just Promoted A 12 Month Road Map for Success in Your New Leadership Role

268 Just Promoted!

5. Use your diagnostic skills at home and at work. Be aware that spending
extra time and energy in one area of your life likely has implications in another
area. When work is dominating, something else (often spouse, children,
favorite activities, personal wellness, or alone time) is usually suffering. Rec-
ognize early warning signs. Try to be aware of signals around and within you.
Are you spending quality time in what you do, or are your efforts and rela-
tionships superficial? Do you see as many smiles as before? Do you give and
get as many heartfelt hugs from your spouse, partner, children? Are you offer-
ing or accepting offers to spend special time with those who are really impor-
tant to you, or are you always too busy?

6. Don’t let hobbies and interests go unattended. How long has it been since
you’ve done things that you really enjoy? Are you laughing and enjoying life
as much as you used to or you would like to?
Hobbies and recreation serve as life’s cushions. They not only help to
absorb the stress of daily life but they also provide an energy reserve. They aid
in preparing for the tougher challenges we face. But hobbies and recreational
activities are often the first to go under pressure. This creates a troublesome
cycle since leisure time provides for necessary relaxation and unwinding. Do
your best to preserve and respect your leisure time.

7. Maintain a high trust and supportive relationship with at least one other
person or group. Mutually beneficial relationships characterized by trust, shar-
ing, and good listening are invariably healthy and therapeutic. Life is tough
enough. To go it alone is to miss much of what life is about. Most managers
who are successful at work and in other aspects of their lives are quick to credit
their life partners, family, and close friends as essential for their success.

8. Build frequent “pit stops” into your work and lifestyle. No racer has ever
won the Indianapolis 500 without periodic stops to refuel and check key parts.
The same is true with people. Envision the balance that you desire in your life,
and then design ways for it to happen. Taking the time to catch your breath
and gain perspective increases your clarity, commitment, and energy to
achieve your goals.

Principle 2. Major Job Changes Often Trigger Major Life Changes
The potential and actual impact of these changes is best addressed through care-
ful individual and family reflection, communication, and clarification of per-