Snow Day: What To Do
March 29, 2009 by Phil Gerbyshak
Filed under Business
It’s almost April and I have had enough snow. Typically, I sit around and whine about how much I hate the snow, how I’m going to move to somewhere warm (my latest favorite place to run away to is Denver, Colorado), and how I can’t believe I’m still in Milwaukee after all these years.
So what can I do that’s more constructive, more useful, on a day when I am trapped inside my house, and how can that make me a better manager?
Email cleanup – I’m going through my e-mails and trying to whittle that down some, both at work and at home. Inbox less than 100 is my goal, though long term, it sure would be great to get to no e-mail in my inbox.
Weekly review – I’m going to review my next week and see what’s on the schedule I need to do some prep for. I have weekly one-on-ones with each member of my team, and I like to give them feedback on how I see their past week went.
Learn something new – Staying inside is a great opportunity for me to catch up on my management podcasts. My 3 favorites: Cranky Middle Manager, Manager Tools and Management Tips. Often there are a few nuggets I can get from Wayne and Mark and Mike Nick that can make me more effective.
Share something new – Just knowing something isn’t enough for me. I like to share what I know as well. It’s why I continue to write the Slacker Manager blog every day. It’s not easy coming up with 30 articles a month for you, but if I keep learning, and keep sharing, I hope I can impact the world and make it better for managers and want-to-be managers.
Rest – I’m definitely going to rest a little more than usual today. I’ll take a nap in the afternoon, so I am refreshed for the week ahead.
What do YOU do when you have a snow day or other unplanned day off?
Take a snow day credit from Phil Gerbyshak’s private collection
I do the same things I always do… snow does not prevent me from going full speed ahead. Well, I may drive a bit slower, and need to shovel it, but it’s still business as usual.
I make Angie shovel! lol. Just kidding, I’m working on a new section for http://www.marriedinmilwaukee.com/ and catching up on the weekend Twitter posts. Also might write some articles later.
You know, Phil, it often feels like one is between battles when the snow flies to a depth and ferocity which makes getting to the office impossible. So, just as good soldiers spend their down time sharpening their swords, cleaning their weapons, and simply enjoying some peace and quiet, I agree with you in your chosen categories of activity on an unplanned off day.
One addition to the list which I think is valuable: step back, way back, so far back from the forest that you can really think strategically. Too often, managers are so deeply engrossed in the day-to-day tactics that it is not possible to pause and consider the bigger picture.
When you have unexpected down time, though, you can spend some of that time considering where you are now and where you seek to be in the future…not just next week or next month, but a year or two from today.
I learned the hard way that it is far preferable to decide where you are heading before you press the accelerator to the floor.
Pete – Glad to hear you keep charging ahead. I wonder what would happen if you did slow down….
Greg – Catching up is a great suggestion. Just don’t put Angie through TOO MUCH work!
Rick – I think you’ve hit upon something I really need to do: Step back and reflect. Take on the big picture and see what I meant to do that I haven’t done, and what strategically can really help me move ahead.
A clear map makes the trip easier.
Thanks for that very timely reminder!
Ahhh … Colorado … where I call “home” – Lakewood, Colorado (actually Green Mountain). But watch out for those 100 year blizzards! Bring skis or snow shoes! They come in handy when one of those blizzards come your way! Yes, I was in one in – the snow covered the cars and the only way to know where cars were was by the “crunch” of the snow when I was walking over them!