What Would You Do With An Extra Day?

This year as we know is a “Leap Year”, which provides us with an extra day.  Last year I was asked to schedule an appointment on February 29^th that would last the entire day.  As of 2:42pm February 28^th, I was informed that the scheduled appointment was cancelled and would be rescheduled.   This scenario or a variation of it happens to many of us.  I realized that I have been given the gift of time.  So, how should I put this time to good use?

Well, my to-do list is long and certainly not worth carrying on about.  However, let’s take a look at how anyone of us who have said at one time or another, “if I only had more time, I would...” statements.

If I only had more time, I would:

1.       Relax, get more sleep.

2.       Work on a home/work project.

3.       Spend more time with...

4.       Study for...

5.       Call or send a card to (spouse, significant other, client, family, friend...)

6.       Play a game with...

7.       Go to child’s...

8.       Prepare for an important presentation.

9.       Talk with the team about...

10.   Take the time to create a budget to improve a financial situation.

11.   Add new contacts to my contact manager.

12.   Pay bills (Yuck).

13.   Get taxes ready (Yuck).

14.   Plan a vacation day.

15.   Plan for my future by setting new goals.

16.   Put pictures into an album.

17.   Clean and organize to be more efficient.

18.   Read a book for pleasure versus a required topic.

19.   Research a self or home improvement topic.

20.   Volunteer.

Do any of these phrases sound familiar?  I seem to remember a time or two when I have said one or more of these statements myself.  So, how have you planned for your extra day in 2012?  Since I have just received the gift of time, I have started the day with an updated blog.  I will then organize my office, prepare for a training session and advertise it, pay bills, and study for a certification.  These are items that I would not have been able to do if I was still scheduled for a day long appointment on Leap Day. 

In closing, Happy Birthday to all of you who were born on this day.  For those of you who are looking for something to do, you have been given the gift of time, make it a great day!

Business Integrity

Why is this important to you?  Well, perhaps you as a business owner are working with another business and you notice slight flaws in how they speak with others, or perhaps you see that they do not live up to your ethical standards.  What it the first thing that comes to mind?  Maybe, “how can I get out of this business deal?”  Or, “should I say something?”  No matter what, you have the right to question business integrity.

Having business integrity can affect many areas of a business; profits, customer security, employee and business continuity, and much more.  In order to maintain business integrity in your own business, train your team(s).  This type of training is best delivered in person and reinforced with appropriate behaviors from everyone.

What could your integrity training look like?

1. Review policies regularly with your team (provide examples and make it interesting).
2. Ensure your handbook is up-to-date and details appropriate behaviors.
3. Engage leaders in recognizing and rewarding appropriate behaviors.
4. Describe in detail your Guiding Principles to help team members understand what is important.
5. Live up to your Guiding Principles and use it as a way to steer appropriate behavior.
6. When someone is not living up to the principles, have the courage to talk with them, timely.
7. Encourage feedback.
8. Document each time you train, speak on behalf of your Ethics/Guiding Principles/or Business Integrity statements.
9. Remember to celebrate when business practices are done well.

Good behavior will prevail when everyone is on the same page with what is expected.