Simply put, the competitive corporate work environment is demanding! High performance expectations, quick adaptation to change
and putting in whatever time is needed to create success are standard issue these days. Are you feeling the stress of these
pressures and others? Are you struggling to find the right mix of work time, recharge time and relationship time? In this
article, we will explore issues related to work-life harmony (WLH) and provide some useful suggestions to help you optimize
your approach to this crucial leadership behavior.
The truth about work-life harmony
WLH is, at a minimum, being able to create and sustain a reasonable degree of happiness and fulfillment in your life. This
is achieved by making good choices concerning your professional life, your health and wellness, and all of your personal and
professional relationships. This is a dynamic process that requires planning, prioritizing and adaptation grounded by clear
goals.
Achieving effective WLH isn't an easy process. It isn't a simply achieved enlightenment, or a sudden 50-50 balance of work
and life. The truth is WLH is earned by strategic planning, knowledge of facts and by consistent execution of tactics that
minimize disorder and maximize your time and resources. The second law of thermodynamics can be stated as: "Left unattended,
all things spontaneously proceed to chaos." This law of applies to our WLH as well. To create a realistic WLH, you need a
plan that allows you to attend to the many variables in your life. Creating better WLH
Sustain your biochemical machine. Like all machines, the human body requires maintenance. Healthy habits energize and contribute to overall functionality and
wellbeing. Start with the statement: "I will not blow my FEWS"; food, exercise, water and sleep create the baseline. If you
are uncertain about how to start, consult your physician or a nutrition expert and establish a sensible program. A healthy
and energized leader will be more productive and inspire other.
Strategically attend to relationships. When long periods of time lapse between connections with people, the relationship is at risk. The key to keeping the relationship
harmonized is approaching it with an IV drip mentality, not a bolus dose approach. Schedule key events such as crucial business
meetings. Even if a meeting is short, the time spent is worthwhile. If you can't meet in person, use cards, e-mail and invitations
as ways to keep connected. At the very least, the person will know you are thinking of them. Keep note cards and contact information
handy, and keep track of important dates. Make sure to spend extra time with your family and let them know they are a priority.
Do a daily scan of your commitments three months out. Most busy professionals use modern tools to track their schedules. However, don't get caught in the trap of looking only at
immediate needs. Glance over your three-month schedule daily, and look for balance, errors and opportunities to restore harmony.
By scanning routinely, you will be able to keep a better perspective and keep more time available.
Manage your money like a pro. Money problems can pose a challenge. If you start to experience distress, immediately get professional financial help to plan
how to get back on track.
Measure the results of your choices. Ask yourself if your life is improving. Do you feel more balanced? Does your family feel more connected to you? Take quantitative
measures of your health. Are you doing fewer fire-drills and feeling more organized? Set up a series of such questions to
ask yourself to test your WLH effectiveness.
Consequences of poor work-life harmony
Working to live is far better than living to work; and working yourself to death isn't always figurative. Leaders who don't
achieve WLH tend to be stressed out and difficult to work with. Relationships can be damaged or lost, and depression can result,
jeopardizing the leadership role. Practicing the suggested tactics will either help start or optimize WLH.
