The value of a good assistant is difficult to overstate. The idea of someone preparing your day so you have the information you need right when you need it, would make life and work so much easier.
How would your work day be different with that level of support?
Schedule and Direction
“You have a meeting with…” and “This way, sir.” have to be among two of the most common phrases uttered to someone occupying in the Oval Office.
The President’s schedule is set. The destination is determined. There’s no need to think much about that level of detail. More time for important decisions.
I’m also pretty sure checking Facebook to “take a break” from responding to emails isn’t part of the President’s routine either. But I digress.
I think many folks reject the notion of a day scheduled out like that. But isn’t that what so many of us are struggling with? We say we’re busy, but I’m betting we’re overstating that. Our primary problem is with the decisions and distractions of what to do next, and where to focus our attention.
Personally, I imagine it to be quite freeing (if not somewhat demanding ) to have these things nailed down. The idea of an assistant preparing the information I need for my day and laying it out in my calendar is quite appealing.
Having travel details, or notes and contact information for meetings would be enormously helpful. Or a sales call sheet prepared with who to call, their numbers, and a note about each person. All laid out to move from one important task to another throughout the day. And always leaving with the feeling that you worked on exactly what you intended. It sounds fantastic.
Be Your Own Assistant!
You and I aren’t likely to have the level of support the President receives. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take some cues from how to operate this way.
Decide before you have to.
I work to remove as many decisions from my life as possible. All those tiny little details about what to wear and what to eat get in the way of the bigger stuff. Deciding ahead of time and making sure everything I need is ready and available makes for a much easier morning.
Fill Your Schedule
While I don’t pack my schedule full of meetings or calls, I do try to schedule all my time during each day. It helps me be more deliberate with how I use my time.
I schedule my free time even if that means scheduling a nap or a walk in the middle of the day. It’s far better than filling unscheduled time with random internet browsing and Facebook scanning.
Use The Tools You Have
Your email inbox has filters that can deliver messages into specific folders. By taking a bit of time to set them up, you can get exactly what you want in each folder.
Your calendar has sections for location, contact information, and notes about your meeting. Filling in this information eliminates searching your inbox for emails or phone numbers before your next call.
It may take a little work upfront, but imagine what you’d want an assistant to have ready for you. Imagine having what you need, right when you need it. What would your day be like if everything was laid out? Why not do that for yourself?
I’m just guessing, but I’m betting you’d get a lot more done.
Have a great week.
-Rob Hatch
Rob is the founder of Owner Media Group Inc, United States.