When approaching your work, do you create a “who” list or a “to do” list? We are all wired to fit somewhere on the spectrum of “task-focused” to “relationship-focused.” Most folks I know are pretty good at both, but have a tendency to lean one way or the other.
My gifting and the way God has wired me is to be task-focused so a to-do list is where I work. I’ve got friends who start their week with a list (either mentally or sometimes written) of people to connect with rather than tasks to accomplish.
The key to success no matter your wiring or tendency is balance. Here are six practical tips for balancing results and relationships:
To be more task-focused:
- Start a to-do list and put stuff on it. Get a notebook or notepad that you like carrying around, or one that fits in your purse or pocket.
- Write things down. Don’t trust your memory because we all tend to forget things when we are enjoying connecting with people.
- Remember, it doesn’t make you rude or antisocial to reschedule a chat or tell someone you have to talk later when there are important tasks due.
To be more relationship-focused:
- Don’t delay. When you think of it, affirm the things you appreciate when speaking with someone. Paying compliments can seem less important than a project you’re working on, but it only takes a second and makes a big difference.
- Set a goal. You can buy a box of notecards and a date to have them used by… or set tangible goals for meaningful conversations to have in a given week.
- Remember – it isn’t a bad thing to treat “building relationships” as a task if that helps you work at it and holds you accountable. As long as you are genuine, it will be the right thing to do.
Share other ideas with us on the CentriKid Facebook page about how you balance your responsibilities at home and at work.