Time the Tough Ones

By Jim Ruta, BA RHU
Director, GAMA International Canada

“Fatigue makes cowards of us all”. The advice came from a giant in the history of Canadian agency management, Hugh Arrison, then of Canada Life in Edmonton.  It’s just a simple idea but it can help make you a better leader.

You are in a people business. People can be tiring -- very tiring. You aren’t doing physical labour but you can be even more exhausted than if you were. When you are exhausted, you are a chicken. 

Important, delicate or contentious issues need to be scheduled when everyone involved is rested and ready -- particularly you. Trying to take on a tough situation at the end of a day is just asking for trouble. It’s not courageous, it’s silly. Don’t do it. 

Meetings with important clients, advisors, recruits or staff are always better when you are well rested, especially if the topic is difficult.  Schedule them before noon every time.  Saving tough meetings for the end of a day will only mean tired people on both sides of the table.  It will also mean less success and satisfaction than you hoped.

Recruiting calls, selection meetings, performance appraisals, sales meetings, important telephone calls are all more successful when you are not tired.  These contacts require courage and clear thinking.  Fatigue saps your courage and fogs your mind.  Your results will never be as good as they would have been earlier in the day.

So, time your tough jobs and challenging meetings for earlier in your day.  When you do you will draw upon your highest level of courage and best thinking.  That always leads to better results.

Are you interested in volunteering for GAMA International Canada? If so, email cciotola@advocis.ca

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