No. 7, 2 February 2023

Welcome to The Journey As a new entrepreneur, I’m learning a lot after spending >25 years in a corporate structure leading and developing others. It’s so exciting and terrifying.

I’d like to share what I’m learning as it relates to being vulnerable, curious and growth minded.  It may be messy, but please enjoy for any of the tidbits that resonate with you.(check out our website for more information and blog content www.aspiretogrow.co)

This mini-blog theme is focused on how we get through the blues of the 1st quarter – and how we might find ways to energize and thank our teams.

Beginning of the Year Blues

It’s Not Just You

After the hectic pace of the holidays, the cloudy overcast days of winter, January and February can be tough months to slog through work. 

In 4 Ideas to Beat the New Year Doldrums, Rae Ringel provides some input on how we as leaders may help our teams and business get that spark back! With the constant news and LinkedIn updates of numerous layoffs, worker productivity and energy take a huge hit.  This is partially due to the fear of mistakes that could lead to the feeling of “Am I Next?”    

For mid size to larger companies on the calendar year fiscal year, the additional task of end of year performance reviews and calibration are in full swing.   How might we add a few moments of joy or energy back to February? 

Fail Fast February 

Ringel suggests a “Fail Fast February”.  Most businesses will wince at the sound of failure – but this one actually leads to potential ideas for increased efficiency.  Who better knows the bottlenecks to current processes better than employees who work with them every day? 

Perhaps it is a very cool asynchronous mind mapping exercise to list all the things that make Informed Consent (just from the top of my head) approval slow down? How might we improve the process for subject authorization forms to be reviewed? Certain tools can be used to collect pain points anonymously.  The key is to allow your employees the opportunity to think, get creative and build efficiency at the same time (win, win, win!)   

The biggest key (from my experience), is don’t ask for ideas and then not take any into consideration.  Share the themes for each category.  Create the psychologically safe environment to share feedback. 

Not all ideas need to be put into place -but it starts a great brainstorming process that can lead to real A-HA moments. 

You know, the ones that keep employees involved and motivated? 

Unexpected Appreciation

Another idea — what better than an unexpected thank you for your teams? 

• Maybe a catered (or lunch gift card) lunch? 
• Maybe a surprise gift basket with a reminder that they are doing great things? 
• Even better – who doesn’t love surprise company swag (pssst, t-shirts and jackets are the best). 

Lastly, remind your employees and your leaders the reason for being. 

Perhaps a video of potential customers (especially for biopharma companies). Seeing patients whose lives are changed because of the work you do is so rewarding.  Share handwritten or email messages from clients, customers or clinical site staff who have been impacted by your company and your culture.

Continue to do great things!

As you go through the 1Q2023, send a thank you note to someone at work who has made your work easier or more fun (better yet, write a thank you note, take a picture of it and then email it to them). 

Also – on those sunny winter days, take a walk, breathe in the fresh air and remember why the work you do is so meaningful to others.  

Do amazing things. Aspire to Grow.

Sincerely, Kathleen