Harnessing Objectivity

• Apr 21, 2008 Posted by Layla Masri

  In today's society, especially in the DC area, being frenzied and overbooked is almost a badge of honor. But it comes at a price that we often don't realize until much later. Running at full tilt all the time rarely produces sound strategic decisions.

  I'm writing this entry from Key West - sober. I had too much to do to get ready to leave a life that doesn't seem to have a moment's spare time. And my blog entry is late. But writing from this location after a couple of days of unwinding has shown me what I can't see when I'm in the middle of my regular life - the one with a growing business, a working marriage, a lively toddler, and a house under renovation.

  I see the value of breaking away and taking a breath. It's something I know is useful, but isn't often a choice. The neat thing is that unwinding has let me realize that it doesn't have to be a physical separation from daily life as much as a brief emotional break from the passionate days that can define entrepreneurship and family life.

  We've all seen the great ideas that an objective mind can create. We know how valuable taking a step back can be in identifying patterns in our businesses that need changing, or defining new markets or products. An unencumbered mind can be a powerful one.

  We don't have to literally go on vacation to detach enough to be objective - we just need some clear mental space.

  What makes it so hard to achieve?

  I think the answer for many women business owners is much like mine - it's about permission. Giving yourself permission to "clear the deck", free your mind, and not be responsible for 10,000 things at once, even for a minute, can be scary. It can make you feel guilty, like you aren't pulling your weight, or you're losing time you didn't have to begin with, or maybe that you're having a moment of peace that others around you don't get. Those are all true for me.

  What we fail to weigh this against is the reality that frantic, packed, overobligated, and working past capacity aren't necessarily signs of success, importance, or even good business. If we want solid, sustainable growth - even at a rapid pace - we must allow ourselves to be good stewards of our companies. And that requires the ability to objectively view the business as well as our role in it.

  So try something next week. Give yourself permission to take a little time. Believe that the world will not crash to a halt and that no one will think less of your thoughtful, deliberate investment in your business. Then do it again. It's an investment that will pay off many times over, in efficency, creativity, morale, and direction.

  Carla Morelli is President of FreyerMartin, an executive bill-paying firm that supports individuals who are extremely busy. She loves being able to give them time and peace of mind.

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• Re: Harnessing Objectivity
  Apr 26, 2008 | Roberta Gosier | rgosier@earthlink.net 

  Carla, Your thoughts on "sanity breaks" are right on the money. Lookin back I see that some of my best business ideas came to me when I wasn't " on the clock". These off duty "idea times" have included doing laundry, cleaning up the patio, vacation and family activities.

  I, literally, just got back from a short trip to Brooklyn NY to meet my new grandson. What a blessing!

  Hope your holiday is fun and relaxing.

  See you soon!

• Re: Harnessing Objectivity
  Apr 25, 2008 | Vanessa Brown | vanessabrown@bsvconsulting.com 

  Carla-

  This is so true and I 'get it' when I actually do take the time to go on vacation or take a little mental break, but I don't do it often enough. Your best ideas come to you when you're refreshed not harried.

  Great post and I hope you're having a relaxing time away!

• Re: Harnessing Objectivity
  Apr 24, 2008 | Maureen Metcalf | maureen@metcalf-associates.com 

  Carla - thanks for your post and great to hear you are taking time away. I teach leadership in an MBA program and one of the challenges is to help leaders redefine their roles. We have talked about Emotional Quotient (EQ) but most of us do not really know where to find it out there and how to schedule it into our day. The research indicates that having a reflective practice is critial to increased effectiveness and I would argue also critical to maintaining resilience and clear thinking. This reflective practice can be taking a walk in the woods or sitting quietly in the car for 2 minutes before a meeting. Thanks for being a role model for us!

• Re: Harnessing Objectivity
  Apr 24, 2008 | Joan Fletcher | jfletcher@winningwaysinc.com 

  Carla - just imagine if 1/8 of the people who read this take it to heart and actually slow down a little next week - you will be positively affecting each one of them! These are great thoughts and we all need to hear them more often in this crazy paced DC metro area. Thanks.

• Re: Harnessing Objectivity
  Apr 22, 2008 | Joyce | jnohowel@1dcm.com 

  In the 1980's (yes, the old days) we called this sharpening our ax. The story goes that the great wood loggers would periodically stop to sharpen their ax's. Yes, it took time away from chopping, but with a sharp ax each chop was more effective and deeper. Shall we say more meaningful? I recommend all business owners to take a tactical break from their companies for a strategic "fresh breath" from time-to-time. Even one day away from email, phones, employees, suppliers, and clients helps get you out of the frantic noise to objectively see what is really happening. Try it - perhaps not Key West, but away from the office and home.

• Re: Harnessing Objectivity
  Apr 22, 2008 | Kim Lysik Di Santi | klysik@erols.com 

  Well put, Carla. I find that, as a mom-preneur with a full life, it seems to be a constant balancing act. The main thing is that I keep my priorities, focus on my goals and do my best each day.

  Kim Lysik Di Santi

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