CEO of the Year
TO: SavvyMom
FROM: 2006 CEO of the Year Award Committee
RE: Award Ceremony
Congratulations! You’ve been honoured with the 2006 CEO of the Year award. Your household and family are running like a well-oiled machine.
But we know it’s lonely at the top (wearing all those different hats) and sometimes overwhelming. After all, you were in the running for the ‘Women Who Do Too Much’ Award too!
Every good CEO knows there are a few keys to success, and so in honour of your achievements, we got some tips to start the new year off right from Allison Talacko, founder of Mainstay Coaches (and mom to Amie) and Lindsay Sukornyk, founder of North Star Coaches (and mom to Raine and another on the way).
#1: Don’t Lessen Your Goals, Increase Your Support by Building an A-Team
Define all the areas in your life that require your time (and be realistic). Include housework, scheduling kids’ programs, social time and career obligations (just to name a few). Think about the jobs that you want to do and the ones you would rather delegate. If you know who is on your team—family members, in-laws, friends and babysitters—decide which tasks are appropriate for them. Your children will take pride in unloading the dishwasher, setting the table or feeding the dog. Trust that your team players are capable and remember that raising self-sufficient adults is one of your key priorities. Critical CEO tip: Remember to be patient if the job is not done your way!
#2: Ask for 100% of What You Want
Address your A-team with requests, not complaints. Ask for what you want and be specific to each member. We often assume that our team members are purposely not helping out, or don’t want to when in reality, we may not have clearly asked for what we need. Language is the key—try “I would so appreciate it if you could carry up the clean laundry for me” vs. “You never do anything around the house.”
#3: Measure the Results
Any good CEO measures results and holds people accountable. Periodically check in with yourself and your team to see how you’re doing. Give yourself a score between 1 and 10 on how you’re doing in all the aspects of your life (career, relationships, finances, health and fitness, fun, contribution). This way you can catch any areas that are slipping before they become a crisis. Adjust your strategy and keep tweaking, as you strive for success.
#4: Savour the Moment
One of the best ways to make more time is to take it. Stop. Take a moment to savour what’s going on around you. Notice how proud your children are when they are engaged in purposeful activities. Take a second to appreciate what’s working.
#5: Be a Role Model
Consider the example you are setting for your children. You have to model the behaviours you want to see passed on. When you feel more supported and less strung out, naturally you will be at ease and more fun to be with. Your children will mirror your positive attitude and will learn to ask for support when they are “doing to much” and learn to distribute their load—just like mom! If this means taking a little time off for mom to recharge, then learn that it is OK to remove yourself from the equation once in a while.
#6: Celebrate your Successes
When you notice things are working well, acknowledge the success of your team with a celebratory dinner out or game night. The best way to motivate a team is to reward the positive behaviours you want to see repeated. Most importantly, don’t forget to recognize your own success and regularly give yourself a big pat on the back. You’re doing a great job—keep it up!
On behalf of your A-team (who did you think nominated you?), congratulations on being the best mom you can be. Now start thinking about increasing their list of responsibilities. (Remember that mess the dog made in the backyard yesterday?)
For more information on how coaching can support moms, contact Lindsay Sukornyk of North Star Coaches or Allison Talacko of Mainstay Coaches
