Set the Stage

I'm in a lot of meetings a day. The best thing for my quality of life so far has been the wireless headset that I have. After all that coffee, I can pace around and work some of that energy off. But sometimes my pacing has a tinge of frustration as its root. "Whats this meeting about?"

I get invited to many meetings and I suspect that sometimes it is out of protocol. So bring me up to speed. I try to do that when I know someone is in my meeting that hasn't been involved in the topic being discussed. It really is simple. Take 30 - 45 seconds at the beginning of the meeting to lay out the goals for the a lotted time. This will then allow all participants to understand why they are they, how they can contribute and perhaps be more willing to take on action items.

Do you think it is possible people don't explain the goals of the meeting up-front because they don't have any goals for the meeting? If this is the case, give everyone their hour back. I've posted before on running efficient meetings and I think this is a good follow up.

Why are we here?

Good luck,
Brian
http://atomictower.com - Web Reporting Engine

Moving Energy

On the first day of my time at Babson college, my classmates and I were lectured to by the cohort ahead of us. They were psyching us up and giving us pointers on the road that lay ahead. One speaker owned a gym and was looking to buy into a franchise. I sat rolling my eyes as he said how important it would be to continue our exercise as we worked through the next two years. I wasn't buying any of it. How could I possibly find time for exercise as I commuted on the train to Boston, worked a full day and then squeezed classwork and family time into the remainder of the day. He was seriously a slacker taking time for exercise.

Now it is more than a year after the program. I have been working on starting my own company http://atomictower.com and I don't have any more time in the day than I did when I was commuting and at school. But I am beginning to understand what he meant. Entrepreneurship is exciting, stimulating and fun. It is the most ambitious endeavor that I have undertaken in my career. I am building something to be proud of that will benefit many. But how can anyone enjoy this if their body is breaking down?

Health is number 1. As the leader in your company it is imperative to stay healthy (you owe it to your partners). We need to project confidence to our clients and our investors. Looking and feeling fit tells people that you have everything under control and that they can trust you to manage your company as you manage your health.

I advocate taking the same approach to your health as we shoe-string innovators do to setting up our companies. Look to what is most important and provide for it as cost-efficiently as possible. No need to run into an expensive gym membership or an unrealistic schedule. My philosophy is that a healthy heart and lungs are the most important. So aerobic exercise is my choice. I like the fun of bike riding, so I bought a used bike for $30. I LOVE it! Not much for looking at, but I can get as good exercise on this as I can on a $1,000 bike. 

The last part is to commit to 20 minutes most days. Plan it like you would a meeting. I would never dream of not making a meeting, so get on the bike too. Since it is at home, all of the logistics that go into my excuses for NOT going to the gym are gone.

It is important, I recommend it, good luck.

Brian

http://atomictower.com – web reporting engine