Manage Yourself

Question 1

Based on Jim Detert’s insights from his article “Cultivating Everyday Courage” and his book Choosing Courage, here are 10 actionable lessons to help you enhance your courage in everyday office interactions, along with practical steps to implement each:

1. Start with Small, Manageable Acts
   Actionable Step: Begin by voicing a minor concern in a team meeting or offering a suggestion to a colleague. Gradually increase the complexity of your actions as you build confidence.
2. Build Credibility Before Speaking Up
   Actionable Step: Consistently demonstrate competence and warmth in your daily interactions. Offer assistance to colleagues, share knowledge, and be reliable in your commitments.
3. Frame Issues Constructively
   Actionable Step: When addressing a concern, focus on the behavior and its impact rather than attributing motives. For example, say, “I noticed the report was submitted late, which affected our timeline,” instead of, “You always delay the reports.”
4. Manage Emotions Effectively
   Actionable Step: Before responding in a heated situation, take a deep breath and count to ten. This pause can help you respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
5. Follow Up After Difficult Conversations
   Actionable Step: After addressing a sensitive issue, check in with the involved parties to ensure understanding and to reinforce your commitment to the relationship.
6. Use the “Yes, And” Technique
   Actionable Step: In discussions, acknowledge others’ points by saying, “Yes, and…” This approach shows respect for their ideas while introducing your perspective, fostering a collaborative environment.
7. Choose the Right Timing
   Actionable Step: Assess the situation before speaking up. Consider factors like the emotional state of the group and the urgency of the issue to determine the optimal moment for your input.
8. Seek Allies When Appropriate
   Actionable Step: If you’re hesitant to address an issue alone, find a trusted colleague who shares your concerns. Presenting a united front can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.
9. Reframe Challenges as Opportunities
   Actionable Step: When faced with a daunting task, reframe it as an opportunity for growth. For instance, view a challenging project as a chance to develop new skills and demonstrate your capabilities.
10. Reflect on Your Experiences
    Actionable Step: At the end of each week, take a moment to reflect on situations where you acted courageously. Consider what went well and areas for improvement to continuously build your courage muscle.

Question 2

Drawing from Joseph L. Badaracco’s insights in his article “How to Tackle Your Toughest Decisions” and his book Managing in the Gray: Five Timeless Questions for Resolving Your Toughest Problems at Work, here are 10 actionable lessons to enhance your decision-making in the workplace:

1. Assess the Net Consequences of All Options
   Actionable Step: Before making a decision, list all possible actions and their potential outcomes. Consider both short-term and long-term effects on all stakeholders involved.
2. Identify Your Core Obligations
   Actionable Step: Reflect on your responsibilities as a manager and as a human being. Prioritize actions that uphold the dignity and well-being of others, even if they are challenging.
3. Evaluate What Will Work in the Real World
   Actionable Step: Consider the practical realities of your workplace. Assess the feasibility of each option, taking into account available resources, organizational constraints, and potential resistance.
4. Understand the Values of Your Organization
   Actionable Step: Align your decisions with the core values and culture of your organization. Reflect on how each option supports or undermines these principles.
   Bookey
5. Determine What You Can Live With
   Actionable Step: After evaluating all factors, choose the option that aligns best with your values and responsibilities. Ensure you can stand by your decision, even if it’s difficult.
6. Engage in Thoughtful Reflection
   Actionable Step: Take time to reflect on the decision-making process. Consider the implications of your choices and how they align with your personal and professional ethics.
7. Consult Trusted Advisors
   Actionable Step: Seek input from colleagues or mentors who can provide diverse perspectives. Discussing options with others can help clarify the best course of action.
8. Communicate Transparently
   Actionable Step: Once a decision is made, communicate it clearly to all affected parties. Explain the reasoning behind your choice and how it aligns with organizational values.
9. Monitor the Outcomes
   Actionable Step: After implementing the decision, monitor its effects. Be open to feedback and be prepared to make adjustments if necessary.
10. Learn from Each Experience
    Actionable Step: After each decision, reflect on what worked well and what could be improved. Use these insights to inform future decision-making processes.

Question 3

Building upon the insights from Julian Birkinshaw and Jordan Cohen’s article “Make Time for the Work That Matters”, here are 10 actionable lessons to help you focus on high-value tasks in your office environment:

1. Identify Low-Value Tasks
   Begin by reviewing your daily activities to pinpoint tasks that offer minimal value to you or your organization. These might include routine administrative duties, excessive meetings, or repetitive emails.

Actionable Step: Maintain a time log for a week, categorizing each task by its value and impact.

2. Categorize Tasks: Drop, Delegate, or Redesign
   Once you’ve identified low-value tasks, sort them into three categories:

Drop: Activities that can be eliminated without negative consequences.

Delegate: Tasks that can be assigned to others.

Redesign: Processes that can be streamlined or improved.
Prime Your Pump

Actionable Step: For each task, decide which category it falls into and take appropriate action.

3. Delegate Effectively
   Delegation is a powerful tool for freeing up time. Assign tasks to team members who have the skills and capacity to handle them.

Actionable Step: Identify tasks that can be delegated and approach the appropriate colleagues with clear instructions and expectations.

4. Redesign Inefficient Processes
   Look for tasks that are necessary but time-consuming. Consider how these can be done more efficiently, perhaps by adopting new tools or methods.

Actionable Step: Analyze a routine task and brainstorm ways to complete it in half the time.

5. Allocate Freed-Up Time to High-Value Activities
   The time saved from eliminating or delegating low-value tasks should be redirected towards activities that contribute more significantly to your goals.

Actionable Step: Set aside specific time blocks in your calendar for strategic planning, client interactions, or professional development.

6. Commit to Your Plan
   Implementing these changes requires commitment. Share your plan with a mentor, colleague, or supervisor to hold yourself accountable.

Actionable Step: Discuss your new approach with a trusted individual and seek their feedback.

7. Monitor Your Progress
   Regularly assess how well you’re sticking to your plan and the impact it’s having on your productivity and job satisfaction.

Actionable Step: At the end of each week, review your time log to see if you’ve successfully eliminated or delegated low-value tasks.
The Good Men Project

8. Be Prepared for Resistance
   Changing established habits can be challenging. Be ready to face resistance from yourself or others, and have strategies in place to overcome it.

Actionable Step: Identify potential obstacles and develop solutions in advance.

9. Reflect on Your Values
   Ensure that the tasks you focus on align with your personal and professional values. This alignment will increase your motivation and satisfaction.

Actionable Step: Regularly reflect on your goals and values to ensure your activities align with them.

10. Share Your Learnings
    Sharing your experiences and strategies with colleagues can help create a culture of efficiency and focus within your organization.

Actionable Step: Organize a brief session to share your time management strategies and encourage others to adopt similar practices.

Question 4

Your commitment to detailed note-taking and structured thinking puts you in a strong position to create a powerful weekly reflection and planning ritual. This can not only sharpen your recall and learning but also help you lead your team more strategically.

Here’s a structured weekly reflection system tailored for your senior finance and audit role:

🧭 1. Framework: “The 4R Weekly Review”

Set aside 60–90 minutes each Friday (or Sunday/Monday, if needed), broken into four focused areas:

✅ 1. Reflect – What Happened and What Did I Learn?

Purpose: Consolidate learning, identify patterns, and refine your instincts.

Prompts to answer:

What were the key events and meetings this week?

What decisions did I make? What was the rationale?

What challenges did I face and how did I address them?

What did I learn about people (owner, team, stakeholders)?

What did I learn about systems/processes?

📌 Tip: Keep it brief – just bullet points or short paragraphs.

📌 2. Review – Actions, Follow-ups & Outstanding Items

Purpose: Ensure nothing falls through the cracks and loop is closed.

Checklist:

What tasks or follow-ups did I commit to?

Which ones are still pending? Why?

What escalations or reminders need to go out?

Are there any bottlenecks or delays that need intervention?

📌 Output: Update a central task-tracking doc or your team’s workboard.

🎯 3. Refocus – Priorities for Next Week/Month

Purpose: Shift from reactive to strategic. Link to broader goals.

Ask yourself:

What are the top 3 strategic goals I need to push forward?

What team or cross-functional issues need proactive attention?

Are there any risks I foresee in compliance, audit, or finance reporting?

What internal or owner-level communication needs to be planned?

📌 Output: Draft next week’s top 5 priorities for yourself and your team.

🔍 4. Reframe – Personal Development and Leadership

Purpose: Make space for leadership growth and deeper strategic thinking.

Prompts:

Did I delegate enough this week?

Did I mentor or support my team enough?

Where did I feel unsure or stuck? What help do I need?

What would I do differently if I had to redo something this week?

What can I read/research to deepen my understanding (technical or leadership)?

📌 Output: Note 1–2 actions for professional development or discussion with a mentor/senior.

Question 5

Summary Notes Format to Use Each Week

You can keep this as a template in Notion, OneNote, or Word:

WEEKLY LEADERSHIP REVIEW

📅 Week Ending: [Date]

1. 🌟 Key Highlights & Learnings
2. 📍 Issues Addressed & Decisions Made
3. 🔁 Outstanding Items & Follow-Ups
4. 📊 Strategic Priorities for Next Week/Month
5. 🧠 People & Team Observations
6. 💬 Key Communications/Meetings with Owner
7. ⛳ Development Focus (Leadership, Technical, Systems)

🧩 Bonus Tips for Success

Consistency: Block the same 90-minute window every week. Make it non-negotiable.

Accessibility: Keep all your weekly reviews in one folder for easy monthly/quarterly roll-ups.

Monthly Meta-Review: Every 4–6 weeks, reread past entries to identify patterns and adjust course.

Team Planning: Use your weekly reflections to set clear agendas or focus points for your Monday team meetings.