What you do each day at work or home is often only known by you! Have you ever asked yourself what would someone need to know to do what you do, if you were away for a period of time? Who could back you up? If you were asked to step in for a colleague or a family member, what would you need to do this?
Back-up plans are a vital component to an overall strategy within an organization or at home. At work, creating a culture that recognizes value of each individual’s contribution through knowing what everyone does fosters conversations about performance, customer service, customer delivery and ultimate customer satisfaction.
At home, recognizing the various “balls in the air” and who does what leaves us in a better position to prepare plans to cover each other.
Creating a “stepping in” plan begins by assessing the service provided or the function delivered by each person on the team (at work) and by assessing what it takes to manage the household (at home). Ask yourself, “Who is responsible for what?” “What is done on a day to day basis?” The beauty of these questions allows for everyone to identify how they interpret their role and what they do.
I’ve had many surprises when I’ve asked this question at work and home over the years. Some responsibilities were overlooked or avoided entirely, which helped identify “gaps”. By taking note of the information learned, allowed for the opportunity to learn of the potential impact to a smooth operation/life. When omissions or redundancies appeared, there were many “ah ha” moments, opening up opportunities for improvement.
All changes depend on a willingness to make a decision and commit to action. As Lao Tzu says, “Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small.”
If you are curious about exploring the unknown about contingency planning at home and work and why this may be of benefit, I invite you to contact The Living Planner. We proactively help you assess your situation in business and home and explore ways for you to protect what is important to you by asking questions. What is your risk? Your plan? Are you ready to be ready?
Contact us to learn more about how we work with individuals, business owners and employees via Email or online @ The Living Planner #LifePlanningSimplified #CareForPeopleCareForBusiness