Wipfli logo
Management and Leadership in Nonprofits

Management and Leadership in Nonprofits

 

Busy

Sep 30, 2019
By: Tammy T. Jelinek
Busy

Busy 

“Busy” seems to be the standard answer these days to the question, “How are you?”

Busy is defined online as “having a great deal to do — or keep occupied.”

This came to mind after my husband asked what was on my work agenda for the day. 

I found I was tired of saying it was a day full of meetings. In jest, I answered that I was spending the day collaborating with various people to make great things happen. And you know what I realized? I really was doing just that in my day — if I came into each meeting with the correct mindset.

My challenge to you, because it is my challenge to me, is to reword what you have going on in your day — and really mean it.

Instead of “busy” or “in meetings” as your answer to, “How are you?”, try these on for size:

  • Busy = I’m being productive by finishing this project that will make this impact.
  • Busy = I’m in learning mode so I can better serve this group of people.
  • Busy = I’m planning to ensure we make an impact.
  • Busy = I’m looking at how we did to learn what went well and repeat it and/or what went wrong to tweak it.
  • Meetings = I’m collaborating with the team to do X.
  • Meetings = I was asked to share my thoughts on an upcoming venture.
  • Meetings = I am learning where the direction of our work is headed so I might learn how to adapt or thrive in it.
  • Meetings = I am leading a team to help them realize they can do what needs to be done.

Don’t just be occupied — be occupied with what matters. Don’t just meet — collaborate to make impact.

You get the drift. And if the answers above don’t sound good to you — make up your own. Then share them with us! I might like one of yours better and “borrow” it. 😊

Wishing you a great day, and remember:  Lead with legacy.

Tammy


Tammy Jelinek has over 20 years of experience in working in and with fabulous organizations. This blog will explore what it’s like for her to lead as a woman, a GenXer and a person who truly wants to lead with legacy — meaning she wants to walk her talk. Tammy has presented training nationally across the United States, built businesses, coached amazing people and built a career in the squiggliest path known to man…or in this case, woman. She has a passion for being curious, helping people and making actions happen.

Follow Tammy:  Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter
Learn how Wipfli for Nonprofit and Government can help your organization.

Author(s)

Tammy T. Jelinek, MBA
Principal
View Profile
Management and Leadership in Nonprofits blog
Subscribe to Management and Leadership in Nonprofits

Submit