Giving people what they need to succeed

I started my morning with a couple of hours of calls and then headed to the driving range to get some practice in. I had blocked off my calendar between 10-3pm to get some work done, but I wasn’t feeling great so I figured I take my mind off of work for a bit.

After a good session of 100 balls, the weather was great and I decided to go for a run around the Presidio. I got back around Noon feeling great with the sun shining. I was driving back when I made the spur of the moment decision to go and grab lunch at Japantown. That lunch ended up being extended when I went to the grocery store to pick up a few things.

I got back to my apartment to eat and the by time I was back at work it was 2pm. Oops.

It was odd as I felt a sense of guilt for taking a 4 hour break in the middle of the work day, but I felt great afterwards. I proceeded to conduct two interviews and made up the work in the evening quickly and efficiently. My to-do list is now the shortest it’s been all week.

It’s time to start rethinking the 9-5 workday. While I don’t condone everyone taking a 4 hour break everyday, we shouldn’t be looking down on people for wanting to take a break. Sometimes the best things for productivity is to take a break and today was a great example.

I plan on making sure my team has what they need to succeed. I want them at their best and each person needs to decide what they need to be at their best. Today, I needed a 4 hour break to be at my best.