features
Going for a quick run, or a coffee with
some friends, helps increase efficiency
and productivity over the long term. We
have all read studies that show us how
daily physical activity won’t only improve
your health, but it can also be the key to
maintaining a balance between home
and work. Take some time.
Secondly, things to
believe in
Role-model equality
We tell our children that women are
equal to men, but are they really going
to believe it when they see Mummy (and
rarely Daddy) drop everything to rush to
school every week? As society dictates,
the lesson to many children is that their
father is so important that he can't
possibly be disturbed during the day.
But by sometimes not being there we
show our children that women's time and
work is just as valuable as men's. And
that is okay. As is Daddy showing up
at school.
Teach independence and self-
reliance
Happy, resilient children believe they are
capable of doing things on their own
without always having mothers as a
safety net. By not always being there,
we help our children to learn to achieve
internal satisfaction. Assigning chores and
teaching responsibility in the home without
nagging and niggling are important. Role
modelling hard work and allowing the
children to experience disappointment is
not always a bad thing. It’s life. And once
they are doing everything on their own
without complaining … well that frees up a
lot of time too!
Let’s get there together
Let’s help each other out – are we
actively mentoring and sponsoring
other women? Professional women
are stronger together. The more often
women (and men) partake in flexible,
part-time and family leave options, the
more normalised it will become.
Grow your circle of trust
We all see the world differently, especially
the corporate world. Create a base of
professional women or like-minded
friends in a similar situation. Or look for
themed groups on social media. It’s such
a great way to share tips and cut corners,
gaining a lot more time.
Choose a good team
This is so obvious and makes such
a difference. Pick the right helper for
your home – spend time with her to
ensure you get out what you put in.
Pick the right staff for your office –
interview your candidates well. Hang
out with friends that make you feel
good and relaxed. Trust those you
take on board.
Delegate and be a good leader
Empower your team – make them feel
heard, loved, respected – So obvious…
but you can only do it when you have a
good team in place.
Manage your own schedule
Let people know when you can make
it. Make sure you don’t miss those vital
school events… your friends and clients
will have other available slots too.
‘Mother’, ‘employee’ and ‘me’ are not
separate roles – as philosopher John
Locke said “a person recognises himself
as the same being throughout his life, in
different times and places”. You are one
person, indivisible, who just happens to
wear many hats. Be proud and find the
best way to do it.
April 2018
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