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2019 Federal Budget - Economy
While the deficit for this year is expected to be $4.2bn, the Treasurer announced return to surplus of some $7.1bn estim...
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I recently had a wonderful two weeks of annual leave, completely unplugged from modern society (no mobile phone reception). For me, recharging is all about spending time in nature – usually in one of our amazing National Parks. At one point, I went five days without seeing another human, let alone talking to one!
There are a few important business lessons that I reflected on while away:
To have a long and successful career where we can give our best to our clients, we all need time to completely switch off and recharge our batteries. “R&R” will look different for everyone – some people would rather 5-star accommodation than roughing it in the bush. Whatever your R&R looks like, it is important that you take it regularly. For me, the benefits were proven when, at the end of two weeks of bird watching, bush walking, reading and staring into the campfire, my Oura ring let me know that all my health statistics were trending upwards! Coming back completely refreshed will allow me to give my best to our clients, and to our team and will ensure that burnout is avoided.
The long road west
I was camped away from mobile reception for two weeks because I had an outstanding team back in the office in Bundaberg, ensuring that clients were still receiving excellent service and that it was business as usual. My team now have an average length of service of 11.29 years each. They are experienced, technically excellent, and very client-focused. Because we have a team approach, my colleague Jes Wilkinson is across my clients and her own. In addition, our clients know they can always contact their dedicated Client Service Officer, Haylea. I usually give my clients a week’s warning before I go on Annual Leave, which ensures any burning issues can be dealt with before I go.
My camping set up
Annual Leave is booked prior to 30 June for the next 12 months so that we can plan our business calendar a year in advance. We know what months we are meeting with particular clients, and all training sessions and conferences are booked in. Inevitably, something will pop up that wasn’t planned (we all have life events); however, having 80% of the year planned ensures that when something unexpected occurs, we can easily cope with it. Gemma O’Shanesy manages our team and does an outstanding job of planning for all of the competing time pressures.
At Ulton, we pride ourselves on delivering what matters, not just to our clients, but also to our team members. In our team - family matters, so ensuring our people have quality time to connect with their families is important. While on this trip, I was completely disconnected, I have come back fully refreshed and recharged, which will allow me to be a better Mother, Grandmother and employer.
Moonlight on the Mulga
Everyone in my team is caring for children or elderly parents. Having the flexibility to be able to attend kids school events or sports, or shepherd a parent through a medical event is critical. To be able to have the flexibility to allow this, we need to ensure we are correctly managing the right level of work. This means always ensuring that we have sufficient capacity built in so that our people feel able to request unexpected time out of the office.
Some of these lessons have taken me over 30 years in financial planning to learn. I used to think working huge hours was the sign of an outstanding career. Now, I measure myself based on my own health and the happiness of my team and my clients. Here’s to all of you taking the time for some well-earned R&R!
I would be keen to hear what R&R means to you!
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