When you think about it, there’s not a big difference between managing a road trip and managing a team of associates at the office. To prove the point, let’s see what it takes to have a successful road trip.
1. Create a plan but be flexible: Whether you’re managing a team at the office or a family trip, know your goals and how you’re going to get there. It could be a relaxing week at the lake, bicycling back roads, or following in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. Be clear regarding how long you can take (deadlines) and the budget. Along the way, be open to unexpected opportunities as well as the need for detours to accommodate foul weather, illness or unexpected closures.
2. Stay positive. Be the role model on how to turn challenges or disappointments into opportunities. A hot day can be broken up with shaded parks, ice cream and a run in the sprinklers. Grumbling doesn’t belong in your vacation vocabulary or in the office.
3. Be respectful: No one said it was easy to spend weeks on the road with the family. Whether you’re in the car or at the workplace, show respect to those around you. In times of stress, stay calm, look on the bright side, don’t sweat the small stuff and always act out of kindness.
4. Be a team: Parents, like managers, often feel they need to take full responsibility for decision-making. However, the process works best when everyone is vested. As a team, families can come up with great itineraries while staying within the budget and time constraints. This helps children embrace the activities because they helped make the choices. They feel valued and responsible. The amount of complaining goes way down. Likewise, co-workers are much happier and productive in a workplace where their opinions are valued.
5. Focus on what CAN be done, rather than what can’t. It doesn’t make sense to moan about the fact that it’s too expensive to take the whole family to the water park. Instead smart parents take the positive approach presenting how much fun everyone will have, splashing in the ocean. Likewise, smart managers outline the opportunities and communicate positively.
6. Provide opportunities for learning and growth: A road trip offers the chance to teach kids to read a map, put gas in the car, wash windows, watch for road signs, plan activities, follow a budget, and more. They feel important and relish learning new skills. Similarly, your employees need opportunities for growth. Empower them to learn new techniques and grow in their skills.
7. Choosing Your Route
This month, whether your goal is summer fun or top customer satisfaction ratings, remember the lessons of the road trip. Know your goals and be open to new opportunities. Meanwhile, stay positive, be a problem solver, empower those around you, be respectful and expect the best!
