Summer season is slow at the office? Great! Let's catch up!

Hello bee readers,

So summer is finally here and man have we been waiting for it here in Canada. After six long months of winter cold, we are way overdue for the summer heat and the outdoors. There is still that cold wind that seems to come down on us and gets on my nerves but still, it's summer. This usually means that every single opportunity we have to enjoy a fresh cup of white sangria on a sunny terrace somewhere in Montreal will be taken. Oh yes  it will. This season naturally brings a big wave of vacationers which of course translates into quieter offices and a slow down in business transactions. But while everyone is out there celebrating the season's festivities and tumbleweed is the only thing rolling at work, now is the time to strike.

Strike for what exactly? Catching up on all those little things we set aside and tell ourselves we will get to when it's calmer at work. Well, that time has finally come and it's now or never (In the voice of Elvis Presley:' "it's now or neveeer!") it truly is though.

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Annual objectives

Take advantage of the fact that there are less interruptions, a little less buzz and a little less conversation a little more action please (That's Elvis again! but I digress). Go back to your annual objectives list and see if you are on track. If not, get your ducks in a row and make some significant progress before you get really busy again

On the other hand, if you're on schedule and have time to spare, this is indeed the time to catch up in other areas or take initiatives on new projects and ideas that have been on the back burner for a while. So go ahead, organize that plan with clear steps, call up a meeting with your team and get the ball rolling before it's too late.
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What needs updating and improvement? 

Not sure what to start with? Begin by going back to the basics of how you get your work done every day. Is there anything there that needs updating? Any forms that could become digital and paperless? Take a step back and observe what needs smoothing over. Call up a meeting with the team and share the initiative, two heads are better than one. Sure, a few colleagues may be on vacation at the moment but it is still the right time. Re-questioning working methods is always a good idea to improve processes and making sure we are up to date with the latest trends and practices. Which leads me to my next point. 
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Updating your skills

When is the last time you took a class or participated in a workshop? If you're like me and are member of a professional order (designation), you are obligated to complete a certain number of hours of pertinent training every five years. Knowing that summertime can be calmer, strike at the opportunity to get a few classes done. Myself? I signed up for an online deontology and ethics class, one that had been staring at me for a while and I'm finally getting it over with.  

Another idea could be to organize learning lunches for some coaching and team development. Sharing ideas, tips and tricks amongst colleagues also reinforces team spirit and trust. 

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Network

It's terrace season and what better excuse to invite someone for a happy hour than the sunny weather? Everyone is in the mood to extend their day with a tasty drink and good company. Think about it, will you want to do this on a dark winter evening when you'll have a blizzard to face? No. Take advantage of the psychological effects that the lightened atmosphere and the festivities has on society to network! Solidify acquaintances and friendships with a warm breeze in your hair and you sunglasses on. 

Finally, do make sure to take time to relax and disconnect from the world a little. That too is quite the investment! ;) 

Bee summering! 
x

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