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You and your family as core business

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Thursday, 10 January 2013

You and your family as core business


At work I have a set of service specifications and those service specifications have key performance indicators and those indicators are my core business.

 Pre-baby I interpreted those service specifications broadly and I encompassed far more than I was required to because I could and I wanted to - I'm easily inspired by a good idea.

 Post-baby I returned to work part-time, now working three days per week and job sharing the role. 

 Working part-time, I no longer have the flexibility to interpret those specifications as broadly, if I do I end up with lesser quality outcomes on core projects and a potential negative impact on my family, because no one wants a stressed out, tired me in the house.

 So at work I now take a step back. Rather than being the first to put up my hand, I wait to see who else might. Every task I am approached with, I look at how well it fits within the definition of my core business before committing, knowing that every commitment will have a rolling impact on other tasks and potentially my family. I have been doing this successfully for more than six months and the quality of my work is higher than ever.

 This fits well with my New Years resolution, to promote what is important and demote the superficial.

 What are your service specifications, key performance indicators and core business when it comes to you and your family?
Photo property of Twinkle in the Eye
As a wife I want to be open, engaged, loving, spontaneous and nurturing.

 As a mother I want my little boys basic needs met, I want him to feel loved and secure, I want his days to be stimulating, I want to foster his learning and lead by example.

 As a woman, I want to be a good wife and mother, I want to be healthy and energetic, I want to be good to my family and friends and I want to find opportunities to be creative and feel challenged.

 So for every commitment I make I will now ask myself at home as I do at work - is this my core business? If it's not, the answer will be no, because I want quality outcomes where it counts.

Labels: , , ,

posted by Bree @ Twinkle in the Eye @ 11:03   20 Comments

20 Comments:

At Thursday, 10 January, 2013 , Blogger SarahMac said...

This is something I need to do! I stared work back this week after my mat leave for my second baby. 2 days a week. My boss has already asked me to read a complex document at home during the week and I agreed, but then I forgot to take it home. But then I thought about it and realised I would just prefer to do my work during my meagre paid hours. So I will have to harden up and tell him this! He's already sent me an email too. Ridiculous.

 
At Thursday, 10 January, 2013 , Blogger Bree @ Twinkle in the Eye said...

Set your boundaries early and think before you open your mouth. That's what I have to consciously do. Best of luck finding the balance that suits you.

 
At Thursday, 10 January, 2013 , Blogger Del said...

You, Bree, ought to be congratulated!!!!!I wish that when I was your age, that I hadn't tried to be all things to all people. The generation gap, with it's accompanying cultural difference,is showing me that if all the young women of your age are of the same mindset that you have, then the nation &its children will be in a far better mental space than was my generation. What you are proposing really matters!!!.. How come my 5th baby is soooo smart? love you ...Mum.

 
At Thursday, 10 January, 2013 , Blogger Bree @ Twinkle in the Eye said...

Oh mum, you're lovely. I had to learn something from my quarter life crisis!

 
At Thursday, 10 January, 2013 , Blogger Eleise Hale said...

A great article Bree! I am also trying to simplify my life this year by adding in some big goals and losing the little time wasters which are not important to me.

I think we need to look at home life like a job and prioritise the most important parts.

 
At Thursday, 10 January, 2013 , Blogger Annaleis Topham said...

What a great outlook to have Bree. I think its important to have goals and pursue them at home as well as at work.

Annaleis - Blogs and PR Team Member

 
At Thursday, 10 January, 2013 , Anonymous MultiBlogging Mum said...

Coming over from Blogs & PR:
I'd like to be a good wife & mother too.. I hope I am doing a great job.
I have some small goals that I want to achieve this year that will help me better myself at these too!

 
At Thursday, 10 January, 2013 , Blogger Lauren Hender said...

You are super!xo

 
At Thursday, 10 January, 2013 , Blogger Rebecca Westphal said...

Great stuff Bree - you're one wise woman.

 
At Thursday, 10 January, 2013 , Blogger Masshole Mommy said...

My goal this year was to be most positive. It's not that I am negative necessarily, but I always seem to let little things bother me & I've been trying hard not to sweat the small stuff.

 
At Friday, 11 January, 2013 , Blogger Judy Haughton-James said...

All the very best with your goals Bree. I admire your determination to have a well balanced life. This year I am determined that while I set career goals I must do all that is needed to find true peace of mind. I am single but I am a family person and regularly find time for relatives. I also find time for friends. Take care.

 
At Friday, 11 January, 2013 , Blogger Sophie Allen said...

I bet it was hard at first to take a step back at work after having had such control over things.

It really is ok to simplify, it's a great idea to not say yes to everything. I think it would be so much less stress.

 
At Friday, 11 January, 2013 , Blogger Janet Camilleri said...

Sounds like a great strategy. I have recently started working from home and it's a whole new ballgame ... might try your tips :-)

 
At Friday, 11 January, 2013 , Blogger Bree @ Twinkle in the Eye said...

I don't know that I could successfully work from home with children underfoot. I could certainly do it without children but you would need clear boundaries around work and home life to make it sustainable and enjoyable. Good luck Janet.

 
At Friday, 11 January, 2013 , Blogger Bree @ Twinkle in the Eye said...

It certainly does induce less stress even if it does go against the grain.

 
At Friday, 11 January, 2013 , Anonymous Jodi @ Mummyhood101 said...

Oh Bree you sound like me! I am back 3 days a week, and have done that for 6 months. In the beginning I jumped feet first back in and ended up working on my days off to keep up with all the things I put my hand up for! Now this is a new year, and I am taking a step back, and anything additional I ask to do, I am asking myself whether it fits in with my family first! :)

I will be starting one day from home, I have already proved I can do it as I mentioned I have worked on my days off many a time. I am utilising a nanny though, she helps me out on occasions so to have her for the core hours of 9 to 1 (kids sleep from 1 to 3) that will enable me to work uninterrupted! :) (hopefully fingers crossed!!!)

 
At Friday, 11 January, 2013 , OpenID havealaughonme said...

You seem like a very smart women, and I have no doubt you'll achieve you goals.
I just hope to make it through these first years of my children's lives without having a nervous breakdown!!! Emily

 
At Friday, 11 January, 2013 , Blogger Tracey said...

When it comes to my family, I'm just trying to be more present and grateful. I want to really appreciate the little things, as they will be gone all too soon.
It sounds like you're creating boundaries, which can only be a good thing for your family :)
xx

 
At Friday, 11 January, 2013 , Blogger Victoria Rogers said...

I like the ideas and the way they are presented, I will have to think upon this strategy :)

 
At Sunday, 13 January, 2013 , OpenID familysurvivalcoach said...

You have a great focus Bree and I love the way you can transpose your thinking to the business of family! What a great balance you have xx

 

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