Gentlemen’s Corner w/ Colin Furcht – The Guide to Working From Home.

The Gentlemen’s Guide to Working from Home I try not to choose controversial topics and while this may cause stress in those that have been
told to go ‘back to the office,’ let’s look at ways to make working from home more effective, efficient and productive. We will not debate the pros and cons here, maybe that’s another article. I have been a home worker for over 15 years and believe I can offer some constructive habits to make you all successful! Let’s dive in.

I’m much more productive, right?

Studies are mixed when it comes to how productive we are. Frankly, it’s up to you to decide how much work you will do or not do each and every day. That’s true if you are in the office, so let’s take responsibility for ourselves. Hopefully you all have a job that pushes you to be better, drives productivity and gives you a sense of value within your team. We all need to beappreciated but our job doesn’t necessarily define us.

1. Be consistent. I am a creature of habit. I know not everyone is organized like me. I actually take a good bit of flack from friends about my structure. That said, most companies and bosses expect it. Getting up BEFORE your first call with enough time to wash up, brush your teeth and put on a presentable outfit, gets YOU ready for the day.Showing up late with your camera off does not invoke much visible productivity. I always try to be on camera so that folks can see I am engaged in the call.
2. Always have a plan. Just like anything else, having a plan and working towards it will increase productivity just by default. The old saying ‘Those who fail to plan will plan to fail.’ Starting each day without a list of things to focus on means you will be easily distracted and then when things are due, you’ll be rushing to get things done. Let’s be honest, not everyone works well under pressure.
3. Make your office comfortable. If you have a separate room as your office, fantastic! Separating it from your life is important. However, if you don’t have a designated space, do your best to make one. Choose a desk over the kitchen table. Make sure you have a comfortable and supportive chair. Be near a window if possible. Design the space to be
   a place you enjoy being in. It changes your attitude every time you sit down.

4. Get out of the house. Yep, I said it. Make time for you. Sitting in front of your computer all day has many negative effects on you. Lack of sunlight and fresh air are not good. Take a 15-minute break to step outside and help clear your head and your lungs. It also
helps your back stretch out a bit.

5. Turn it off. Once your day is done, whatever time that is, turn off work. Unless you are required to be ‘on call,’ turn work off. Sure, if you want to get that last bit of a project done early and 30 more minutes will do the trick, get it done. However, that should be the exception, not the rule. You need to separate work and home life. For your own
well-being.

6. Set expectations with your supervisor. Understanding what is expected of you is key. Some bosses have some aggressive expectations. Establishing them early and hopefully being able to discuss them will be extremely important to your working relationship. If you are a boss, lead by example. Productivity is very important but so is it to make sure you are not burning out your team. Knowing what motivates your team is critically important to the overall health and success of your team. Take the time to understand, from both sides of the relationship.

7. Any quick hints before you go? Actually, I have a few. I put time on my calendar most days for lunch. It doesn’t always work out because some of my team is on the west coast. Regardless, block out 30-60 minutes every day and do your best to stick to it. Also, don’t respond to emails or chats after hours. That lets folks know you are available. Don’t set that precedent. Lastly, and I touched on this early on, give yourself
time BEFORE your first call to prepare for the day. Don’t set that alarm 15 minutes before your first call. If sleep is what you need, tag that time on the front end and go to bed a little earlier. Trust me on this, starting the day sluggish never gets better.

What about the social aspect?

Well, this is where the Brotherhood shows up again. Making sure you make time for the guys, even when work is crazy, be sure make time for that quick lunch. As we have covered here before, it may be up to you to make the plans.

Own it. Schedule a lunch a week to keep up with your boys. That hour during the day can prove to be the refresh you need in your day. That’s 52 lunches a year! That’s a lot of BRO time!

Take care of yourselves and your brotherhood!

Colin Furcht- BRO Beard Products CEO
Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to now a featured Author and small business owner! His desire is to bring men together and encourage
them to reach out. He has always said, ‘look out for yourselves and each other.’ All men need a Brotherhood. www.brobeardproducts.shop

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