REMOTE WORK & SCHOOL: HOW TO GET YOUR FAMILY ON THE SAME PAGE
On Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show-Home Edition, his young daughters are often on-screen, basically doing their own thing and being adorable. He begrudgingly and laughingly goes with the flow. While the dynamic works for Jimmy Fallon’s show, I would not “flow” that well if our 6 year-old jumped on camera during any of my EOS client sessions.
The good news is that EOS clients have the process and communication tools that can translate easily to remote living. Whether or not you hold weekly family meetings, a helpful tip is to get on the same page with your partner. In EOS, we train Visionaries and Integrators how to improve communication and alignment, through a “Same Page Meeting”. While there’s more details in an EOS Same Page Meeting, similar principles apply at home.
Here’s a process we’ve successfully implemented in our own household. If you want to play along, schedule time in the next 24 hours to get on the same page with your partner/spouse.
I’ll wait...
Welcome back! In preparation for the meeting, here are guidelines so you can show up as your best self:
Take a deep breath.
Silently review the week’s family and work calendars. Without any feedback, yet.
While silently reviewing calendars, note any areas of scheduling conflict.
Then, take turns articulating the times you are and are not available.
Next, identify times you’ll need for research, preparation, and just thinking in general. Be generous and try and balance your own needs with your household’s needs.
Based on calendars and workloads, decide how much time each adult (or teen) will be “on call” for the family during the workday.
If (age) appropriate, communicate your plan with your kids.
Put it into action for a week. Modify as needed next week.
Ideas! A few options to consider include:
dividing the day into morning and afternoon shifts;
alternating morning/afternoon shifts the following day;
determining who is handling each meal and snacks; or
dividing the day into two- or three-hour on-duty shifts (*my current favorite*)
Whether one person ends up with 100% of responsibility or greater balance is sought, the meeting will eliminate assumptions, remove fire drills, and get you both on the same page.
Success requires open communication — in business and family. Each household should determine the appropriate structure based on its own dynamics. Overall, treat each other as you would like to be treated. It goes a long way!
Let me know if these or similar ideas work for you!
Stay focused,
Lisa