Getting Back Up to Speed
Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉
I hope you had an amazing well-deserved time off. I know that coming back to work after a few weeks of downtime can feel overwhelming, and it can be hard to find your rhythm again. That feeling is totally normal.
You may be feeling like there’s so much on your plate already even when the year just started. Don’t worry, you got this. Take it one step at a time.
So, to help break it down, here are my 5 steps to get back into work mode to help you get back into the swing of things.
or watch a video about it here
Tip #1: Check Your Calendar for Meetings
The one thing you definitely don’t need right after a break is a calendar packed with back-to-back meetings. So, take a moment to look it over and see if there’s anything that can be cancelled or rescheduled. Just like you, everyone needs time to settle back in. By clearing out a few unnecessary meetings, you can give everyone some time back to catch up with less stress.
On the flip side, some meetings are important. For example, if you have new team members joining, don’t delay those welcome meetings! Kickstart the year with clarity by introducing new faces to the team and ensuring that they have everything they need to hit the ground running.
Tip #2: Check Your Chats
After meetings, the next place you’ll want to check is your chats. These are usually where the urgent stuff lives. People will know you're back and might shoot you quick DMs or messages that need a fast response. Start by scanning your chats to address the most urgent requests or questions first.
By tackling these smaller, quicker asks, you’ll give yourself some immediate wins, and that momentum will help you tackle bigger tasks later in the day.
Tip #3: Check Your Emails
Now it’s time to dive into your emails. But hold up—don’t just open everything and start responding in a panic. Instead, take a moment to scan your inbox for high-priority emails. Look for anything urgent, such as client requests, time-sensitive project updates, or any emails that might require your immediate attention.
BIG fan of Gmail’s Snooze button.
Flag those important ones, and then tackle them in batches. Don’t try to clear your entire inbox at once. Trust me, you’ll end up feeling even more overwhelmed. I’m personally a fan of the snooze button and I snooze emails to a more appropriate or realistic time to follow up on while still emptying my inbox albeit temporarily. This way, I can deal with the important ones first and keep everything else organized.
Tip #4: Plan and Schedule
It’s time to get strategic. What are your big picture goals for the month? What are your deliverables in the next couple of weeks? And don’t forget to take a look at any unfinished business from last year that you need to tackle.
This is where you plan ahead. Take some time to look at your key milestones. Once you have the bigger picture, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. If you can, create targets to prevent feeling overwhelmed by the mountain of work waiting for you.
Having a clear plan will keep you on track, and it’ll make your first week back a lot more manageable. By mapping out your schedule and breaking down tasks, you’ll feel more in control and ready to tackle the year.
Tip #5: Welcome the Team Back
Finally, don’t forget to take the time to welcome your team back with excitement and energy. Whether it’s a quick team chat, a coffee catch-up, or a lighthearted meeting to break the ice, creating a positive environment is key to setting the tone for the year ahead.
And being in Production, don't forget that YOU are the voice of positivity and encouragement in your department. It's good to acknowledge setbacks and even things that are not so good at the moment, as long as you also remember that your role is a leadership role. Whether you're a Production Manager, a Production Coordinator, or Production Assistant, Production at any level is a leadership role. As a leader, set the tone for the year, and make sure you’re spreading that good energy, whether it’s with your team or with yourself.
So there you have it—five tips to help you get back up to speed and crush your first day back after the holidays! Remember, it’s all about giving yourself and your team some time back to get back into the groove of things, prioritize the important stuff, and lead with a plan and positivity. This is your year, so let’s start it strong!
That’s it for now. Take care, and chat soon! Baii!
