Make the Most of Your Lunch Breaks
22 May 2012
Read by 2035 persons
And if you used these meals to strengthen your networks, both in and out of the office? Here is a sample schedule over two weeks. For the conversation, it's up to you!
Are you one of those who, at midday, gobbles down a sandwich in front of their computer, eyes glued to their emails or Facebook? Rather than isolating yourself, why not use this time to optimize your schedule and maintain your contacts? Of course, this requires you to plan your lunches. To make it less restrictive, organize them over two weeks, which corresponds to ten meals.
Efficiency. Start by prioritizing people you work with, reserving two lunches for them. If you are a manager, a conversation with your team is likely to be less formal than in the official office setting, and you will strengthen bonds. If you don't manage a team, this will allow you to better understand the tastes and personalities of your colleagues, which could prove useful if you are required to work with some of them on a project.
Don't neglect those who hold similar positions to yours but in other departments, and dedicate two lunches to them as well. You will be able to find solutions to common problems you encounter, learn about what's going on in other departments, and possibly forge alliances.
Relaxation. Also arrange to schedule a lunch with your supervisor, to discuss their concerns, yours, but also lighter topics. The lunch break should be synonymous with relaxation. They will probably prefer that you talk to them about the latest movie you saw rather than the project you're struggling with. And if they seem overwhelmed and are likely to cancel your appointment, suggest sharing a meal in a meeting room.
At this stage, you have five lunches left to plan. Dedicate them to people outside the company: one with a client or supplier, a second with a colleague who works for a competitor or a consultant, an expert in your field, and a third with an "opinion leader" if your position justifies it: a journalist, an influential blogger... Or, another option, with one of your contacts who works in a different field than yours and who will open up other perspectives for you.
Availability. If possible, leave the last two lunches free in case you need to be available: a department head from another department would like to meet you, a client wants to see you as soon as possible to finalize a large contract... If you don't have an appointment, you can use this time to settle your expense reports, sort out files that are piling up, or take care of personal matters. That will be one less thing to manage during the next weekend.
Marie-Madeleine Sève.
Capital.fr
Published May 21, 2012.
Posted online May 22, 2012.
Are you one of those who, at midday, gobbles down a sandwich in front of their computer, eyes glued to their emails or Facebook? Rather than isolating yourself, why not use this time to optimize your schedule and maintain your contacts? Of course, this requires you to plan your lunches. To make it less restrictive, organize them over two weeks, which corresponds to ten meals.
Efficiency. Start by prioritizing people you work with, reserving two lunches for them. If you are a manager, a conversation with your team is likely to be less formal than in the official office setting, and you will strengthen bonds. If you don't manage a team, this will allow you to better understand the tastes and personalities of your colleagues, which could prove useful if you are required to work with some of them on a project.
Don't neglect those who hold similar positions to yours but in other departments, and dedicate two lunches to them as well. You will be able to find solutions to common problems you encounter, learn about what's going on in other departments, and possibly forge alliances.
Relaxation. Also arrange to schedule a lunch with your supervisor, to discuss their concerns, yours, but also lighter topics. The lunch break should be synonymous with relaxation. They will probably prefer that you talk to them about the latest movie you saw rather than the project you're struggling with. And if they seem overwhelmed and are likely to cancel your appointment, suggest sharing a meal in a meeting room.
At this stage, you have five lunches left to plan. Dedicate them to people outside the company: one with a client or supplier, a second with a colleague who works for a competitor or a consultant, an expert in your field, and a third with an "opinion leader" if your position justifies it: a journalist, an influential blogger... Or, another option, with one of your contacts who works in a different field than yours and who will open up other perspectives for you.
Availability. If possible, leave the last two lunches free in case you need to be available: a department head from another department would like to meet you, a client wants to see you as soon as possible to finalize a large contract... If you don't have an appointment, you can use this time to settle your expense reports, sort out files that are piling up, or take care of personal matters. That will be one less thing to manage during the next weekend.
Marie-Madeleine Sève.
Capital.fr
Published May 21, 2012.
Posted online May 22, 2012.
