Returning to Work? Executive Coaching Tips to Help
Returning to work after being away from the workforce can feel exciting and daunting at the same time.
There’s the thrill of having a career and the motivation to get back to work. However, you might also feel intimidated or nervous when beginning a new chapter in your career.
To ensure that your new role transitions smoothly, it helps to have a game plan. It will provide a framework and structure that you can use so that you don’t get overwhelmed and can focus on what you do best.
Consider these tips when returning to work.
Adjust Your Schedule
One of the first things that you can do to empower yourself when returning to work is to start having a consistent schedule. This routine should be similar to the one that you will be following during the workweek.
Waking up at the time that you will need to when you start your job is crucial. By already having this part of your day established, you won’t have to start “cold-turkey” on your first day.
If you haven’t already, you can have a regular lunchtime again, as well. Even if you’ve merely been working remotely under shelter-at-home orders, these elements are beneficial. Consider other factors that will be a part of your daily schedule going forward.
Take Time to Reflect
Next, take some time to reflect on the potential opportunities and challenges that you expect to encounter in your new job.
Thinking about opportunities is always exciting. They may include working on exciting and challenging projects. Or, you might be traveling for work or be able to expand your network.
Conversely, it’s also helpful to think about what challenges you will face. Be realistic about these challenges, but try not to focus all of your attention on them either.
You want to be fully ready for your new position. Often, this approach means being familiar with all aspects of the role you will be taking on.
Do Your Homework
If your organization has provided materials to help you get started, review them thoroughly. It’s essential to do your homework and be as familiar with what you will be doing before your first day.
Of course, you can’t prepare for everything. However, preparation will allow your transition time to go much more smoothly. If you don’t receive any preparation materials, research what you can about the organization and the industry ahead of time. Even if you have worked in this industry before, it doesn’t hurt to brush up on current trends.
Take Care of Your To-Do List
There are so many little things to keep in mind before returning to work. Therefore, it’s useful to create a to-do list of all the tasks and things you need to complete before day one. For example:
Complete any chores or projects that you had planned.
Give your professional wardrobe a once-over and update it.
Make sure you are fluent with the tools of your job (software, etc.).
Prepare meals for the first week (reduces the stress of having to decide what to make).
Organize your work bag with all the necessary items.
This list isn’t exhaustive nor tailored. Yours might be much longer as you prepare to return to work.
Participating in Executive Coaching
One other part of your return to work plan can include participating in executive coaching. Even with a plan, the process might still be overwhelming. A coach will work with you to help develop and implement your plan. They can also listen to your thoughts about returning to work and ease your transition back into the workforce.
It’s great that you’re returning to work. Just keep in mind that this is going to be a process. Having a plan and maintaining a positive and open mindset will help. However, if you are struggling with the idea of going back to work, consider executive coaching for extra support.
Please reach out to me today to learn more about how management team coaching can help.