The 10x Manager

Next week we're talking all about expectations for first-time managers and in our Live Q&A, we'll chat about what you might and might not expect in the role, and what your team, peers and superiors expect from you. Join me on Thursday 8th April at 5pm GMT, come with your questions, and let's talk!

A common issue for many people working from home is keeping a healthy balance between their work and personal life. Actually, a number of my clients reported that they are now working more since they started working from home. Their two main issues are:

1. Not having enough – if any – breaks
2. Working longer hours than what they would usually do in the office

To address these issues it’s important to set a schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Knowing when your working day starts and ends can help you put clear boundaries between your work and personal life. As soon as your finish time rolls round, commit to turning off your computer and leaving the table. Go for a walk to "commute" home.

In addition, having designated slots in your calendar for breaks can help you ensure you are taking some time for yourself and to relax and recharge. Make a coffee, stretch, check your phone, do something that you enjoy or helps your rest – and do so every hour. This way your working hours are not loaded only with tasks and meetings, and you'll find you focus more during your productivity slots because you know that there are breaks between them.

Once I left my corporate job and started working on my own business, my home became my office. As appealing as this may sound to many, working from home can actually be quite challenging, especially for your productivity, especially if you don't have rules and structures in place.

These are three important things I’ve learned by doing things the wrong way:

1. Create a designated "work space"

It could be a room in your flat or house, or even a table in your living room. Having that designated space makes it easier to step in your work environment and turn on “productivity mode." Avoid working from your bed or couch; your brain associates these areas with resting and relaxing so it’s important to keep them for those activities.

2. Beware of distractions

Work environments are designed to limit distractions; our homes are not. TV, books, game consoles, even our phones are just within arm's reach. Organise your work space so that it limits distractions. Here's a simple tip: switch that TV off while working! Or if you can, leave your phone in a different room. This way you can have longer periods of focus and concentration and get more done.

3. Keep your tasks and meetings in your calendar and follow it religiously (as much as possible).

WFH means that you are flexible with how you can spend your time. In order to avoid the pitfall of wasting time and being less productive it’s important to decide on the tasks and meetings you want to have (ideally the night before) and have everything scheduled in your calendar. This way your day is structured and you have clear KPIs on what you want to achieve.

Try these out and share your comments on how you are finding them!

LIVE Q&A
Thursday 1st April
6pm GMT

Each week I'll be doing a live Q&A with the members of our 10x Manager Academy group, and next will be the first! Join me Thursday 1st April at 6pm GMT to talk about increasing productivity while working from home.

It seems we won't be going back to our offices anytime soon, and although we've lived like this for almost a whole year, I still talk to so many people who are struggling to stay productive while engaging their teams to do the same. Join our group to be a part of it!

A lot of people ask me where I draw inspiration and motivation from. Here are the top three books that changed my outlook on my life:

1. The Success Principles by Jack Canfield - how to increase confidence, tackle daily challenges, live with passion and purpose and achieve your ambitions.
2. Atomic Habits by James Clear – a clear guide on how to build good habits and break bad ones.
3. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Colvey – how to align yourself to your "true north" and attain your goals.

What are some books that changed yours?

I believe one of the first steps people need to take to thrive personally and professionally is to understand their hidden potential. Here are some of my thoughts about how to unlock and cultivate yours.

Unlock your potential and achieve your dreams Realising and achieving your potential is an incredibly powerful moment.

Hello, first-time manager! It’s great to have you here. If you have a lot of questions about management and you’re looking for a supportive community to get some answers – well, you found it!

I’m Yota Trom, a career and leadership coach, and my passion is to help others thrive in their careers and lives. I was also once a software engineer who transitioned into management, and I learned so much that it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t pass the knowledge on. I created this group to share resources and best practices, encouragement and support, and I’m here to answer any of your questions, which I’ll address in weekly live Q&As. 

Here’s a little more about me. I’m an ICF accredited leadership coach and I apply Positive Psychology and strengths-based practices in my coaching. I’ve been in leadership for over 13 years at companies like Amazon and Yahoo, so I have a deep understanding of the tech industry and a passion for new technologies – and I’ve learned what it takes to be an effective leader. I’m also founder and CEO of the non-profit Women in Tech Club, a community that aims to encourage diversity in the sector and where people of all genders can come to find the support they need to go after their dreams.

I’m looking forward to meeting you, hearing your stories and supporting you in becoming the best manager and leader you can be.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yotatrom/