Margin Days
Every so often a book comes along that changes the way we perceive the world and our place in it.
Dr. Swenson defines margin as “the amount allowed beyond that which is needed.” We each have a capacity of emotional energy, physical strength, financial assets, and time. Like a glass that holds eight ounces, once filled to capacity, it overflows. We tend to run our lives at maximum capacity. There are several ways to add margin into our life or oganization.
First
Once a month, allow each team member to have a weekday off to spend with family or running errands they are unable to do during the weekend. Start with half days and then move to full margin days. A team member’s absence, one day a month, will not adversely affect your team, and you might find that the remaining workdays have more energy and are more effective.
Second
Set aside a certain period during the work week when each person has uninterrupted time to work on whatever they deem most important. This focused time will yield greater results.
Third
Give descretionary margin days, following a stressful project,. These become days of re-creation, not just recreation.
Margin Days recharge our batteries and allow us to return ready to tackle the job at hand. Creativity increases and more work is accomplished in less time. No longer are we operating at the limit of our physical and emotional energy.