MANAGEMENT
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Taking a Trip? Here's a Compulsive Entrepreneur's "To Do" List
- Write this list. Don't get tense about relaxing. Roughly three weeks
before you leave, begin jotting down one- or two-word reminders about what
absolutely has to happen before you go. Even if the first entry is "Start
List," you're on your way.
- Define lines of authority. Teamwork is great. But ultimately, someone
has to make decisions. Avoid long-lasting conflicts by making sure employees
know who's in charge of what tasks in your absence. Delegate, and be specific.
- Change your voice-mail greeting. Reduce callers' frustration by letting
them know you're traveling and when you will return. Refer them to someone
who can help them immediately. Let callers know if you'll check your messages.
- Circulate your itinerary. Leave behind numbers where you can
be reached. If you don't know, find out ahead of time to save yourself
a call to the office from Paradise. Include the hotel's fax number, but
resolve not to pick up faxes more than once a day.
- Think about the what-ifs -- natural disasters, crime, client
emergencies. Draft a detailed list of how to proceed in each instance and
the contact name of a board member, just in case.
- Trust your employees. You've made wise hires and trained them
well, so expect they'll do the best job they can for the company. Your
way isn't the only way, or even the best way. Be open-minded, and let
employees play a part.
- Enjoy yourself.
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