In our previous post, we introduced the Care Cycle, a simple framework to manage those “unclear, yet important” responsibilities that fall outside your typical job description. We explored the four stages – Contemplate, Confer, Clarify, and Complete – and how each stage benefits from specific digital tools.
But how do you actually use the Care Cycle in your daily or weekly workflow? Let’s take a project from idea spark to completion, using four key questions to guide you.
1. Is there anything I need to contemplate?
Let’s say you’re brainstorming ways to improve the onboarding process for new hires at your company. You notice new employees often feel overwhelmed during their first week. This sparks an idea: could creating a “buddy system” for new hires help them feel more supported?
Suggested action: Put this idea in your notes app.
2. Is there anything I need to confer with someone about?
Now, it’s time to move to the “Confer” stage. Who would be helpful in fleshing out this idea?
- You could schedule a quick brainstorm with your HR colleague to get their perspective and see if the buddy system aligns with existing HR initiatives.
- Perhaps chatting with a recent new hire would provide valuable insights into their onboarding experience and highlight specific areas where a buddy system could be most beneficial.
Suggested action: Reach out and schedule a meeting to put on your calendar.
3. Is there anything I need to clarify with someone about?
After conferring with your HR colleague and the new hire, you might have some clarifying questions. For instance:
- You might need to clarify with HR about any existing policies or procedures that a buddy system would need to comply with.
- Following your conversation with the new hire, you might have questions regarding some specific challenges they faced during onboarding, allowing you to tailor the buddy system accordingly.
Suggested action: Write up a follow-up email to your colleague and the new hire with your additional questions.
4. Is there anything I need to complete?
With a clearer picture of the buddy system’s potential benefits and any considerations from your discussions, it’s time to move to the “Complete” stage.
- You might need to create a formal proposal outlining the buddy system’s structure, matching criteria, and expected outcomes.
- You could also draft a presentation to present the idea to relevant stakeholders, securing their buy-in before rolling it out.
Suggested action: Create a document and presentation in your file drive to complete.
Remember, the Care Cycle isn’t always linear. As you complete tasks within each stage, new questions or ideas might arise. For example, during the “Complete” stage of creating your proposal, you might realize you need to “Confer” again with your HR colleague to ensure alignment with onboarding policies.
The key takeaway is to leverage the Care Cycle’s framework and its associated questions to organize your workflow and keep those important, but often undefined, projects moving forward with clarity and focus.
By incorporating these questions into your daily or weekly routine, you can transform fleeting ideas into actionable plans, taking control of your responsibilities and fostering a sense of accomplishment – all while keeping your stress levels in check.
Don’t forget to sign up for our free guide on developing your stress-free digital workspace to learn how to incorporate the Care Cycle into your digital workspace.