The 150-Minute Rule: Getting Paid to Think Outside

How does dedicated thinking time improve executive performance?

Executives are paid for their strategic thinking, yet constant notifications trap them in a reactive cycle. Committing to 150 minutes per week of intentional, outdoor "thinking time" deeply stimulates creativity and solves complex business challenges without the distraction of a screen.

We get paid to think, not just do.

Unfortunately, most of our time is spent on instinct, based on years and years of experience. Meetings, emails, constant notifications, conflicting deadlines, and eager customers block us from doing true deep thinking.

On top of that, I often hear from people who are battling upper body injuries from sitting at their desk all day. Not good!

Being outside and one with nature is critical to our well-being. Studies show we feel better, sharper, and more creative by being outside.

So, as we head into springtime, let’s spend time around green grass, large trees, and luscious parks. But it’s one thing to simply say “go outside.” I understand the daily stresses and realities of our profession. That’s why I want to help us spend our workdays outside with intention.

Your challenge is to allocate 150 minutes per week – 30 minutes Monday-Friday - to get outside and get paid to think.

Some of you might want to play it by ear to determine what you’ll be thinking about. Perhaps you need to just vent to yourself, and that’s ok! However, some of you might need some prompts. Here’s an example of how to use your time outside to get some great thinking done.

Monday: What do you want to learn this week, and what are the steps you’ll take to do so? Since professional development is typically lower on the priority list, this gives you the chance to process in real-time what you want to learn.

Tuesday: What’s a challenge you’re eager to tackle? Perhaps you’re processing how to bring a new idea to an executive, or you need some new story angles to pitch media. Getting outside will help stimulate new ideas.

Wednesday: Who is someone you want to connect with and learn from? Since public relations is a relationship business, it’s important we’re constantly connecting with new people. But we also need a strategic approach so we’re meeting the right people at the right time. Who is one person you want to connect with this week, and for what purpose?

Thursday: Who is someone you want to help this week? Paying it forward is good for our well-being as well. Is there someone in your network looking for a new job, career change, or shared a challenge with you? This is a chance to do some deep thinking on how you can be of service.

Friday: What is something you’re proud of this week, and why? Often, we forget great work we’ve done over the course of a year. This gives us time to write down key milestones so when it’s reviews time, or awards season, or you’re interested in updating your resume or LinkedIn profile, it’s much fresher.

In just 150 minutes per week, you can get some movement in, and some real work done that will help you and those around you.

Please let me know what challenges you’ve solved this spring as a result!

A Strategic Approach to Rebuilding Remote Company Culture

How can organizations build a strong team culture for remote employees?

With only 28% of remote employees feeling connected to their organization's mission, companies are facing a severe culture deficit. To rebuild trust, leaders must aggressively evaluate three critical relationships: the employee-manager dynamic via honest 1:1s, immediate team cohesion through bi-annual strategic reviews, and broader cross-functional engagement.

You, my public relations friends, are in a powerful position to play a significant role in influencing and defining company culture.

Whether we’re working from home 100 percent of the time, in a hybrid situation where you may or may not meet your team in person, or some other agreement with your company, how we work today and, in the future, will constantly evolve.

The data shows there’s a disconnect with remote employees. Gallup states, “28% of exclusively remote employees strongly agree that they feel connected to their organization’s mission and purpose.”

But what does this mean for you and your team?

As public relations leaders whose job is to build relationships, this is our opportunity to shine! No other profession has the skills and experience to help companies redefine their culture. Companies with a strong and understood culture will retain their employees and see an increase in productivity, trust, and rapport, reducing turnover and improving business results.

A new look at company culture should be addressed in three areas:

- Your relationship with your manager

- Your relationship with your immediate team

- Your expanded circle of engagement and influence

Let’s break this down.

First, and this is no surprise, your relationship with your manager will significantly impact your opinion on the company culture. They are the ones who, ideally, think about the role you play in the business and you as a person. They understand you’re a human, not a robot, and will have peaks and valleys. As an employee, you will realize the same about your manager. This relationship has a direct impact on your relationship with the company.

To do: At least once per quarter, have a focused 1:1 conversation with your manager about your experiences at the company. The discussion should relate to broader themes of your relationship with the business. These can be positive experiences to share with others in the company or constructive feedback to share with stakeholders and, if necessary, human resources.

Second is the relationship with your immediate team. This team is likely those you spend at least 50 percent of your time with daily. Along with your manager, this group will influence how you feel at the company.

To do: Every six months, host a conversation with your team to best determine the relationship between the workstream and the overall business. How does your team feel about its standing with the larger business? The conversation will illuminate adjustments to be made or examples of what’s working very well.

The third is your expanded circle of engagement and influence. These could be clients, executives, board members, or other publics you spend time with regularly. This group could be the most exhausting! This is why ensuring you have strong relationships with your manager and your immediate team is critical, as they will be essential to helping round out your employee experience.

To do: when appropriate, have causal conversations with select members of this group to solicit how they define great culture within the company. Often, people will respond, “I love the people here.” While this is a great, positive response, I often look to garner specific examples. Put on your story mining hat and solicit more details to help shape the responses.

Finally, harness the information you receive to help prospective employees you’re hiring better understand what life is like at your company.

Company culture is multi-faceted and primed for the public relations profession to play a leadership role. I cannot wait to see how this industry continues to lead the way.

Why Strength Training is the Executive's Ultimate Mental Edge

How does physical strength training impact executive focus?

Relying solely on cardiovascular exercise ignores massive neuro-cognitive benefits. Incorporating just 15 minutes of strength training into a weekly routine using a kettlebell or weighted vest drastically improves an executive's sleep quality, mental sharpness, and emotional resilience.

The amount of wellness marketing we receive at the start of every year focuses greatly on cardio and diet. As you wake up in February and look for more inspiration to help your mind and body, I want you to consider something different.

Strength training.

A consistent strength training regime is essential to keep our bones healthier and our joints stronger. My sleep quality improves at least 30 percent when I do consistent strength training in the morning. My mood is better. My focus is sharper.

And these are just the short-term benefits.

Researchers have found a 10 to 20 percent reduction in the risk of early death from all causes and from cancer and heart disease specifically — occurred when people did approximately 30 to 60 minutes of muscle-building workouts per week.

If you’re interested in some ideas to incorporate strength training for minutes a day, there are three things I want you to buy. As a collective, these items can cost under $100. And yet, when used consistently, it will give you priceless benefits to your health.

The first is a weighted jump rope. Jump ropes by themselves are a tremendous cardiovascular tool, but when combined with weights, they are incredibly powerful. Starting with a one-pound weighted jump rope – a LOT heavier than you think - will do wonders for your arms and core. If you’re a frequent traveler, there are even rope less weighted jump rope options to pack in your luggage and use in your hotel room or gym.

The second is a weighted vest. These are wonderful, low-impact options to help burn more calories by adding resistance. As we head into springtime soon, use a weighted vest while working from home during your walk and talk calls! These vests come in various colors and sizes and have scalable weight options. Ensure you’re adjusting the vest and feel comfortable wearing one before long walks.

The third is a kettlebell. Kettlebells are magical devices for the best all-around strength and cardio workout. 10 to 15 minutes with a kettlebell two to three times weekly will work wonders for you. Kettlebells also come in various weight sizes and colors, so start with lower weight and adjust as needed; there are even kettlebells with adjustable weights. I highly recommend speaking with a certified kettlebell coach who can help you with the proper form and technique. And, again, if you’re a frequent traveler, sometimes hotel gyms don’t have kettlebells. Don’t fear! You can purchase attachments to pack so you can use regular dumbbells as kettlebells.

Before starting any strength training program, please ensure you use the proper form and techniques. Find a local personal trainer or resource online to learn how to use these products. Ensure you’re spending at least 5-10 minutes per exercise to properly warm up and cool down. Also, ensure you boost your protein intake to repair your muscles faster. Finally, when starting your strength training, give yourself a few days to overcome those early-onset aches and pains. Your muscles are waking up and will take time to recover. They will!

In no time, you will not only see the changes to your mood and sleep but also notice your clothes feeling better.

Please let me know what steps you’re taking in your physical health journey!

Overcoming the Mental Toll of Professional “Ghosting”

How should public relations professionals handle professional ghosting?

Due to shifting priorities and digital overload, professional “ghosting” is an inevitable part of the modern relationship business. Instead of taking silence personally, executives must practice radical empathy, gracefully let go of unresponsive contacts, and intentionally focus their energy on clients who prioritize mutual communication.

This year I want us to reframe a critical challenge in the public relations industry that impacts our well-being: ghosting.

In this evolving remote and hybrid “out of sight out of mind,” world, it’s never been easier to suddenly disappear from professional relationships.

From media contacts who suddenly go dark, to prospective clients whose priorities are shifting, to prospective employers to suddenly are hiring from within, to employees who quit without warning, we’ve all been ghosted at least once in our career.

According to research by The Thriving Space on Psychology, “More than 2 in 5 have been ghosted by a prospective employer…and 1 in 4 admitted to ghosting a workplace by quitting without notice or explanation.”

Because this is a relationship business, it can feel jarring when suddenly an ongoing communication with someone ends without proper closure. I’m blessed the vast majority of people I’ve connected with throughout my career never ghost, but like all of us, it happens.

For those of us who are entrepreneurs and running your own business, it can feel particularly challenging with no one else to commiserate with about the specific situation.

It’s taken me a while to not take ghosting personally, but last year, I had a big mental shift in how I think about this issue.

A new level of empathy is required to dig deep into the perspectives of where people are at.

Sometimes, people who have fallen silent suddenly reappear, apologizing for being busy with work, dealing with personal matters, or frankly feeling overwhelmed with responding to people (including me).

Ultimately, they have had to reprioritize their life, and knowing that has helped me understand why I haven’t heard from them.

All this said, attempting to achieve this level of empathy has its own risks. If not properly checked, moving down someone's priority list – personal or professional - can impact one’s well-being.

The mindset shift I’ve had recently is – because I can’t control the decisions of others - I am choosing to no longer spend my energy on those who are suddenly unresponsive.

I’m also choosing not to take this personally. I’m choosing to give grace.

Life is too short to focus on those moving you down their priority list.

Focus on your priority list!

If you think you are a frequent ghoster, please do me a favor today: reach out to someone and thank them for their patience. They will appreciate your note! It’s never too late to revise and rebuild a relationship gone dormant.

If you find yourself as a ghostee, don’t be afraid to check in again in a month or two before moving on with grace and empathy. And you never know; you might be surprised when you hear from them again.

This is also a great time to recognize those who are responsive. In our profession, it’s a challenge to make time to manage and grow all our relationships. Send a quick note to a few people today and thank them for making time for you.

The Ted Lasso Guide to Empathetic Leadership and Employee Departures

How should leaders handle top-performing employees resigning?

Great leaders recognize that high-performing employees will eventually move on to new challenges. By responding to resignations with radical empathy and support—rather than frustration—leaders protect their own mental health and permanently secure their reputation as a world-class mentor.

Oxford Dictionary defines empathy as “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” The last few years have shed light on the importance of experiencing empathy and appreciating those who show it to us. There are numerous examples of leading with empathy, but leave it to an episode of the award-winning television series “Ted Lasso” to deliver a fantastic piece of empathic leadership advice and its positive impact on our mental well-being. “Ted Lasso,” a comedy-drama show about an American football coach who overnight becomes a manager of a Premier League soccer team in England, touches on leadership in a surprising way for such a show steeped in laughs.

One example is when the club’s marketing and public relations manager (Keeley) is nervous to tell her boss (Rebecca) she is leaving the organization to start her own firm. Throughout the show, Rebecca gave Keeley more responsibilities, which ultimately led to going out independently.

Before telling Rebecca this news, Keeley spoke with a trusted advisor and another senior member of the organization (Leslie). When Keeley mentioned how nervous she was to tell Rebecca, Leslie shared a valuable lesson. “A good mentor hopes you will move on,” Leslie said. “A great mentor knows you will.” And when Keeley ultimately told Rebecca she was leaving, Rebecca couldn’t have been more excited for her. She knew it was time for Keeley to move on.

Great leaders know that great employees will move on to different challenges at some point and are mentally prepared to handle the news. They can understand and share their feelings about how and why their employees made that decision. This is a sign of empathy and one of many examples we see from “Ted Lasso” on the importance of seeing the perspectives of others.

According to recent research, “possessing empathy is crucial for good mental health as being able to connect with others and share enough of yourself to feel connected in return adds immeasurably to relationship happiness.” Today, employees are showing more confidence in how they want to advance in their careers. Leaders, despite all your best efforts, your best employees will at some point hand in their notice.

How you respond and how your company responds and treats your employees when they leave is the impression THEY will have of your company and YOU. And for the remainder of their career, they will only remember how they felt when they left.

Empathy enables us to give and receive grace, have honest conversations with our employees (and our bosses) about our human experience at work, and encourage improvement and growth.

Demonstrating empathy will have a lasting impact and help shape your relationships for years to come.

As I say to employees who leave, I give the same advice to employers and leaders: take the high road. Your employees will never forget how they were treated when they left.

By the way: watch “Ted Lasso.” It’s truly worth your time.