Ramp-up Productivity by Taking a Break?
This month the AHDI staff rolled up our sleeves to prepare our work plans for 2012. There were literally dozens of action items assigned and ideas generated. Like Santa’s elves, draft budgets are now being prepared, timelines are getting posted in our project management software Basecamp, and ideas are being analyzed and vetted. Although the tangible work product was our primary reason for pulling all staff together for four days of face-to-face meetings, there were many other positive outcomes in doing so. Spending time as an entire staff team not only super-charged our enthusiasm for AHDI and our members, it reminded us that it’s important to take short breaks from the hectic pace to enjoy the camaraderie of each other. Ultimately, it makes for a healthier work environment, we gain a better understanding of communication and work styles, and it helps us come closer together as a team. All of these benefits directly help increase our productivity in the long run!
We built in a variety of short breaks, but the most memorable was adopting a family with five children for the holidays. The entire staff pitched in to shop for their gifts and wrap them. (Yes, that’s an ironing board you’re seeing in the picture to the left from our “Minute to Win It” challenge the previous day!) At the same time, we had the pleasure of visiting with a few AHDI members from California who joined us Thursday afternoon: Carrie Boatman, Gail Sutphin, Genny Smith, and Mike Grady. They’re a great group of volunteers who have made significant contributions to AHDI over the years. It was wonderful for the entire staff to have an opportunity to spend time with them—and Carrie, Gail, Genny, and Mike also got to witness a bit of our zaniness!
We built in a variety of short breaks, but the most memorable was adopting a family with five children for the holidays. The entire staff pitched in to shop for their gifts and wrap them. (Yes, that’s an ironing board you’re seeing in the picture to the left from our “Minute to Win It” challenge the previous day!) At the same time, we had the pleasure of visiting with a few AHDI members from California who joined us Thursday afternoon: Carrie Boatman, Gail Sutphin, Genny Smith, and Mike Grady. They’re a great group of volunteers who have made significant contributions to AHDI over the years. It was wonderful for the entire staff to have an opportunity to spend time with them—and Carrie, Gail, Genny, and Mike also got to witness a bit of our zaniness!As you go through all of your lists this holiday season, don’t forget to take short breaks now and again to savor your friendships, family, and colleagues. From us to you, we wish you a happy, healthy, and abundant new year. Happy holidays!
Cheers, 
Linda Brady, Interim CEO & the entire AHDI Staff
Front (left to right): Wendy Carriegan, Linda Brady, Jason Hatchell, Tina Wilson
Middle (left to right): Danielle Shelton, Treva Perez, Miranda Chalabi, Rebecca McSwain, Tom Kewley
Top (left to right): Kristin Wall, Terri White, Andrew Wolf
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