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The minute hand seems to be creeping towards 5 o’clock. You’re tired, irritable and still have an impressive list of things to do. If this sounds like you, then you’re not alone. Most of us run out of gas before the official end of the day. But there’s another group of people that use that final hour to set themselves up for success.
Here are 10 things that successful accountants do before leaving work.
Review Your Calendar
Review your calendar for tomorrow. Do you need to do any last-minute preparation for meetings or phone calls? What absolutely has to be in place for the next day? Are there blocks of time for you to move forward with important projects or tasks?
Make Your Calls
Perhaps the last thing you want to do is call the final three people on your list, but what doesn’t get done today, has to be done tomorrow.
Take Note of Achievements
We often feel like there’s too much to do and too little time to accomplish it in. Taking note of what we’ve achieved in the day is a way to counteract that feeling. Plus, on a brain chemistry level, crossing off things on a “to do” list can cause a dopamine surge, which leads to feelings of calm and well-being.
Read: Check out this blog about the psychology of checklists and how they can fuel productivity.
Look At Your “To Do” List and Prioritize
Take a look at your “to do” list and prioritize. Is it possible to break down projects into smaller pieces? What absolutely has to be done, and what can wait? By taking some time at the end of the day to review which tasks you completed and what remains to be done, you can start to get organized.
Plan
Once you’ve prioritized, create a plan for the next day. Establish a primary objective so that you are focused when you walk in the door.
Read “Time Management Tips for Accountants” to learn how to work smarter not harder.
Connect With Your Team
We’re not talking about a formal meeting, or scheduling one-on-ones. People are not typically at their best by the end of the day. Instead, take a few moments to connect with the rest of your team (this is particularly important for managers). Saying goodbye or extending the courtesy of asking about someone’s day can be a valuable relationship building tool.
Defer Sensitive Communications
It’s wise to defer any sensitive conversations for the next day when people are fresh. If someone really needs an answer, offer a specific time the next day when you’re free to discuss it. This will make the individual feel like you’re addressing their concerns and have set aside time to connect.
Don’t Leave People Hanging
You know that someone has been waiting for a file all day, or an answer about a specific data set. The reality, though, is that you just couldn’t get to it. Send a quick email apologizing and let them know that you’ll address it first thing tomorrow. Successful people don’t always accomplish everything that they set out to do, but they are mindful enough to know when providing a status update can prevent challenges down the road.
Organize Your Desk
It seems like a simple tip, but a clean, orderly desk will decrease your stress levels and help you find things the next day. This also applies to your desktop.
They Let Others Know About Accessibility
Take a minute at the end of the day to determine the balance between accessibility and “radio silence.” Than tell whoever needs to know. This will allow you the peace of mind to work when you need to (ideally) and help others understand when it’s best to approach you.
Key Takeaways
There are a number of things that successful accountants do at the end of the day. They review both their calendar and “to do” list to understand the demands of tomorrow. They take note of what they achieved and establish a primary objective for the next day. They let others know about their accessibility and make an effort to connect with their team before they leave. By using the final hour of their day wisely, they set themselves up for success.
Your Next Step
No one should walk the job search or hiring road alone. At Clarity Recruitment we help others realize their success through a process that marries proprietary technology with unwavering commitment. Contact us today to take control of your career, or to partner with us to hire well.
Clarity Recruitment, connecting exceptional people with remarkable companies.