Visitors

Today a couple of my colleagues are coming over to do some strategic planning for FY10. I'm excited to have these women over because (1) it's always nice to get out of the office and (2) they are friends as well as colleagues, so it's fun to share our apartment with them.

Growing up, at least once a year, my mom would host her office at our house for a strategic planning session or a full day training of one sort or another. She would spend the day before cleaning up, cooking and baking, organizing, pulling markers and flip charts and ideas together. The day of our basement would fill with people and throughout the day the house would be alive with all their energy. Occasionally we'd hear laughter, or our mom's voice talking through some ideas, or people mixing and mingling. Everyone (including my mom) seemed to be in a very chipper mood, happy it seemed to be breaking the daily routine. At the time, I didn't realize at the time what a unique and personal approach this was. Mom opened up our house to her colleagues, inviting everyone into a welcoming, creative environment.

Leaving the office to think long-term about what your office hopes to achieve seems a necessary step to thinking outside the box. I'm looking forward to it.