O3s in 24x7 environment

Submitted by Jill Vann
in
Manager Tools Trinity

Hello -

 

I'm a new manager (just got promoted) in a 24x7 environment.  I'd really love to implement O3s for my team.  The problem is that my team spans a 24x7 environment.  There are some shifts that I can fit into my personal schedule without problem since we are only talking about 30 minutes.  But there are others that could cause some amount of trouble for me.  Can anyone give me some guidance on how to implement O3s without upsetting my family commitments?

 

Thanks!

Jill

Submitted by Roger Williams on Saturday May 8th, 2010 7:06 am

Jill,
I recommend the following actions:

  • Talk with your family about your commitments and identify what you don't want to change
  • Use the 1.5x rule to pick out time slots either at the beginning or end of your people's shifts that don't conflict with what you identified with your family
  • Phone one-on-ones are fine yet I would also recommend doing face-to-face at least once a month if possible
  • Don't forget that coming in earlier may be an option, with the added bonus of some quiet time to work on your objectives before others arrive

I manage a 24x7 team and I have a team lead that meets weekly with every one of his directs, including my overnight folks.  He stays fairly late one night a week and a little late another night to do his one-on-ones.  It makes a big difference. 
The sacrifice is that you'll likely work longer hours than others that aren't 24x7.  I've found the trade off is worth it when you can sleep well at night knowing that you've developed your staff to be as effective then as when you're in the office.
Hope this helps.
Roger
 

Submitted by Jennifer Borek on Monday May 17th, 2010 10:23 pm

Does your work environment offer some flexibility to help you manage your direct reports? When I was first assigned to projects working with the APAC region, I continued with the my original day schedule and started adding evening conference calls and found myself working 15-hour Mondays. Eventually, I found that schedule overly stressful and it was creating migraines as I felt "always one." My boss and I collaborated and were able to work out a flexible arrangement where I worked second shift from home one day a week to accommodate the need to work with team members who were in a time zone that was 13-14 hours ahead of us.

Submitted by Jennifer Borek on Monday May 17th, 2010 10:23 pm

Does your work environment offer some flexibility to help you manage your direct reports? When I was first assigned to projects working with the APAC region, I continued with the my original day schedule and started adding evening conference calls and found myself working 15-hour Mondays. Eventually, I found that schedule overly stressful and it was creating migraines as I felt "always on." My boss and I collaborated and were able to work out a flexible arrangement where I worked second shift from home one day a week to accommodate the need to work with team members who were in a time zone that was 13-14 hours ahead of us.