Experts: With Pandemic, Focus on Family Requires Communication

A Review

The pandemic seems never-ending, but at least it already pushed something to the forefront that had faded for at least the past decade: family as a priority. Forcing American families back to the table, to spend more time together instead of just communicating through gadgets, is explored in depth on the latest episode of Sharon Lechter’s “Play Big Movement” podcast with author Julieanne O’Connor as special guest.

In the episode, Lechter and O’Connor survey issues facing those involved with starting or growing a business during the past year of unknowns and economic uncertainty -- particularly women entrepreneurs. They also discussed a myriad of current life challenges, much of which has changed rather quickly with a major national emergency.

“It is time to focus back in on life. Are we living to work, or working to live?” Lechter says in the podcast. “If there’s a benefit from this pandemic, it’s that it’s getting us re-acquainted with the family.”

Attaining a work-life balance already was difficult for most Americans and especially for working women before the pandemic changed how we live. It did not take long for social experts to realize how the response to COVID-19 changed the family life dynamic.

More companies are adjusting schedules, like going to a 4-day workweek, to let employees spend more time with families. The pandemic changed home design trends; and even CEOs are noticing more time at the dinner table with family members.

More often now, we’re seeing news items about mental health issues related to lockdowns or restrictions, especially for children who feel alone and isolated. This most difficult time to be a parent and business leader simultaneously takes communication and commitment, Lechter explained.

“We have to be focused on achieving a goal, and it’s when you don’t communicate with the family that the most problems occur,” Lechter said. “If everybody understands what the ultimate goal is and you include them in it, then it’s kind of a team effort. And so being an entrepreneur is a wonderful way to teach your children about business, and making a difference, and adding value.

“And the fact that what you build today can create an economic engine that can create free time in the future.”

Also especially hit hard by the pandemic were workaholic executives and those in the early stages of starting a business, said O’Connor, author of “Spelling It Out for Your Career” who adopted a foster baby during the pandemic. Too often in the past year, O’Connor focused on what she perceived to require immediate attention, like generating income, instead of prioritizing what really matters.

Topping her list is family focus -- as it is with many Americans today -- and making choices accordingly.

“I felt like I literally let a lot of my life slip away,” she said, “with just thinking in the moment.”

Asked to provide advice for workers who feel burned out, or detached from their family, O’Connor said, “Personally, it’s really just remembering what matters,” offering step-by-step guidance:

• Write it out. O’Connor uses a systematic approach, to write priorities and acknowledge and accept each.
• Then write your desires -- including time with family.
• Finally, ask Why? Why is a particular priority or goal so important?

“Suddenly you realize not everything is as important as I make it to be,” she said. O’Connor goes as far as blocking time in her daily calendar specifically to spend time with her family, which includes an 11-year-old biological daughter, two foster daughters, and of course her husband.

“Why are we doing what we’re doing if it’s not to live a fuller and happier life, and to provide for our families?” Lechter asked.

The episode focuses on best practices to merge your personal and professional lives, and blending them by engaging children in business techniques and decisions, to meet goals that ultimately could result in more family time together. The authors also provide tips for a happy marriage including tricky topics like managing finances.

Sharon Lechter’s Big Play Movement Podcast is aimed at helping business leaders and entrepreneurs rise to the top in their field, let them live their legacy, and create maximum impact. Her new book, “Exit Rich: The 6 P Method to Sell Your Business for Huge Profit,” is scheduled for release in April. Information: https://sharonlechter.com/.

Julieanne O’Connor’s is author of “Spelling It Out for Your Man” and “Spelling It Out for Your Career.” An entrepreneur, TEDx and NSA speaker, executive coach and “quality of life trainer,” her focus this year is on work-life balance and well-being. Information: http://www.spellingitout.com/.