Here's how you can balance work and life in temporary and contract roles while facilitating large groups.

Balancing work and life is a nuanced challenge, especially when you're juggling temporary or contract roles that involve facilitating large groups. These positions can be unpredictable and demanding, often requiring a flexible approach to manage your professional responsibilities alongside personal commitments. Yet, with the right strategies, you can create a harmonious blend of work and life that supports your wellbeing and career aspirations. In this article, you'll discover practical tips to help you navigate the complexities of your dynamic work environment while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

1 Prioritize Tasks

When facilitating large groups, the sheer volume of tasks can be overwhelming. To maintain balance, prioritize your responsibilities based on urgency and importance. Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks into four quadrants: do now, schedule, delegate, and don't do. This method helps you focus on what truly matters and avoid getting bogged down by less critical duties. Remember, in temporary roles, it's essential to deliver high-impact results without sacrificing your personal time.

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Dr. Teresa Ekaete Nwachukwu

Doctor// Public Health Leader// Confident Public Speaking and Presentation Skills Coach//. Unlocking Effective Communication and Public Speaking Potential for Healthcare Leadership.
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Not leaving preps to the last minute is a sure way to succeed. Be clear about the outcome you want the audience to have. Decide how you want to get to that point and begin to plan way ahead. That way you have enough time to figure out what will work and what will not. If you wait to the last minute, you will be unable to be creative and innovative. Early planning helps you work on props and novel strategies. One time, I took a tooth brush and tooth paste to class to show steps in project management. It was a fabulous win and that was because I planned way ahead

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2 Set Boundaries

Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is crucial, particularly in contract roles where the lines can blur. Decide on work hours that allow you to be productive yet reserve time for yourself and loved ones. Communicate these boundaries to your clients or team members to ensure they respect your off-duty hours. This might mean turning off work notifications after a certain time or being upfront about your availability for meetings and emails.

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Ghanti Manickam

Business & HR Transformation | Employee Life Cycle I Develop Talent I Build Leadership I DEI & Org Culture I Executive Coach
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Discipline in managing time with setting clear boundaries for self and educating clients of rules of engagement becomes Important elements in functioning in either contract or project centric roles.

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3 Leverage Technology

Technology can be a double-edged sword, but when used wisely, it's an asset for managing work-life balance. Apps and software designed for project management and communication can streamline processes, making it easier to handle large groups efficiently. Set up systems that automate repetitive tasks or facilitate remote collaboration, which can save you time and reduce stress. Just make sure you're not always on-call; designate tech-free periods to disconnect and recharge.

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4 Self-Care Rituals

Self-care is non-negotiable when you're in high-pressure roles. Develop rituals that help you unwind and maintain your health, such as regular exercise, meditation, or hobbies. These practices are not only beneficial for your physical and mental wellbeing but also enhance your performance at work by keeping you energized and focused. As a facilitator, your ability to lead effectively is directly linked to how well you take care of yourself.

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Agostina Ciampa, PhD (ella/her/elle/lei)

Diversity and Inclusion Specialist. Recruiting talent acquisition. Trainer and advisor in work integration of vulnerable populations. University Professor.
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Justo estas semanas vengo recibiendo varios mensajes fuera de hora o fines de semana. Entiendo que muchas personas nos encontremos sobrecargadas a nivel laboral, y nos quedemos sin tiempo para hacer todos los comunicados que quisiéramos, pero atención! A no descuidar el preciado tiempo libre que tenemos, que pareciera ser cada vez más escaso. Mis consejos: explora para conocer cuál es tu actividad restauradora, esa que logra hacer que te desconectes de todas tus obligaciones y responsabilidades, donde no miras el celular y entras en lo que llaman "flow", fluir con la propuesta ocupacional recreativa. Algo importante: avisa a aquellas personas que podrían llegar a necesitar de vos que ese tiempo te es muy valioso y necesario.

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Dr. Teresa Ekaete Nwachukwu

Doctor// Public Health Leader// Confident Public Speaking and Presentation Skills Coach//. Unlocking Effective Communication and Public Speaking Potential for Healthcare Leadership.
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I totally agree. When I have a big event, I go on a run. It starts my day on an excited note, gets me hyped up and my energy level elevated. Having those rituals helps your body recognize that a big event is due and the right levels of adrenaline will be supplied to boost you through the day.

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5 Network Support

In temporary and contract work, having a robust professional network can provide both support and opportunities for growth. Connect with other facilitators or professionals in your field to share experiences and advice. This network can also be a source of new projects or collaborations that align with your work-life balance goals. Don't underestimate the power of community; it can be a lifeline during challenging times.

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Dr. Teresa Ekaete Nwachukwu

Doctor// Public Health Leader// Confident Public Speaking and Presentation Skills Coach//. Unlocking Effective Communication and Public Speaking Potential for Healthcare Leadership.
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This is true. Sometimes you might find that certain aspects of your presentation will be covered by a previous speaker. It will help you focus. Also, listening to a few speakers before you can help you shapes stories that link the topics and provide a seamless thread through the themes. You can also learn from their mistakes...what jokes worked, audience energy and connections to the speaker. These can help you restrategize.

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6 Reflect Regularly

Finally, make it a habit to reflect on your work-life balance regularly. Assess what's working and what isn't, and be prepared to adjust your strategies as your circumstances change. This reflection can be as simple as a weekly review of your schedule or a more in-depth monthly analysis of your job satisfaction and personal fulfillment. Staying attuned to your needs will help you make informed decisions that support a balanced lifestyle.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can balance work and life in temporary and contract roles while facilitating large groups.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prioritize Tasks

2 Set Boundaries

3 Leverage Technology

4 Self-Care Rituals

5 Network Support

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Large Group Facilitation

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Here's how you can balance work and life in temporary and contract roles while facilitating large groups.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Prioritize Tasks

2 Set Boundaries

3 Leverage Technology

4 Self-Care Rituals

5 Network Support

6 Reflect Regularly

7 Here’s what else to consider

Large Group Facilitation

Rate this article

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