Mattie Guide: Goal Setting after Maternity Leave
Behind every great kid is a multitasking mom.
If you’re here, I know you are a goal oriented individual, so this guide will help you reframe your thinking from bottles and babies to reports and results. We’ve broken down what we think are approachable reentry goals to get you back up to speed while helping you strike a balance between your career and family.
1. Reconnect with Your Team
Goal: Reestablish communication and rapport with your team.
Why It Matters:
Reconnecting helps rebuild your professional network and ensures you’re up-to-date on team dynamics, projects, and priorities.
Action Steps:
Schedule 1:1 Meetings: Set up individual meetings with your manager, direct reports, and key colleagues. Use these meetings to catch up on what’s happened during your absence and to align on current objectives.
Attend Team Meetings: Join regular team meetings to get back into the loop and understand ongoing projects.
Share Updates: Take the opportunity to share any personal updates that you’re comfortable with, which can help reestablish a personal connection with your colleagues.
Things to Consider:
Be open about your transition back to work and any adjustments you’re making to your schedule.
Actively listen to your team’s updates to gauge the current work environment and team morale.
2. Review and Prioritize Workload
Goal: Assess your workload and prioritize tasks for immediate focus.
Why It Matters:
Prioritizing your tasks ensures you focus on what’s most important and manage your time effectively.
Action Steps:
Review Outstanding Projects: Look through any projects or tasks that were ongoing before your leave. Determine what needs your immediate attention and what can be delegated or delayed.
Set Priorities: Work with your manager to identify the top 3-5 tasks or projects that need your focus in the first 30 days.
Organize Your Schedule: Use your calendar to block time for high-priority tasks, meetings, and any catch-up work.
Things to Consider:
Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to tackle everything at once. Focus on high-impact tasks that align with team or company goals.
Be realistic about what you can achieve in the first month and communicate any concerns about your workload.
3. Update and Refresh Your Knowledge
Goal: Get up to speed on any changes, new tools, or processes introduced during your leave.
Why It Matters:
Staying informed about updates ensures that you’re working efficiently and effectively within any new systems or processes.
Action Steps:
Review Company Communications: Go through any company emails, announcements, or updates that occurred during your leave. This includes any changes to policies, tools, or strategies.
Seek Training if Needed: If new tools or processes have been introduced, request training or a refresher to ensure you’re comfortable using them.
Check in with Your Manager: Ask your manager if there have been any shifts in team priorities, company goals, or industry trends that you should be aware of.
Things to Consider:
It’s okay to ask questions or request additional support as you get reacquainted with the work environment.
Make note of any knowledge gaps or areas where you may need additional training or resources.
4. Reestablish Work-Life Balance
Goal: Set boundaries and routines that support a healthy work-life balance.
Why It Matters:
A balanced approach helps you manage the demands of work and home life, reducing stress and improving overall well-being.
Action Steps:
Create a Routine: Establish a daily routine that accommodates your work schedule and personal responsibilities. Include time for breaks, pumping (if applicable), and family time.
Communicate Boundaries: Let your manager and team know your preferred working hours and any times when you may be unavailable due to personal commitments.
Use Available Resources: Take advantage of any company resources, such as flexible working hours, remote work options, or employee assistance programs, to help you manage your work-life balance.
Things to Consider:
Be mindful of not overcommitting in your first 30 days back. Allow yourself time to adjust and ease into your new routine.
If you find it challenging to balance work and home life, seek support from HR, your manager, or a trusted colleague.
5. Set Personal and Professional Goals
Goal: Identify personal and professional goals for the next 30 days.
Why It Matters:
Setting clear goals gives you direction and motivation, helping you measure your progress and celebrate small wins.
Action Steps:
Personal Goals: Determine what you want to achieve personally in the first month back at work. This could include adjusting to your new routine, maintaining self-care practices, or reconnecting with colleagues.
Professional Goals: Set specific, measurable goals related to your job. These could include completing a particular project, learning a new skill, or improving your time management.
Review and Adjust: At the end of the 30 days, review your progress. Adjust your goals as needed and set new ones for the following month.
Things to Consider:
Make sure your goals are realistic and aligned with your overall career objectives.
Celebrate small achievements along the way to stay motivated and positive.
Conclusion
You got this.
