Have you ever worked at a company where management changes frequently? How many times after the first week of change have you heard, “Let’s see how long this one lasts”, or “It took me two days to figure out he(she) won’t work out”.
Have your job duties recently changed - again? Did it make you think, “Can’t I just keep doing it the way I always did?” or “What is this really going to accomplish?”
Are you learning a new software program? Do you ever hear yourself saying, “The old way was much easier” or “One week in and I still don’t understand this.”
These types of questions and many more are perfect for the application of The Three Month Rule!
What is it? Simple. In order to give anything a chance, you need to give it at least three months. I use this in my business routine quite often. I use it all the time in life. The three month rule can be applied to many different platforms:
- Employee trial period (see it they are the right fit for the company)
- Employer trial period (see if the company is the right fit for you)
- New job description
- New service process
- New sales territory
- Process changes
- New computer program
- New seating arrangement
- Relationships
- Diet
- Fitness
- Lifestyle
- Schooling
- Friendships
- Use of Social Media
- You must start with a positive approach and patience.
- You must keep an open mind throughout the three months.
- You must adapt to change along the way.
- You must try what you don’t like more than once and continue throughout the three months.
- You must be willing to extend past the three month rule or seek assistance if you are still unsure of the outcome.
A good friend recently had to deal with the passing of her father. He had lived a wonderful long and fulfilled life with only a short illness at the very end. Weeks following his passing were difficult for my friend as would be expected. A conversation recently at the local rink (everything revolves around the rink in my home) found my friend in great spirits, sleeping well and enjoying the memories. When I asked her how long it had been since her father had passed away she said it had been three months. I told her about my three month rule. She told me about another rule her husband uses. It’s called the $5000 rule. The projects you really want to do generally cost $5000! (Was $3000 for many years but recently he increased the cap to catch up with the cost of living!)
We all apply our own rules in business and in life. The moral behind the three month rule is give everything (and everyone) a fair assessment period before jumping to a conclusion that may result in a different outcome than had you incorporated some time into the mix.
Wishing you three full months of tremendous summer fun!
Barb Bruce – 705-927-5953 service@myradius.ca
