When traveling with co-workers, you can impress your boss and keep the peace with your office mates by following a few simple steps before, during and after the trips. In the first two articles in this series, On the Road Again – Keeping the Peace When Traveling with Co-Workers and One the Road Again Part II – Time to Get to Work! I discussed items to consider when preparing a trip with co-workers and what to do once you arrive at your destination. Now that you are back at home base what happens? Do you go back to your corner and continue were you left off before the trip? No! There are steps that you can take to fully capitalize on the trip to set you and your organization up for future success. Here are five things for you to consider.
Bring back gifts. If you travel to a location that has unique items that you can share with those who were not able to travel buy some and bring it back to the office. This could be candy, cookies, coffee, tea, something they can all have a sample of. For example, if you went to Hershey, PA you could bring back Hershey chocolates.
Expense Report. Do not wait too long to submit your expense report to claim reimbursable expenses. Most companies have a deadline on how much time you have to submit the claim, be sure you know what the time line is for your department. Include only items that are authorized on the claim and include receipts if you have them. If you add additional items, it will delay the claim and leadership may see you as someone trying to get over.
Prepare a Trip Report. In the report mention all projects and issues your were able to close out. Include any problems or challenges you faced and potential problems for the company in the future. Also include everything that went well. Give your colleagues credit for their efforts and mention anyone you met who went above and beyond to assist your team. Be sure that what you write about is mission specific and discusses what you did and how it contributes to company goals. Do not gossip and talk about any personal issues that may have been shared during the trip. End your report by thanking your boss for giving you the opportunity to travel. Consider sharing the report with your team members.
Follow-up. This is a step that is often left out. Follow-up with those you worked with, not just within your organization, but those that you met with while on travel. Send thank you letters to those that assisted you with the planning of the trip and who provided assistance to you. See how you can further assist members of your team. Acknowledge anyone who went above and beyond and let their boss know as well. Often people who are doing a great job never get the recognition they deserve. By following-up and sending out thank you notes, people will be eager to help you again when needed.
Look ahead. Now that you are back, what’s next? Start thinking ahead and consider how what you learned that can help the organization now and set the organization up for future success. Having stepped out of the office and visited a different location, you may find that you have fresh new ideas that will benefit the company. Do your research and present the ideas to the team and upper management. Not only will you set the organization up for success, you will also set yourself up for success by showing initiative. You can be considered for new assignments with increased responsibility and ultimately, increased income.
While traveling with your co-workers, you were able to keep the peace by planning ahead and focusing on the overall mission and goals of the organization. You were professional and took the needs of everyone into consideration. In doing so, you were able to strengthen the team and build better relationships. The indirect impact is that your co-workers, boss and leadership will notice your actions and behavior, even if you think they don’t so word does get back to them. Continue to display these positive qualities and not only will you keep the peace with co-workers will traveling, but also in daily activities in the work place. An added benefit, and your actions can advance your career and increase your income. If you have any questions on building better relationships in your professional and/or personal life, reach out to me at cowens@infinitycoaching.net or visit the Infinity Coaching website. Until next time, here’s to your success!
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Leadership and Life Coach. She is the Chairwoman and CEO of Infinity Coaching, Inc. where they help you up-level your skills so you can up-level your income. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching coaching, organizational training, personality assessments and a signature program, the Infinity Coaching Inner Circle. Find out more at https://infinitycoaching.net
