Well, it’s a snowy, snowy, snowy day here in Denver. I’m working from home writing grants and post-tenure-review letters and listening to my gleeful children run around the house like maniacs. Snow days are great, aren’t they? Especially when you’re a kid and free to good off all day instead of going to school. They’re great, of course, if you’re a kid- somewhat less great if you’re a parent trying to work from home on such a day and actually finish tasks that you need to get done.

The last thing I or any parent wants to do is rain (or snow) on the kid utopia that is a snow-day. Demanding that they be quiet as mice so I can work is not fair, and although they are respectfully trying to keep it down to a dull roar, it’s not enough to give me the headspace I need to get all the stuff done I need to. How to resolve this conflict without stressing my whole family out? Here are some solutions. They’ve helped us have many a great and productive snow day and not stress out so much that the memories of those days, like today, are unpleasant ones.

1. Set a few simple groundrules. My kids know that after breakfast, I am up working in my office and they are on their own, barring disasters, until lunchtime. This works because my kids are old enough to entertain themselves and know not to start fires. This buys me a good block of time in which I can get some serious work done without interruption. They know, of course, that if someone is hurt or sick, they can come get me. What they do not bother me with is sibling bickering and grousing.

2. Create a sound barrier. This is not a problem for everyone, but I really have a hard time concentrating and getting work done if there is a lot of changing ambient noise, such as kids and dogs playing together, even pretty quietly. As such, I use internet radio and a good set of noise-cancelling headphones to ensconce myself sufficiently to get my work done, yet I am still easily interrupted for emergencies. One great internet radio service is 365Live.com, which offers TONS of selections of different types of music for free. For a few bucks, you can pay to skip the commercials. It is really quite wonderful for background working music if you like that. Here’s what I’m listening to now:

3. Make time for a little fun. It’s hardly fair for Mom to spend her whole day with her nose to the grindstone when the kids are having a blast in the snow. I make plans to take a couple of breaks during the day, one to make and have lunch with my kids, usually watching a movie, and another at some point to just hang out with them for an hour or so. Not only do these breaks give me some fun “snow-day” memories, but they help me be more effective in my work. The cognitive break from work always puts me back at my desk rejuvenated and able to work more efficiently.

I hope these tips are helpful. Stay warm and have a great, productive, and memorable snow day!!

So you work for someone. Maybe it’s someone you respect, maybe not so much. Maybe it’s a Director, Department Chair, Dean, or Boss. Maybe you are more educated than they are, maybe not. Regardless of the configuration of your relationship, when you are in a reporting role to someone else, it may be easy to sit back and feel like you are a follower- that your are powerless in the relationship and unable to distinguish or exert yourself in a meaningful way. Not so, however- regardless of the specifics of your relationship to your boss, there are some basic things you can do to build a stronger relationship with your him or her and to help you distinguish and take charge of your career.

Some Basics:

• Bosses are interested in employees who will help them accomplish the many goals that are often set for their teams.

• Self-starters, initiative takers, independent, results oriented individuals are often in demand.

• If your boss had a hand in hiring you then you can be confident that he/she already thinks well of you. Now that you’re hired, it’s up to you.

• Performing well can reinforce the message that the decision to bring you on board was the right decision.

Here are some tips that will help you build a great relationship with your boss, while building your confidence in your ability to “manage up.”

1. Put yourself in your Bosses’ shoes.

From their perspective, what are the stresses, the pressures, the goals, and the demands? Once you have a clear sense of this, you are then better able to make decisions, tailor your communications, and make contributions that will enable others to perceive you as an MVM—most valuable member of the team!

2. See your Boss as a person

Your boss is just like you—has worked his/her way up to the position they now have. Therefore, they have lots of experience to share with you.

If they are willing, allow them to be your mentor. Ask for feedback regularly, and get their input on your career goals.

Encourage bonding by engaging in occasional banter about family, personal hobbies, etc. Share your information, but inquire about his/her family, hobbies, etc. as well.

3. Be helpful/Be proactive

Since you have an understanding of what the demands are on your boss, try your best to contribute to them. What are some immediate accomplishments you can make to help further the team? Where can you take the initiative to solve a problem or improve a process that wasn’t even on the radar screen?

Demonstrating a clear understanding of the strategic focus of the organization will help others to perceive you as a leader and team player. You will gain the respect of your boss, and ensure your career is on the fast track.

4. Manage your performance review process

Record your accomplishments, and inquire about other ways you can contribute to overall team goals. Be assertive about your career plan and ask for projects that will stretch your current abilities. Be clear about the support you seek from your boss, and be equally clear about the deliverables you will produce.

Together, taking these actions will help you not only feel better about your relationship with your boss, but will also help to show them that you are an honest, hardworking, team member who is there not only for yourself but for the organization. This can go a very long way to helping you move forward and up in your career for a long time.