Lead by example and walk-the-talk are key themes of my leadership training workshops and coaching. One tenet of such leadership behaviour is continuous improvement. As individuals, we have a choice about accepting the status quo – that things are good enough – or seeking out new challenges through lifelong learning.
Some time back, I wrote about my friend Jason and his 1% idea. I don’t always remember to do my 14.4 minutes of self-directed study each day – other priorities emerge, emergencies occur and, on days like today, travel can disrupt my usual routine. When that happens, I take the opportunity to stop and ask myself if there is anything I can learn in the moment.
Thinking about packing for the first of two business trips in the next 10 days, I faced the recurring question of which bag to use. Having been seperated from my checked baggage on a recent trip, I use a smaller case that means I can travel without checking-in any baggage. By definition, a smaller case means that I must carry less but that’s no longer an issue.
Over the last year, I have devoted some of my 1% time to researching business travel and clever packing hacks on YouTube. After watching some truly bizarre videos, I found a handful that have really helped me packed smarter and quicker. Among other things, I now ranger-roll t-shirts and underwear, and pack smaller items into the channels between the handles to make full use of every bit of space.
A tip of my own would be to use packing bags/modules as they helps store items snugly and keep clean and dirty clothes separate while you’re away. You don’t need to buy the expensive bags or ‘packing cubes’ at the outdoor stores, simply pick up some mesh laundry bags at your local $2 shop.
More often than not, I work in smart casual clothes but the occasional job requires me to wear a suit. This being the case, I was keen to find a way to pack a suit in a carry-on case or rucsac without it creasing and needing a full press at my destination. Luckily, I found the following video featuring Jacky Tam of British Tailors in Hong Kong showing a customer how to fold a suit and shirt for packing in a case.
With that, I’ll put my bags in the car and head to the airport. If you have a great travel tip to share, please leave a comment here or on my Facebook page.