Open House

It is that time of year when students in High School and College graduate. Many of you may have students who are graduating or know someone who has a child graduating. When those graduations occur you often spend weekends in May and June attending the ceremony and/or open houses.

Here we are, another leadership weekend when you want to relax to escape the rat race of leadership. One way you can do that is by watching the future leaders accomplish their first step toward success by graduating. You may also find yourself attending an open house or maybe you are hosting one.

Sometimes the hosting becomes more stressful than the leadership duties you face on a daily basis. I am spending part of tomorrow attending my oldest daughter’s graduation ceremony from William Mitchell Law School. Huge accomplishment for her and it will be wonderful to watch my daughter receive her diploma. Fortunately we do not have to throw her an open house. That usually occurs when someone graduates from High School.

Here are some pointers for you to help relieve the stress of throwing a graduation open house. Then you can enjoy and join in the celebration of the success of the future leaders.

·         Food – Don’t go overboard or elaborate on the food. Make it easy, like a taco bar or have close family members bring a dish to share.

·         Location – If you have it in your house then you will have to spend time cleaning. Otherwise you can have it in the yard, garage or even at another facility.

·         Guests – Immediate family and close friends. No need to invite everyone.

·         Gift – Be practical and not expensive. You don’t want to stress out over money during such a great occasion.

·         Helpers – Get help with set-up and clean-up. If you can maybe there is a neighbor who also is have a child graduate. Combine efforts and share the duties.

Celebrate that graduation but don’t stress out over it. Follow these five simple steps to a stress free open house.