Fri., September 28, 2012 7:40am (EDT)

WORKING: The Most-Important Hour
By Joshua Stewart
Updated: 8 months ago

ATLANTA  —  
Brandon Smith says the first hour of the work day sets the tone for rest, so it’s important to spend that time doing something that will keep your anxiety and stress levels down throughout the day. (Photo Courtesy of <a href=http://www.flickr.com/photos/timpatterson/476098132/>Tim Patterson via Flickr</a>.)
Brandon Smith says the first hour of the work day sets the tone for rest, so it’s important to spend that time doing something that will keep your anxiety and stress levels down throughout the day. (Photo Courtesy of Tim Patterson via Flickr.)
What do you do with the first hour of your day? Maybe read email, catch up with your co-workers or get that important first or second (or third) cup of coffee.

Those first minutes can be the most important part of the entire workday because they set the tone for everything that comes later. Brandon Smith explains and shares a few examples.

(You can also click the second audio link and hear how Brandon likes to start his day.)

Brandon Smith teaches about leadership, communication, and workplace culture at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. More of his advice is on his blog and at theworkplacetherapist.com. While you’re there, ask him your workplace or career question. We might use your question on a future radio segment.