Archive | May, 2010
A day to say goodbye

Happy Memorial Day

By on May 31, 2010 in Gratitude

Today, I am taking a break from regular productivity posts to reflect on something I feel is important – and that is actually a productive way to spend my day!

This is not just a holiday for us to picnic and party; remember the real reason behind Memorial Day. It has never been more personal to me than this year as we count down to our next deployment this summer. It is with a heavy heart, but one bursting with pride that I loan my husband – my personal veteran and soldier – to the service of his country. I have never been more grateful to all of those who currently serve and to especially those who we celebrate today who have made the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedom, our safety and our future.

A day to say goodbye

A day to say goodbye

No matter your party, your politics, your religion or your beliefs take a minute today to reflect on the men and women who have fought for freedom and democracy for more than 200 years. Be involved, have an opinion, vote, exercise your freedom to voice support or dissent. You have that right and I would argue the duty to speak up as I am doing today. But whatever your views PLEASE show respect and gratitude for the individual soldier and his or her family. To them it is a matter of integrity, of doing what they believe is right and of being willing to leave their families behind to do so. It’s missed birthdays, holidays, milestones, soccer games, concerts, awards, school plays and everyday talks, hugs and bedtime kisses – months of family life lost that can never be retrieved.

My most heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the 3 million active duty and ready reserve members for everything they do every day to protect me and YOU. And a fond farewell to those we remember today and their families – Thank you for your sacrifice.

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Energy management

Does the Way You’re Working Work for You?

By on May 26, 2010 in Success

Energy managementIf not, you may be interested in the new book by Tony Schwartz, “The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working.” I am very intrigued by Tony’s concept of “Energy Management” and our 4 unmet needs. It’s a good read if you are interested in looking at productivity in a new way.

The way we’re working isn’t working. More than 75 percent of employees around the world feel disengaged at work every day. We’re in a new kind of energy crisis — and this one is personal.

THE WAY WE’RE WORKING ISN’T WORKING: The Four Forgotten Needs that Energize Great Performance makes a compelling case for a new kind of workplace, a better way of working and a more deeply satisfying way of life.

Employers and employees alike share an unspoken assumption that human beings are capable of operating in the same way computers do: continuously, at ever higher speeds, running multiple programs at the same time.

In fact, we’re designed to pulse. We’re more productive and more satisfied when we move rhythmically between spending and renewing energy to meet our four key needs:

physical (sustainability); emotional (security); mental (self-expression) and spiritual (significance).

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7 habits

Be Proactive

By on May 19, 2010 in Personal Growth, Success

7 habitsBe Proactive – The first habit in Steven Covey’s system for “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is Be Proactive. By definition, being proactive means – “taking initiative: taking the initiative by acting rather than reacting to events.”

We have the choice to act in a way that attempts to bring about change; or to simply respond after something has occurred. In real terms; do we want to try to control, influence or affect any situation or outcome or do we allow ourselves to be influenced by other’s choices.

Some strategies for being proactive:

  • Take responsibility for yourself and your job or business – stop blaming others.
  • Look for possible obstacles or difficulties that may arise.
  • Find solutions rather than waiting for someone else to solve your problems.
  • Determine what or who we can actually influence.
  • Do not waste time trying to control things you cannot.
  • Whining and complaining are not being proactive!
  • Follow-thru on any commitments and promises you make to yourself and everyone else.
  • Choose how you will view situations – don’t let other’s dictate your response.

To read additional posts about the Covey time management system click here.

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Ask Questions to Improve your Productivity

By on May 17, 2010 in Success

The only foolish question is the one that was never asked!

When you are in a new situation or circumstance, or when you are beginning a new project or working with a new client; the best way to increase productivity – your and everyone else’s is to ask questions. Some questions need to be asked of others and some of yourself. Ask, Ask, Ask until you are confident that you have a firm grasp. Do not wait until something goes wrong to ask for clarification!

Quality questions create a quality life. Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers. – Anthony Robbins

Possible questions to get you started:

  • Why are we doing this?
  • What is the desired outcome?
  • When is our deadline or when are periodic checkpoints?
  • What is my role?
  • Who is responsible or accountable for which tasks or projects?
  • Do we have metrics or some form of measurement?
  • What are the possible roadblocks or obstacles?
  • What are the available resources?
  • What is the level of priority of this project?
  • Who are the key players or participants?
  • What is the hierarchy?
  • What is the atmosphere like?
  • What is expected of me?
  • What is my role or “job”?
  • What do I need to be more comfortable?

Asking questions is a valuable tool in business and in life. We need to first be clear where we are going and what is expected of us before we can really accomplish anything. This often overlooked strategy can make the difference between success and failure.

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thank you

A Little Thank You Goes a Long Way

By on May 10, 2010 in Success

thank youMake it a practice to send out hand-written thank you notes, phone calls or even emails on a regular basis. This makes a huge impact on maintaining your loyal clients, encouraging good feelings about your business and for acknowledging the people who have helped you in some way. From the first “thank you” for the interview to the “we appreciate the opportunity to work with you” those two simple words can be the most important you ever utter. The more grateful you are for what you have, the better an impression you will leave and I think the happier and more successful you will become.

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questions

What Was Your Name Again?

By on May 5, 2010 in Success

questions

Do you have trouble remembering someone’s name?

It can be really embarrassing to not be able to recall names or correct spellings, but there are tactics you can use to help in this area.

Benjamin Levy, author of Remember Every Name Every Time, advocates the FACE method: “focus, ask, comment and employ.” Focus: Lock in on the person’s face. Ask: Inquire which version he prefers (“Is it Ted or Theodore?”). Comment: Say something about the name and cross-reference it in your head (“My college roommate’s name was Ted.”) Employ: Put the name to use–”Nice seeing you, Ted”–to drive it home.

Other techniques to try:

  • Repeat the name out loud during the initial conversation or use it again as soon as possible
  • Associate the name with an object or frame of reference(Ted rhymes with bed)
  • Spell it
  • Write it down

If you get stuck and just can’t remember a person’s name, introduce them to another person and hopefully they will volunteer the information….

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What Do You Look Forward to?

By on May 4, 2010 in Personal Growth

gardenDo you have something to look forward to?

Do you have inspiring goals and plans? A “want-to-do” or “like-to-do” list? When you are submerged in the daily drama of living; marriage, raising your children, working or building a business can you see beyond that? What comes after? There is more to life than what is happening today although I understand that many days it feels like just getting through the day is all you can handle. I know, I get it. I have felt that way too. But if you never look beyond today, then what incentive do you have?

I am not saying that you should not be happy or content wherever you are in life. Certainly be present in your daily life and enjoy the experiences you have, but also take time to look forward. There is nothing wrong with planning for the future or contemplating the path you need to take to achieve your goals. As long as you don’t become so obsessed with your future to the exclusion of your present, then it can be very healthy actually. People who don’t ever look to the future stop growing and invariably lose their zest for life.

Your “something to look forward to” may be a weekend trip next month or the vacation of a lifetime in 3 years. It may be that you’ve always wanted to have a certain career, live in a different place, build or buy your dream home. There are so many possibilities, so many experiences available.

What do you look forward to?

My list is almost endless: a weekend trip with my husband, a vacation to Hawaii, a visit to tour Italy, books that I want to read, the garden oasis that I envision in my backyard…..

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knowledge

Invest in yourself

By on May 4, 2010 in Success

knowledgeInvest in Yourself is one of the most important Golden Rules of Productivity.

Investing in yourself will yield the highest returns of any investment you have ever made. If you want to stay competitive or be at your most effective you need to keep learning and growing on a regular basis. In today’s world with the constantly changing technology, concepts and guidelines if you aren’t improving your knowledge and skills, you will be out-of-date in mere months. You have to stay current if you want to be the best – and I am assuming that you do or you would not be reading this blog.

What does investing in yourself look like? It does not mean that you need to be perpetually enrolled in higher education, though that is an option if it appeals you. Learning and growing can take many forms. It may be as simple as having subscriptions to trade publications – either in print or online – to stay up on new trends. The caveat there is that you must actually read them! You may attend conferences, workshops or other forms of training, take online webinars or read current books in your area of expertise. You may work towards an advanced degree or certification. Any knowledge or skills that you can acquire can help you grow.

This is not just limited to your business skills either. If you want to take a writing course at the local college or learn photography that’s fine. Maybe you want to hone your musical skills or become a gourmet cook. All of these skills help you to stretch and grow as a person and can be easily transferable no matter what you do in your “business” life. Your mind stays sharp, your comprehension of current trends and conversations increases, your confidence rises and your proficiency in areas such as analysis and problem-solving also improve. Knowledge and growth will help you become a more valuable commodity in any area.

To read more about the other Golden Rules of Productivity click here.

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