15 Hacks to Stay Focused in a Noisy World #121 Create a system clarifying how communication works with your team. For example: What are the criteria for text, email, phone calls, in-person/virtual meetings? For our internal team, text is immediate need; email is information only and to be prioritized by the deadline requested in the email or amidst your existing commitments; phone or virtual meetings are for dialog…
Be Sure to Read to #12 – #120 One of the great gifts that comes with blogging is when readers comment (please do). It’s even better when you ask questions to continue the dialog. This blog is an answer to Maia who wrote in after blog #75, “Where You Go, They Go” was published on our social media as well…
You Don’t Have to be Smart to be Successful #119 You don’t have to be smart to be successful. You need to be wise. This contradicts some of what we’re pushing in our world right now. Smart is the ability to take tests, the emphasis is on memorization and production or output. Wisdom comes from experience, risk-taking, mistakes and being…
Please help us reach 100? #118 Many of you followed our Minnesota staycation through social media. As a result, we were surprised by the number of requests for the “list” we generated of ideas we have for exploring our home state. We’ve now visited several of them and will continue adding to the list over the coming years to ensure we continue…
How to Live a Wealthy Life #117 Wealth. It’s a juicy word I’ve been contemplating. The definition is: an abundance or profusion of anything; plentiful amount. (dictionary.com) In a scarce world, how do you come from abundance; or wealth? For me, the word transcends money. It is inclusive of time, energy, money, intellect, possibilities and resources. When I consider where scarcity creeps in most often for me,…
Suffering is Optional #116 Cy Wakeman is a newer hero of mine. She is a straight talker who delivers a great dose of reality with her content. She’s a drama researcher by training and is abundant with all she shares. One of the powerful distinctions she shares is between sympathy and empathy. Sympathy is validating things the way they are…
Reasons or Results #115 I was working with a team recently and one member challenged me on single-point accountability. She said she disagreed with the concept and their people “share” accountability for getting things done. While this is a great idea, it will always lead to the same outcome. When things are working, it’s a fine concept. What happens when…
Stop Wasting Time Trying to Manage Time (Part 3) #114 Here it is, the BIGGEST time waster of all. There is one activity that never makes anyone’s calendar, yet we waste oodles of time on it… e-mail! Most people constantly interrupt their workflow to read or respond the moment someone sends an email. One word of advice – DON’T. Bless…
Stop Wasting Time Trying to Manage Time (Part 2) #113 If you didn’t read yesterday’s blog, please do so – it will set you up for a win with today’s content. It’s time to readjust your picture. All you need is your current calendar, a paper print-out of a blank calendar and a little time to make a significant impact…
Stop Wasting Time Trying to Manage Time (Part 1) #112 Have you ever looked at your “to do” list and felt that aching drop in the pit of your stomach? It’s usually accompanied by thoughts like, “Right, like I’ll ever get to the bottom of the list,” or, “Wow, it’s overwhelming and I have no time for anything that matters…