Those Batchers! The Art of Getting More Done.
October 30, 2007
It’s a proven fact, batchers get more done then non-batchers! So just what is a “batcher”? Ok it’s just a fun word I use to refer to people who group (batch) similar activities together to be more efficient. It’s like the art of killing two birds with one stone (Please note: No birds were harmed during the writing of this post!).
Batching is mastering the art of killing 2 birds with 1 stone.
Take the “Everyday” Stress Test
October 28, 2007
Purpose:
The purpose of this stress test is to increase your awareness of stress in your life.
How to be a Jackass in 3 Simple Steps
October 24, 2007
If you have opinions about Oprah, the Cubs, or Vegans you’ll probably enjoy this article!
1. Criticize from the stands
I was at a dinner party recently when Oprah Winfrey became the topic of conversation. Within ten seconds, like a quick volley of machine gun fire, I heard, “I hate her”… “I don’t think she gives enough of her money to charity” … and two others quickly agreed “me too!” They pounced on Oprah faster than sharks on a cramping swimmer!
Now, I’m no die hard fan of the Oprah show, but I do enjoy it occasionally. However, what I was hearing from my fellow dinner companions was appalling. I couldn’t help but remind everybody that Oprah’s money is HER money! She could keep all of it if she wants to – she earned it! Besides, how do we really know how much money Oprah gives to charity anyways?
Here’s a better question, what the hell had my fellow dinner mates done for charity? My guess, not as much as Oprah!
To criticize the charitable deeds of others is always a jackass move; to do it from the sidelines makes it even worse.
When is Perfection Your Enemy?
October 23, 2007
When is perfection your enemy? When good enough will do!
Now, I’m not suggesting you use this advice as license to pat yourself on the back for substandard work, or to neglect striving for excellence. Because there are times when good enough will certainly not do! For instance, some would consider Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa or Michael Angelo’s David good examples of when perfection trumped good enough and paid off.
But outside of works of art, the ROI (Return on Investment) of perfection is significantly lower than “good enough.” Why?
Because perfection requires significantly more time and effort that usually adds only a little extra value. Perfectionists tend to get so focused on the most infinitesimal of details that they bring progress to a slow crawl. The pursuit of perfection wastes a lot of valuable time that could be better spent (or invested in this case) accomplishing other tasks.
The ROI on perfection is generally considerably lower than “good enough”
How to Talk Back to Your Boss
October 21, 2007
Sharing your true thoughts and opinions with the “higher ups” can be a little frightening, and could even jeopardized your career if done incorrectly. When approaching management your best bet is to make sure you do it with a positive attitude.
You don’t have to like what’s going on, but a bitchfest is rarely your best option. Instead, always come at a problem with the goal of solving it. Anybody can spot when things are going badly, but only leaders do something about it.
This interesting article lists 5 things to consider when approaching management. I particularly like number 2:
2. Be solution-oriented.
When speaking up to your boss, resist pointing out problems until you’ve thought through a possible solution. “We tell our junior staff not to come forward with a problem unless they also bring ideas on how to solve it,” she says.
You don’t have to have all the answers. But offering a few possible solutions is a great way to remind everybody that you’re all on the same team.
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Goat-O-Meter: 2.13 Goats!
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