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Monday, November 29, 2010

A "Cool Place" to Discuss Business

I recently completed a 10 Minutes to Change initiative for a client who asked - "Do I want to meet the participants for their 60-75 minute session in the Conference Room or the Meeting Room?" Their Meeting Room is simply an office furnished with a couple of pictures, whiteboard, telephone, four comfortable leather chairs and a coffee table.

I am so glad I chose the Meeting Room which made for a relaxed setting and highly productive forum for the conversations at hand. The room has terrific application for interviews, brainstorming sessions and manager/employee communications.

So take a look at a vacant office on your premises and consider the possibilities of transforming this into your Company's "The Meeting Room"- you'll be glad you did!

Friday, April 30, 2010

Time Lost or Perspective Gained?

This week, I made the decision to take time away from work and watch my son’s 4:00 tennis matches. A total of 6 hours lost. Or were they really?

On Thursday, I talked to a client with older children who happens to be one of the best family men I know. He reminded me... my son’s tennis matches are fleeting.

So that afternoon, I attended a match I hadn't planned on seeing, 30 minutes away.

I’m thinking now that my other 44 hours were more productive. And I loved seeing those matches!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Afternoon Siesta -A Means to Better Productivity?

I'm not a guy who goes crazy over sleep. I find it to be a means to an end- I go to sleep to energize my body and mind for the day ahead. But something strange happened recently and I wonder if I might be onto something.

I recall the great Dale Carnegie wrote about the importance of shuteye in the middle of the workday. I've never really acted on this idea, until last Friday... I stopped at home to grab lunch, laid on my favorite couch and sleep just overtook me; I was out for 45 minutes.

Friday afternoon at the office become better than normal. I had no afternoon fatigue. I progressed with a couple of key marketing initiatives with great zest and creativity - I actually had a tough time pulling myself away from work.

Now this is only a one time thing, but it left me pondering; if I close my eyes for 15-30 minutes after lunch when time permits, will my afternoon energy, production and creativity be vastly impacted? I'll tell you one thing, the next time I see someone sleeping "on the job", I'll think twice before rushing to judgement.



Friday, February 26, 2010

Ok, so it's been a month or two since my last post.
These days, I write & write & then I write some more; never enough.

Don't get me wrong I'm a decent writer. But I don't like writing that much and my creative writing comes when I least expect it. If the idea makes sense, I post it on Facebook, on Twitter or on this Blog, where ever the mood strikes me.

If I'm tired of writing, many are probably tired of reading. That's why Reality TV has become so popular- it the perfect mindset for being mindless.

But you know me, I like interacting, listening and talking.
And now, I have no worries about a Blog Post for awhile :)

Friday, January 8, 2010

New Year Resolutions for the Business Professional

You may be dragging this Friday after a full work week following the chaos of YE festivities. So I offer you...

Resolutions for the Gainfully Employed Business Professional

Appreciate Your Employer- I will not talk bad about my employer, in these trying times I know how lucky I am to have a job.

Revisit your Interpersonal Skills- I will read Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People and apply it to everyone I touch in my organization every day.

Lessen Sensitivity- I will become less sensitive to others' perspectives, seeking to learn rather than be bogged down by bothersome scenarios.

Embrace My Managerial Role- I will recognize a large part of my work performance is embedded to those who work with me and will invest ongoing time in training, mentoring and developing my subordinates skills.

Listen to Enhance Others Perception of You- I will strive to talk less and listen more.
Organize and Prioritize- I will detail my goals for the year, the quarter, the month and the week and challenge and rewrite them at the start of each new period.

Monday, January 4, 2010

This is Why I Use Facebook!

Over the last six month, two former "acquaintances", both fellow UConn classmates have sought me out.

In one instance, the woman was a good friend and I've really enjoyed "catching up" regarding our respective family and business successes.

The other situation was more nebulous. I didn't recognize the name or the picture associated with the invite. But then she said and I quote, " I remember crying to you that I was going to fail cost accounting with James -- right was that his name -- and I ended up really "getting it" after you explained it to me! I think I have a picture of you from graduation -- I'll have to post it if I can find it!"

Thanks Jean for making my day and helping me to remember my mentoring skills 25 years ago went a long way towards helping others. And Thank You, Facebook!