Problem: Some manager mandates that everyone under his responsibility must do certain things a certain way. Solution: The reason managers do this is because they can. They have the power and authority to tell anyone reporting to them to do a certain thing. But just because they can, doesn’t mean they should. This is theContinue reading “Do the Hard Work of Emotional Labor”
Author Archives: Rex
What is Grootship? (Again)
I think I ought to periodically explain grootship to everyone as I gain more insight into what it is. I know I made up the word, but the concept seems to keep evolving for me as I think about it more. I’m all for the ‘change agent’ who is able to influence the powers that beContinue reading “What is Grootship? (Again)”
Create a Library
Problem: Most people in your group don’t know all the cool stuff you know or haven’t read the latest books. Solution: Sometimes it’s hard to have a meaningful conversation with your co-workers because they can’t relate to all the things you’re learning. So make it as easy as possible for them to gain the sameContinue reading “Create a Library”
Mix Up Your Meetings – part 5 (diagram the conversation)
Problem: During a meeting, some people can talk and talk and talk, and easily get off subject, causing you to go down ‘bunny trails’ (as they call them) of thought that aren’t relevant to the conversation. This wastes time and tires the minds of those forced to listen. Solution: At the begining of a meetingContinue reading “Mix Up Your Meetings – part 5 (diagram the conversation)”
Carve Out Some Focus Time
Problem: You’re constantly bombarded with interruptions, requests, action items, meetings, phone calls, emails, etc. that you can hardly get any one thing done. Solution: Don’t be. In other words, choose not to. There are two types of interruptions, 1) by someone else, called an interruption, and 2) by your self, called a distraction. Distractions may stillContinue reading “Carve Out Some Focus Time”
Write Poetry
Problem: People get too many emails every day that are just boring. The same old thing, somebody wants some information, or to have a meeting, there’s an announcement about a charity fundraiser, a broadcast message that the parking lot will be under construction, you know what I mean. Solution: If you’re going to write soContinue reading “Write Poetry”
Hold a Contest
Problem: There’s no excitement in your office. There’s nothing interesting for people to talk about. Solution: Hold a contest. It doesn’t matter what for, how you set it up, or what the prize is, just have one, and make it something people will talk about. You don’t need to ask permission, just make it soundContinue reading “Hold a Contest”
Take a Power Nap
Post by Eric, Third Degree Enigma Problem: You get a little drowsy in the afternoon and have a hard time being productive. Your mind gets fuzzy. Solution: Research has shown that taking a 20 minute nap in the middle of the day resets the learning centers of the brain and significantly improves learning during afternoon activities. As aContinue reading “Take a Power Nap”
Always Have a Side Project
Problem: The work you do doesn’t seem interesting or lend itself to “making a difference.” Solution: That’s okay. The trash still needs to be taken out, those TPS reports still need to be checked for accuracy, and someone needs to process those expense reports. I know, there are whole groups or even large organizations createdContinue reading “Always Have a Side Project”
Mix Up Your Meetings – part 4 (rearrange room)
Problem: Not every one participates in your meetings. People get comfortable in their favorite seats. Your group needs a change. Solution: Rearrange the chairs in your meeting room. There’s probably that guy who always sits in the back so he can get away with not saying anything. Or there are only the few who are engaged becauseContinue reading “Mix Up Your Meetings – part 4 (rearrange room)”
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