It is a couple of weeks before my 6 month sabbatical comes to an end. I am walking my little dachshunds (i.e, daxies) at 11 a.m. in the local park. While sitting on the park bench embracing my last hours as a free agent, I realize one of the hounds has lifted his leg on a neighbor’s stroller and I need to go apologize. As I approach to diffuse the situation, I start … [Read more...]
What Does “What do you do?” Really Mean?
“What do you do?” It’s a question you’re asked on almost a daily basis. And if you own your own business, it’s the most important question you’re asked. Every time you’re asked that question you have the chance to shine, to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients and customers. Every time you don’t make yourself unforgettable you have wasted that opportunity. Most … [Read more...]
10 Biggest Productivity Myths
There are many who would consider themselves gurus of productivity, an endless source of wisdom on the matter, ready to dispense advice to all who ask. And, those who don't. While they may be correct in many of their tips, there are a number of common myths regarding productivity which are regularly shared around. Even those who are already very productive can be misguided … [Read more...]
Reducing Workplace Stress with Mindfulness Practice
According to The American Institute of Stress, 80 per cent of workers feel stressed on the job today, and nearly half say they really need help to cope with their stress load. As companies move to combat the negative impact of stressed workers on their productivity (stress is linked to lost time, heart attacks and hypertension), many of them are turning to an age-old practice … [Read more...]
Is It Time to Change the Definition of Project Success?
According to McKinsey, 70% of projects fail to deliver what was intended. It's a figure we're all too familiar with, but how do you define success? Is your version of a successful project one that comes in on time, to budget, and has delivered the quality of operational improvement set out in the original business case and project plan? These are common measurements … [Read more...]
Want to be a Freelancer? Read This First
Last year, the number of freelancers reached a 40-year high: 15% of the U.K. workforce identifies as freelancers. In September 2014, I joined the ranks of the 4.6 million people who choose to be their own boss. If you're yearning for the greener pastures of a life spent working independently, now may well be a good time to make the switch. What Will You Do as a … [Read more...]
5 Things I Wish I Knew in the First 5 Years of My Career
In my career in technology, I have helped many customers create wayfinding systems---the touchscreen-enabled systems that allow people to chart where they are and where they are going as they navigate a shopping center or college campus. Wayfinding is a lot like the lifelong effort of shaping a career. The first step is to identify where the “You Are Here” pin might be and … [Read more...]
6 Proven Ways to Reduce Costly Employee Turnover
Brands targeting the teen market have a business model to produce and price goods inexpensively, anticipating the mentality of “disposability” that exists within their target audience. Sadly, many businesses work from that same mentality in their approach in hiring employees. And, unlike a pair of shorts from Forever 21, replacing employees is very costly. Billions of … [Read more...]
5 Habits Ruining Your Time Tracking and How to Fix Them
You're tracking time in the hope of staying productive. However, there are things that can ruin anyone's time tracking efforts. Many of them we do subconsciously. Let's take a look at the top five time tracking baddies and some solutions to make time tracking for you easier and more effective. The five bad habits and five good solutions to the problems caused by those bad … [Read more...]
A Social Call to Arms for Entrepreneurs and Investors
A “call to arms” may bring up savage images for many of us. But, according to Webster’s, it can also mean “a summons or invitation to undertake a particular course of action.” It’s the nature of the times we live in. Everyone wants more meaning in their lives. So few of us have every wish fulfilled – even if we have everything we ever wanted. Success, fortune and fame still … [Read more...]