Is being tied to technology controlling your time? Do you have to answer every cell phone call right away? Laura Stack talks about the interruptions that technology use brings and how to not be controlled by them. (C) 2010 Laura Stack www.theproductivitypro.com … [Read more...]
Business Efficiency: The Productivity Minute #25: Do You Really Need to Answer That?
Posted on 02/15/2010 by ·
SUPERCOMPETENT KEY #2: AVAILABILITY
Posted on 02/12/2010 by ·
Availability is driven by Activity. Just as setting valid priorities and goals is important, so is accepting your responsibility in carrying them out. You have to structure your schedule very carefully to ensure that things get done—because if you don't, other people will be perfectly happy to structure your schedule for you. Think about it: how many times have you attended a meeting and asked yourself, "Why am I here?" Often, it's because someone decided you should be—without bothering to consider if that was best for you and your productivity goals. You have to be willing to protect your time from everyone who wants a piece of it. Among other things, you must learn to say no when appropriate, to delegate, to cancel unnecessary meetings, to let some tasks go, and to eliminate … [Read more...]
Implementing Employee Engagement in Your Organization
Posted on 02/05/2010 by ·
Several months ago, I published an article on the importance of employee engagement to any organization's effectiveness and bottom line. The topic has proven to be a fruitful one, and I've gotten some excellent responses from my readers. The original article soon led to an application of the concept to the ideas I outlined in my recent book SuperCompetent, which directly resulted in last month's topic: the Productivity Management Employee Engagement/Performance Matrix. The Matrix classifies employees based on the factors of engagement and performance, which, as I've indicated, aren't necessarily congruous. In fact, it's possible to be highly engaged, but an absolute zero when it comes to productivity, and vice versa. However, if you can bring together maximum engagement and high … [Read more...]
Workplace Productivity: Tips for Wonderful Webinars
Posted on 12/10/2009 by ·
You’ve decided to conduct a webinar for your association member, corporate employees, or your team members spread around the country. How do you ensure the Webinar goes off without a hitch? Here are the top ten tips on how to have a successful webinar: 1. Select the best format for your objectives. Each of these popular formats has pros and cons: • Single speaker who presents and administers the webinar—easy to coordinate but can be less interactive if participants are hesitant to ask questions. • Interview style with a moderator—more interesting than just one voice but harder to coordinate the discussion. • Facilitated conversation with multiple panelists—more people to train and the potential for panelists to talk over each other; adds a variety of perspectives and can increase … [Read more...]
Audio Podcast: Engaged Employees Are More Productive
Posted on 11/30/2009 by ·
Hopefully by now we all get it: this economy is challenging, things are changing, and everyone is looking for ways to do more with less. Unfortunately, as many companies struggle to adjust to this new reality, opportunities are being missed. Often we are so focused on stretching an organization’s financial and other resources that we become less effective in managing our human resources. (C) Copyright 2009 Laura Stack. All rights reserved. Powered by Podbean.com … [Read more...]
Business Productivity: The Productivity Minute Video #22 If you don’t have something to say, say nothing
Posted on 11/09/2009 by ·
Sometimes the most productive thing to do is nothing. If you don't have anything new to add to the conversation, whether it be on email or in a meeting, don't say anything at all. (C) 2009 Laura Stack. All rights reserved. https://theproductivitypro.com … [Read more...]
Time Management: The Productivity Minute #19: Business Processes That Make No Sense-United Airlines
Posted on 10/14/2009 by ·
Are your employees bogged down with business processes that make no sense? Laura gives an example of a United Airlines policy that not only inconveniences customers, but also wastes employee time. Eliminate business processes that don't make sense! (C) 2009 Laura Stack. All rights reserved. … [Read more...]
Microsoft Email: The Productivity Minute #18: Using Email Templates
Posted on 09/22/2009 by ·
Laura Stack talks about productivity with the Microsoft email program Outlook. Learn how to use signatures and email templates to save time and keystrokes. (C) 2009 Laura Stack. All rights reserved. https://theproductivitypro.com … [Read more...]
Increasing productivity: 55-1/5 Ways to Boost Productivity Today!
Posted on 05/07/2009 by ·
Okay, let’s face it. We’re all trying to do more with less.And chances are that you and your company have already made the big, tough decisions needed to streamline operations. But what about the little things?You can still boost both personal and team productivity in lots of smaller ways that are easy to implement and provide immediate results. Read on for quick tips on getting more done. 1. Hit the ground running. Don’t waste the first hour of the day. As soon as you arrive, focus on getting something done before you even think about checking Facebook or dropping in on a coworker. 2. Decline a meeting. Meetings are necessary. Every meeting is not. Don’t automatically accept every meeting invitation you receive, especially if there is no clear agenda or outcome. 3. Close your e-mail. Do … [Read more...]
Connecting with People: Relationships are Productive!
Posted on 04/17/2009 by ·
One of the trickiest parts of leadership is finding a way to strike a balance between your employees as subordinates and your employees as real, live people. Managing relationships with the people you work with (and for) is as important to your everyday productivity as it is to your career. (C) 2009 Laura Stack. www.TheProductivityPro.com Listen Now: Powered by Podbean.com … [Read more...]
