It’s All about Connections by Myra Corrello, PhD
May 27, 2009 | 1 Comment
Do you ever find yourself trying to cram 3 weeks of work into 3 days?
Welcome to my world.
When I hop on the plane Friday morning, I’ll probably pass out from exhaustion. Until then, I can only say “thank you” to everyone in my life who has made these days doable.
I really don’t know how anyone can function without the support and collaboration from a professional network.
One business partner reminded me of a critical discount program that I hadn’t bothered to join that, today, is saving me substantial money on one project.
Another partner introduced me to a virtual assistant who seems to have no limits to her knowledge, her talents, and her ability to help you solve your problem – no matter how challenging. She’s now assisting me in bringing projects to fruition that have sat on the back-burner for years.
That VA introduced me to a graphic designer who has stayed up with me till the wee hours of the morning for the last 3 nights finishing more major projects.
Another colleague dropped by Monday with her new illustrator and before I knew it, they were rolling up their sleeves critiquing and revising every piece of my work in process – with remarkable results.
Last week, a professional speaker colleague shared a new publishing source that is, as we speak, helping me create my first magazine – to be delivered, amazingly, this Saturday. Three days turnaround. Unbelievable.
A conference exhibitor expert introduced me to her favorite print broker. Today, she’ll deliver 3 completed print projects that would have taken me months to coordinate and oversee on my own.
Whew! It makes me dizzy to think about the amount of work we all manage at any given time. Where would we be without those around us who seem to have the right answer, the right word, the right resource – when we need it?
Instead of being overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmingly grateful.
Who are your most valued professional resources? What areas of your work could benefit from someone to share a tip, lend a hand, give you a new perspective or connect you to another?
When you feel you’re drowning in a sea of work, don’t forget to ask for help. Be open to whatever comes your way and be gracious in accepting those gifts. You never know when you might be able to save someone else’s day.
Personality and Productivity, by Ellen Martin
May 22, 2009 | Leave a Comment
You are sitting at your desk filled with anxiety and stress. You stare at the telephone knowing that eventually you have to pick it up and dial. You start to wonder why on Earth you agreed to take this sales position. You don’t like making these phone calls and you don’t like networking events. You are procrastinating to the point that you must make the calls now or risk losing your job.
Personality issues can affect an individual’s ability to perform certain tasks. When someone is physically mismatched for a job it’s very obvious. A 300 pound fellow would not be suited to the job of jockey. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to identify personality traits that may impact a person’s suitability for a job or task. Matching employees, both current and potential, with appropriate jobs is a key factor in increasing productivity at work.
There is no right or wrong in personality traits. The most important thing is awareness. Once you are aware that you possess certain personality traits you are more equipped to make any necessary changes to compensate for any negative effects the trait may be causing.
Introverts generally are drained by social interaction. They will procrastinate on making sales calls and may avoid networking opportunities. Introverts are perfectly happy alone most of the time. Extroverts on the other hand derive great energy from social interaction and thrive in positions requiring this. They will happy make calls, attend social functions and don’t do well in situations which require they work in solitude for long periods.
A highly structured person in an environment that requires a high degree of spontaneity will probably not be successful. In the same way a very spontaneous person will not do well in a highly structured environment.
Great insight can be made into the affects that behavior traits have on your work and personal life. You may discover the cause of your procrastination or why you react in certain ways to certain situations. An assessment tool, such as DiSC, can be very helpful in creating awareness. Not only will you identify your own style, but when completed in a team environment communication among team members will be improved.
Ellen
Organizing Your Space. Simplifying Your Life.
www.organizationalexperts.com
