Busting Barriers & Razing Roadblocks: Collaborate Your Way Back to Creativity by Myra Corrello, PhD
May 20, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Do you ever find yourself stalled on an important project? Do you put off starting an important task because you just can’t seem to get comfortable with your approach? Do you realize your closest friends and colleagues are probably struggling, too?
We are all blessed with unique strengths and weaknesses. Most projects require us to draw on elements from each. Hitting a weak part can sometimes be too much to overcome. We simply abandon our pursuit or defer further efforts – oftentimes at a big cost.
But there is a better way.
I’ve found a “barrier-buster” buddy. My BB buddy has complementary skills. She has a very comfortable working knowledge of new technologies. She is a guru at knowing every little hidden trick in popular software. She has already created a system and a template for everything. She even conquers administrative details with energy and confidence.
I DON’T know how to use the cool apps on my iPhone. I don’t know how to use Outlook to organize my whole communication system. I don’t have forms, procedures, or policies. And I live in fear of uncovering some administrative requirement that I’ve not completed.
The good news is my BB buddy needs my help, too. She appreciates my big-picture perspective when planning her next professional pursuit. She knows I’ll provide interesting pro-con viewpoints on any issue she encounters. If she’s struggling for a great phrase, I’m there.
Now, we meet weekly for a “barrier-busting” session. She brings in her help list and I bring in mine. We exchange to-dos and leave back on track and ready for the next phase of our projects.
It’s funny. Our roadblocks seem almost embarrassing – primarily because they’re normally very small. But to the one encountering it, the roadblock’s enough to bring them to a screeching halt. That’s big.
In just seconds, the barrier is normally busted and creative work can resume.
So how can you get started?
1. Find someone who has skills that complement yours.
2. Determine how you will gain mutual accessibility on an ongoing basis.
3. Begin keeping a “barriers” journal with you so you can document weekly challenges as they occur (identifying the exact barrier can sometimes be a real challenge otherwise).
4. Bring your barriers to meetings and determine how to use the session so that each of you walk away with the most critical work accomplished.
5. Consider preparing homework lists at the end of each session to hold each other accountable for moving forward on your projects once the barriers have been eliminated.
The next time you find yourself stuck on a project, think about how a barrier-buster buddy just might be your answer.
Ask Myra about Developing Your Networth
February 28, 2009 | 1 Comment
Resources
Business Values
http://www.gurusoftware.com/GuruNet/Business/Topics/Values.htm
Core Values and Personal Values
7 Habits -The Book
Ask Tiffanie questions- Enthusiasm Sells: Sharing Your Value With Excitement- 2/26 Tele-seminar
February 24, 2009 | 6 Comments
Feel free to post questions before AND during the 2/26 4-5p CT Tele-seminar
Ask Michelle about Social Media
February 12, 2009 | 3 Comments
If you have questions about social media (facebook, linkedin, twitter, blogs, etc.) that you would like Michelle to answer, please enter them as comments on this post.
Thanks for your participation in the Succeeding Women Teleconference Series.
To your success!
Ellen, Myra, Tiffanie, Jennifer and Michelle
Ask Ellen – Busting Myths About Productivity and Organization
February 5, 2009 | 12 Comments
If you have questions about productivity and organization that you would like Ellen to answer, please enter them as comments on this post.
Thanks for your participation in the Succeeding Women Teleconference Series.
To your success!
Ellen, Myra, Tiffanie, Jennifer and Michelle
Changing Behavior Part I, by Ellen Martin
October 30, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Behavior change is one of the keys to successfully becoming more productive and more organized. Setting up routines for maintenance is the most important step in the organizing process. This is the step that requires the most dedication and hard work on the part of the individual or organization. Regular maintenance is what keeps a space organized. Routines ensure that your desk stays clear and your calendar and to do list are manageable. Getting organized whether in your office or at home takes a level commitment that most don’t realize.
Baby Steps
Taking small steps in the beginning of the routine developing process will show that this approach really works. For example, when I begin work with a client we will identify one small task that can be worked on daily over a couple of weeks. Once that task is mastered we move on to another. Eventually everything falls into place and routines are ingrained. When working in the home the most common first step is keeping the kitchen counter clear of paper and objects that don’t belong. The objective is to spend some time each evening putting things where they belong. If they don’t have a permanent home at least getting them to the room in which they belong is an excellent bit of progress. In the office we focus on the desktop. Stop work each day about 30 minutes early and get everything on the desktop put away either where it actually belongs or at least a temporary holding spot.
Ellen
Organizing Your Space. Simplifying Your LIfe.
www.organizationalexperts.com
