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Productivity & Time-Management

Share tips, processes, ideas, and advice - we all need it! ;)

Network Leader: Rebecca Thorman
 
Dr. Woody Resolving to be a Better Boss in 2012: Three Tips for Managers & Executives in the New Year! http://ow.ly/8ozyi

4 weeks ago from The Career Hot Seat!, Non-Profit Management, Project Managers, Human Resources and Productivity & Time-Management3 more

 
Ryan Paugh Hey guys! I'm hiring an Executive Assistant for YEC who will work directly with me and Scott Gerber. The company is growing fast and we need someone to help keep us organized. We only want people to apply who have previous EA experience and really enjoy the work. This is not a layover job to get you through the poor job market. We want someone who will be with us for the long haul. Please apply through the job posting if you're interested: http://www.brazencareerist.com/job/911104

5 weeks ago from #HireFriday, Job Resources and Career Coaching and Productivity & Time-Management1 more

 
Cameron Plommer What do you do when you are horrible unmotivated at work, unfocused and unable to get things done?

12 weeks ago from Work/Life Blur and Productivity & Time-Management

Vickie Elmer: Sometimes I will rearrange tasks and deadlines so that after I finish the so-so, less engaging ones I get to dive into something I really enjoy. I ...MoreSometimes I will rearrange tasks and deadlines so that after I finish the so-so, less engaging ones I get to dive into something I really enjoy. I also notice that on days when I have little to do, I feel slower and less motivated. That's fairly easy to solve - just add a volunteer or work project that is fun to the mix.
6 weeks ago
JRandom42: Break what you need to do down into bite-sized chunks that can be completed quickly and with moderate effort. Keep your checklist handy and ...MoreBreak what you need to do down into bite-sized chunks that can be completed quickly and with moderate effort. Keep your checklist handy and meticulously check off each thing as you complete it.

For me, strong coffee and some good classical music set the background for getting things done. Focus on the task at hand, and don't get distracted too often. Take SHORT breaks every hour, and then get back to work.

At the end of the day, look at your list of things you've checked off, congradulate yourself for getting things done, put it away, and pick it up again the next morning.

6 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer In my productivity system I keep going back to David Allen's GTD contexts to organize my task (next actions) lists: @Computer, @Home, Errands, Agenda, Waiting for, etc. Any other GTDers out there? Have you modified the system and how?

12 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

 
Jason H. Parker I've been thinking lately about the importance of building social capital, or essentially, positioning oneself as a central node in a network of interconnected relationships. What do you do in your professional life to build social capital? What tools/tips/questions have you found to be effective for you in building these quality relationships?

48 weeks ago from Recruiters Unite!, Productivity & Time-Management, Social Entrepreneurs, Washington D.C. and Barter on Brazen3 more

Sam Rye: Vickie brings up a good point - depends on what you mean by Social Capital really I guess? Personally I call myself a connector whilst I'm working ...MoreVickie brings up a good point - depends on what you mean by Social Capital really I guess? Personally I call myself a connector whilst I'm working with Enspiral - I connect people, places, things, ideas and locations to make things happen. I think the important thing is listening - without that you can't really be that connector.
Enspiral itself is all about building social capital in the sense of social enterprise - supporting purpose over profit. We focus our talents & skills on great projects/relationships with NGO's & Social Enterprises.... we're kind of a social enterprise FOR social enterprises you could say.

I also co-host a series of workshops which supports idea innovation & project incubation for social innovators in Wellington, NZ - where I now call my hometown.

So in essence - listening & analysis helps build networks and pro-activity/action helps build social capital I guess?

46 weeks ago
Mike Ambassador Bruny: I hope i'm not dublicating here, but what I do is be curious/interested in others. I once had an admin who was really mean to me until I went and ...MoreI hope i'm not dublicating here, but what I do is be curious/interested in others. I once had an admin who was really mean to me until I went and checked out one of her plays (it wasn't a political move, I really wanted to see the play). The other thing I do is find opportunities to be with people in non-work settings. Going to a conference and then hitting the dance floor, always seems to change the dynamics of the relationship.
15 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman I don't know that I believe perfectionism is all that bad - like anything, it can get out of control, but I look at it as just another work style. Working in a start-up, one of my key lessons to learn was to sign off on something when it was "good enough." But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have gotten hired had I not been so meticulous and results-oriented in my past positions. My boyfriend, on the other hand, has a more big-picture approach. I think the key is just to recognize your work style.

56 weeks ago from Perfectionist Rehab, Work/Life Blur, Productivity & Time-Management, Upstarts! and Entrepreneurs3 more

JRandom42: There's no such thing as perfectionism out of control when writing and debugging software.
21 weeks ago
Heath Port: To your point Rebecca, it is always good to have awareness of your work style, values, etc. It will help you gravitate to the type of work that ...MoreTo your point Rebecca, it is always good to have awareness of your work style, values, etc. It will help you gravitate to the type of work that will make you feel more fulfilled. To pretty much everyone else's point we all have points in our jobs where we may have to go against our style a bit to get the work done. Like your boyfriend I am more a of big picture guy myself and tend to get demotivated if I have to spend too much time down in the weeds, but throughout my career I've had to demonstrate that I could also focus on the detail every now and again to get things done. Otherwise I would just be floating around in the "idea space" and those ideas would never get executed. There is definitely a give and take there.
21 weeks ago
 
Brett Kunsch The holidays are upon us, but does the stress have to be? I'm trying to follow Suze Orman's advice: "People first, then money, then things." http://bit.ly/b6lKQ6 How are you all dealing with the stress of gift/food/travel purchasing and party-going coupled with the fear of debt and lack of time?

63 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management, Personal Finance, I am Gen Y, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals and Economics and Finance3 more

Kim Luu: The main stress we have is finding the time to see everyone from the extended families. We're very upfront with people. No gifts required unless ...MoreThe main stress we have is finding the time to see everyone from the extended families. We're very upfront with people. No gifts required unless it's something you feel we absolutely have to have or try like a food. The biggest gift that we ask is 1/2 hr to an hour of one on one time to just talk with each person.

Frankly I prefer not to get any gifts and that includes gasp... "jewelry" which used to be a favorite of mine.

62 weeks ago
Brett Kunsch: One on one time is a hot commodity...it's silly when you think about it. That 1/2 hour to an hour you could spend with someone enjoying a cup of ...MoreOne on one time is a hot commodity...it's silly when you think about it. That 1/2 hour to an hour you could spend with someone enjoying a cup of cocoa, you instead spend finding a gift they'll forget about in a month. I'll forgo whatever gift it is for some time with my favorite people.

Food, drink, music, and games is a cherished experience. And it's low on the stress meter (unless you have a family feud, as @JRandom warns).

62 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Brett Kunsch I've read countless personal development books, but I always come back to the conclusion that a lot of times we don't seek out self-help books to help ourselves, we seek them out so they can do the work for us. As part of my coach training, I've had 3 coaches myself, and it seems the only thing that *sticks* is regular work with another human being who holds me accountable. Yet the self-help industry booms, while coaching is still trying to find a name for itself. Brazen thoughts?

59 weeks ago from GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals, Professional Development, Productivity & Time-Management, Personal Development and Ask Penelope Trunk!3 more

Regina Richardson: perhaps it comes down to a financial aspect...along the lines of the budget cannot support sessions with a human coach, but it can allow a ...Moreperhaps it comes down to a financial aspect...along the lines of the budget cannot support sessions with a human coach, but it can allow a one-time amount on a book that MAY help me find my way.
38 weeks ago
Noel Rozny: I think this is related to the points Tim Murphy makes in his great entrepreneurial article (to the right): sometimes reading such a book FEELS ...MoreI think this is related to the points Tim Murphy makes in his great entrepreneurial article (to the right): sometimes reading such a book FEELS like you're making a change or evolving, when you're really not doing the work you need to do. I know I'm definitely guilty of this.
38 weeks ago
 
Katrina Olsen Here's your chance to present to other young professionals! We are looking for presenters for the 2012 Omaha YP Summit. Here is the proposal link: http://j.mp/SummitRFP RFP Submissions due 9/9. Topics could be related to: Personal & professional development, Community & civic responsibility, Business start-up & development, Health & wellness, Public engagement, Inclusivity, Public transportation and urban design. Let me know if you have any questions!

25 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

 
Dr. Woody Is Incivility at Work on the Rise??? Check out my column & take our quick poll on incivility at your workplace! I'll share the results next Monday! http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2011/08/15/how-is-workplace-...

25 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals, Professional Development, Personal Development, Personal Branding and Productivity & Time-Management3 more

Dr. Woody: Share your thoughts on Incivility at Work! Take the quick FoxBusiness Poll. No registration or sigh-in needed!
25 weeks ago
 
Mozart Hey folks! What software are you using to stay on top of things. Here is my short-list. I use Astrid to-do list for my droid: It sets deadlines and alerts me on my droid. It also connects to my google task list a major plus! NirvanaHQ.com it is a life/project management software based on the principles of GRD, and basecamp/highrise is how I manage contacts and projects in my professional world. What are your go-to tools when you need to get stuff done?

27 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

Edward Antrobus: @Mozart. Pen & paper just makes more sense in some situations. Do I need to have my computer on to remind me to mow the lawn? Twitter and ...More@Mozart. Pen & paper just makes more sense in some situations. Do I need to have my computer on to remind me to mow the lawn? Twitter and GCalender via SMS are the extend of online I do with my phone. Data is waaay to expensive on AT&T to even think about using it.
27 weeks ago
Ashley: I would be lost w/o OmniFocus!
26 weeks ago
 
JenG I love setting (and accomplishing) big goals, but sometimes that leaves me feeling really overwhelmed and tired. People talk about findign work/life balance, and changing priorities, but what about the crazy idea of mixing focused intensity with periods of rest? It's called taking a break, and it turns out most people (myself included) don't do it enough. Here's how. When Wonder Woman Isn't Feeling So Wonderful http://t.co/48plkou

31 weeks ago from Career Rocketeer, Personal Development, Productivity & Time-Management and Creating a Life You Love2 more

Mike Ambassador Bruny: Thanks for that one Jen, good to know that even Super Woman takes a break.

I've been threatening to take quarterly time off from work and my ...More
Thanks for that one Jen, good to know that even Super Woman takes a break.

I've been threatening to take quarterly time off from work and my business to reflect and plan. I see it taking place at a retreat center somewhere. I'm not sure if this qualifies as a total break, but it's a break from "just keep going."

30 weeks ago
Mona Abdel-Halim: I agree. In my company we enforce taking vacation, even half days, and have half-day "work on whatever you want" Fridays...Zoning out on a random ...MoreI agree. In my company we enforce taking vacation, even half days, and have half-day "work on whatever you want" Fridays...Zoning out on a random project can be good for your attention when you dive back in...Personally, I like to focus on smaller goals to also make me feel a sense of accomplishment and reduce the guilt if my bigger projects aren't showing results yet.
30 weeks ago
 
Vickie Elmer I've been trying to create good karma in my work and life in many little ways, mostly through small kindnesses and assistance to out-of-work and underemployed individuals. Now I've started a blog series on creating good karma at the office. What are you doing to add to your karma points at work? Here's my second karma post: http://workingkind.com/2010/12/more-karma-creators/

58 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management, Career Rocketeer, Blogging Ideas, Consultants R US and Work/Life Blur3 more

Noel Rozny: I love this!!! I try to be really thoughtful and helpful when someone stops by my desk or needs something. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my own ...MoreI love this!!! I try to be really thoughtful and helpful when someone stops by my desk or needs something. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my own work that I inwardly sigh when a co-worker needs help, but then I remind myself of all the times they helped me and try to pay it forward!
31 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: JenG You hear a lot about the importance of innovation. Because I work in science and technology, many of the organizations I work with or for have specific "innovation" programs. But I started to realize there are actually many cases where imitation may be preferred to innovation. What do you think? How do we erase the stigma of imitation and put it to good use, both personally and professionally? http://su.pr/1cbjqL

87 weeks ago from Career Rocketeer, Consultants R US, Productivity & Time-Management and Professional Development2 more

Raquel Elle Bell: @Jonathan - That is they key in your last sentence. Do you understand enough about the work that you are imitating to improve it. It is extremely ...More@Jonathan - That is they key in your last sentence. Do you understand enough about the work that you are imitating to improve it. It is extremely even more frustrating when someone takes bits and pieces and expects it to work as intended usually resulting in a poor product and that makes your product look bad as well.
87 weeks ago
Jonathan van de Veen: @Raquel: Exactly.

In software development we have a name for people who take pieces of other peoples work, slap them together and expect them to ...More
@Raquel: Exactly.

In software development we have a name for people who take pieces of other peoples work, slap them together and expect them to work. They're called script kiddies.

87 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman I'm an inbox zero fan (clearing your inbox to zero every day), but found that I was also obsessively checking and responding to emails. Now, in addition to inbox zero, I've only been checking my email and Google Reader three times a day (7:30 am-9:30 am, 1-1:30 pm, 5-5:30pm) and literally closing those browser tabs when it's not one of those three times. I've found that creating this rule has dramatically increased my productivity and focus. Does anyone else do anything similar?

50 weeks ago from Perfectionist Rehab, Social Media, Work/Life Blur and Productivity & Time-Management2 more

Eboni Dunbar: That makes a ton of sense. I definitely over check my email. Unfortunately, nobody is emailing me that often! I'll have to try and do the specific ...MoreThat makes a ton of sense. I definitely over check my email. Unfortunately, nobody is emailing me that often! I'll have to try and do the specific times thing. It will make my partner happy too :)
32 weeks ago
Timothy Johnson III: Hi Rebecca. One thing I've done is unsubscribe from ANY email newsletter that hits my Inbox.

I've unsubscribed from email alerts from Brazen, ...More
Hi Rebecca. One thing I've done is unsubscribe from ANY email newsletter that hits my Inbox.

I've unsubscribed from email alerts from Brazen, Facebook, Twitter, so I can view those messages and interact when I'm actually using those sites.

As for Google Reader, I check it maybe ONCE or TWICE a week, at most. That way, I can catch up and read interesting posts all at one shot.

Lastly, I've disabled email notifications on my phone, so I have to open the relevant applications.

It seems to be working!


32 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer I have two blog posts scheduled out until July 28th. For the first time I feel "on top" of my blogging. Nice to be a good example, since I do blog about productivity...

33 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management, Blogging Ideas and Wordpress Bloggers1 more

Eboni Dunbar: Send some of that my way! I feel behind before my deadlines.
32 weeks ago
 
Susan I was recently asked for 5 references for a job. Overwhelmed at first, I created a word document listing potential asks and narrowed it down to 7 excellent people. I wrote a professional letter template infused with personal touches and modified for each reference, and sent the request via email. Within 24 hrs, I had 4 of the 5 positive responses I needed. Going forward, I’ll keep an updated list with contact info.

36 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

Susan: @Noel Thanks!
36 weeks ago
Timothy Johnson III: Hmm, excellent strategy! I think I'll have to use a similar one as well.
36 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Diana Antholis What do you wish your boss would stop doing? We came up with a list of 10 things including: stop treating employees like they have no brains, stop criticizing, and stop threatening. http://bit.ly/ir14rc

37 weeks ago from Inspiring Leadership, GenYJourney: Tips, Insights, Experiences For Young Professionals and Productivity & Time-Management1 more

 
Brian Brookshire Do you feel you should always be giving 110% effort? Do you feel guilty sometimes because you are taking a break from work, but think that you should actually be doing more work? What if doing less instead of more was actually the key to succeeding instead of failing? What if putting more effort into a project even made you more likely to fail at it? Thoughts: http://www.brianbrookshire.com/?p=208

37 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management

Clay Forsberg: It goes without saying that your goal should be to put out the best work you can. I've spent 20+ in sales and marketing and my motto has always ...MoreIt goes without saying that your goal should be to put out the best work you can. I've spent 20+ in sales and marketing and my motto has always been: Make sure you have 3 strong days out of 5. If you do that - you'll be fine.
37 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman Did y'all see my post up on Brazen today? I rarely recommend anything, but really thought this program was aaa-mazing. Check it - http://bit.ly/m5ebih

39 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Young Professional Women (YPW), Work/Life Blur, Productivity & Time-Management and Upstarts!3 more

Megan Atkinson: Excellent point on both accounts, Rebecca. It is a seriously rigorous program, too (from the looks of it). I wonder if there's a low-cost ...MoreExcellent point on both accounts, Rebecca. It is a seriously rigorous program, too (from the looks of it). I wonder if there's a low-cost *should*-i-be-an-entrepreneur type of program out there for those unsure if it's the right venture for them? Either way, I was seriously impressed!
39 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman: This doesn't resonate with me, but I've heard others say it is just what you're looking for in terms of deciding - MoreThis doesn't resonate with me, but I've heard others say it is just what you're looking for in terms of deciding - http://whitehottruth.com/shop-adore/the-fire-starter-sessions/
39 weeks ago
 
JenG It's so easy to feel overwhelmed these days. When you do, the natural instinct is to cut back on your activities (esp. the frivolous, fun ones) and focus. But in college, I found the best way to increase my grades was to sign up for sports, plays, and become a radio DJ! I propose a better solution for staying productive: do more, not less. I talk about it here: The Worst Productivity Advice (& How It Can Hurt You) http://t.co/iqPRj1R

39 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management, Personal Development and Creating a Life You Love1 more

Corbin Haresnape: @Jen I really enjoyed this. I find myself cutting back and somehow getting less done which is counterintuitive but you bring up a ton of really ...More@Jen I really enjoyed this. I find myself cutting back and somehow getting less done which is counterintuitive but you bring up a ton of really great points about doing more can actually help you get more done.
39 weeks ago
JenG: It is counter-intuitive, but it seems to work! Just don't burn the candle too brightly for too long. Give it a try. I'd love to hear how it ...MoreIt is counter-intuitive, but it seems to work! Just don't burn the candle too brightly for too long. Give it a try. I'd love to hear how it works for you.
39 weeks ago
 
Regina Richardson Self-Sabotage...I know I do it...what "stupid excuses" do you use to sabotage getting something done, whether at work or in your personal world? (like, "I can't throw stuff away b/c there's no liner in the trash can.") My 5-year-old niece came home chanting the "Bear Hunt" litany of "can't go over it, can't go around it, can't go under it...have to go through it!", which got us all thinking about our stupid excuses and how we sabotage ourselves. Thoughts?

40 weeks ago from Productivity & Time-Management and Work/Life Blur

Cheryl Roshak: @Dana, I agree that I for me I think it's about time management & prioritization and I also have a tendency to resist the more unpleasant jobs ...More@Dana, I agree that I for me I think it's about time management & prioritization and I also have a tendency to resist the more unpleasant jobs I don't want to face until the last moment before they are do, so that sets up a whole chain reaction of confusing priorities. When I make to do lists I'm much for focused but I don't always do that. So I guess it comes down to establishing better self-discipline and not putting off till tomorrow what you can do today or being less self-indulgent! :)
40 weeks ago
Regina Richardson: So, is your (collective) self-sabotage more from a fear of success, or a fear of failure?

For me, self-sabotage rears its head more during times ...More
So, is your (collective) self-sabotage more from a fear of success, or a fear of failure?

For me, self-sabotage rears its head more during times of unemployment (like now) than others, and the longer it goes, the worse the sabotage. I procrastinate or hear that voice say "why bother? no one's coming over, no one else will be here to care about xyz"...then the fallout from that sabotage lands on me and further exacerbates the depression...ah, Catch-22, where would I be without you?

40 weeks ago
 
Brett Kunsch I'm pleased to announce an intensive workshop I'm doing with career coach Tracy Brisson in NYC this Saturday - "4 Hour Goals: The Art & Science of Making Things Happen" http://4hourgoals.eventbrite.com/ Hope to see some of you there!!

40 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists in New York City, Personal Development, Brazen Undergrads, Entry-Level Young Professionals and Productivity & Time-Management3 more

Brett Kunsch: @Tracy - me, too! @Jana and @Megan - Thank you both very much for the support :)
40 weeks ago
Brett Kunsch: Tracy and I answer some questions about the event on video: MoreTracy and I answer some questions about the event on video: http://bit.ly/lYiam6
40 weeks ago
 
Brett Kunsch A late night reflection prompted me to write "Downtime is Not a Four-letter Word (It’s Two, Actually)" http://bit.ly/fdwe0u I think we can all agree that the human body and brain can only go so long without taking a legitimate break. Yet, there tends to be a stigma against true downtime in our hyper-productive, always-connected, do-more-with-less world. Do you respect downtime as a necessity to getting things done?

43 weeks ago from Ask Penelope Trunk!, Company Culture, Productivity & Time-Management and Perfectionist Rehab2 more

Allison Cheston: Brett, this is a great topic. I think any good manager today understands how critical it is to take a breather, and lives by example.
43 weeks ago
Brett Kunsch: @Anastasia - I need at least 15-20 minutes per day of pure exercise. Lately I've been doing 5k runs, which really helps clear my head and get out ...More@Anastasia - I need at least 15-20 minutes per day of pure exercise. Lately I've been doing 5k runs, which really helps clear my head and get out of work mode. Reading fiction is also something I enjoy!

@Allison - Those managers are what keep employees engaged and committed, rather than jaded and exasperated. True respect for downtime is key for retention, in my opinion.

42 weeks ago
 

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