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12 Posts tagged with the productivity tag Productivity tips from the Priority Pro

Clutter is the excess stuff in your life that takes up space on your table and countertops, in your closets, attics, basements, drawers, and filing cabinets, your hard drive, inbox and your to-do list. You expend energy moving it, rearranging it, cleaning around it, re-organizing it, and simply thinking about it. Clutter is a burden on your mind because you know it’s there and oftentimes you speak negatively to yourself because it’s there.

De-cluttering involves simplifying your home and office and surrounding yourself with only the things you love, need and want—eliminate everything else! Make a commitment to start eliminating clutter from your life and you'll see an immediate difference in the way you think and feel. Removing clutter allows for more space in your life, both in time and freedom. De-cluttering is an incredibly freeing experience because you're getting rid of all the things you don't need or want and don't have time for anyway.

Conquering clutter is an ongoing battle for most busy people. With life being so busy, piles accumulate, files seem to multiply, toys are overflowing from the toy box, and clothes are bursting from drawers and closets. Here are a few ideas to help you start eliminating clutter:

·   Sort through what you have and divide it into categories or piles.

·   Go through your (electronic and paper) files and discard old memos, reports, and articles that you've been saving “just in case.”

·   Make it a habit (for you and everyone else) to always put things back where they belong.

·   Do not bring junk mail into your home or office; get removed from as many mailing lists as possible. (Note: you can contact the American Direct Marketing Association, www.dmaconsumers.org/offmailinglist.html, to have them remove you from their lists for a nominal fee; you can contact the sender directly; and indicate that you don't want to be included on their mailing lists; or, you can indicate your preference for exclusion from future mailings when ordering a product/service, or filling out a warranty card, or making a donation)

·   Clip out and file the articles from magazines that interest you and recycle or discard the rest of the magazine.

·   Give away or sell unwanted toys and other items you (or your kids) are no longer interested in. (You know what they say about one person's trash being someone else's treasure!)

·   Load up a bag of clothes that don't fit, are out of style, or are just plain unflattering and take them to a local charity, shelter, or rummage sale.

·   Get rid of the little things, like clothes, furniture, and books, and it will be easier to get rid of the bigger things, such as an unfulfilling job or a relationship that really isn't right for you.

·   Assign a home to the things that remain.

·   Use bins, baskets or boxes and labels to store items and make them easily accessible.

·   If it seems like an overwhelming job to de-clutter, break it down into manageable parts. Do a room a day for a few days. Start with a hall closet. Start on the top shelf and do one shelf at a time so if you get interrupted and have to stop, you haven't made too big of a mess. Do a file drawer. Tackle your in-box. Just keep going one step at a time.

·   Once you've eliminated the clutter, prevent more from coming in.

You pay a high price for living with clutter in your life because it makes it hard for you to function at 100%; it keeps you stuck and keeps you busy looking for things rather than getting things done. Creating space contributes to feeling better physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Once you cut clutter you will feel lighter, think more clearly, be more organized and have more energy. You'll feel like there's less on your plate!

Conquer clutter by spending a half-hour to an hour each day for a week (or weekend) just clearing out stuff you no longer want or need. If possible, enlist the help and support of your family and work colleagues in this goal. Start small with one shelf or one closet and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment as you begin creating space in your life. Gain momentum and keep it going by preventing yourself from getting overwhelmed or quitting before you experience the results. Then, move on to the next area until you've gone through every room and space in your home and at work. By eliminating things you no longer need, you will spend remarkably less time looking for things and you will have the opportunity to reach your full potential. By organizing your space you will free up your creative energy and channel it into your work. You cannot be effective when your desk is piled high with papers, when your filing cabinets are hard to manage, and when you cannot find what you need.

One of my favorite techniques for clearing physical clutter is to start with boxes labeled: sell, give away, throw away, recycle/reuse, and keep. Quickly go through a filing cabinet, closet, or drawer and place items in the appropriate boxes. If you're really uncertain and afraid of discarding—create another box labeled with the contents and date. If items are not used within a year from the date indicated, reconsider discarding at that time. It's essential to shift your attitude to "it's okay to throw away" in order to conquer clutter.

1 Comments Permalink Tags: balance, improvement, coach, clutter, organize, advice, de-clutter, busy, smarter, productivity, effectiveness, life, personal

Change is inevitable – after all, nothing really stays the same.  But in today’s challenging times, it seems like we’re on “uncertainty” overload, never knowing what will happen from one moment to the next. Here today, gone tomorrow – or, at the least, very different tomorrow.

Uncertainty bring stress and confusion, and while most of us would be quick to say that we want less stress and more certainty in our lives, what we really want is less of a stress reaction to what life is throwing our way.

 

We can’t choose what happens to us – but we can choose our responses to the situations we encounter.  Let’s take a look at five different responses that people have to stressful situations. As you read through these five responses, you may want to think of a recent stressful event or news that you may have received, and see what your reaction to that event can teach you about how you habitually respond.  You may have one type of response at work, and another at home, or you may react differently depending on who else is involved.

 

The first, and unfortunately all too common response to stressful events is to suffer and be a victim to it. People who respond this way don’t take action. Things happen TO them – and though they may complain and be generally miserable about it, they don’t take any steps to do anything. They allow life to control them, instead of the other way around. This way of responding is certainly not recommended, and eventually, it will take its toll on one’s physical and mental health.

 

The second type of response is to accept it the situation, and to get some perspective on it.  Someone with this response may say “so what,” or perhaps get some perspective on the situation by asking if it will it matter in a year – or a week – or even in a day.

The third way to respond is to actually take steps to change the situation – taking action to bring it to resolution (or at least move toward resolution). This is a very powerful response, and one that many effective leaders employ.

 

The fourth way to respond is to avoid the situation. People responding this way make a decision not to get involved in a situation that they don’t see as concerning them, or upon which they can’t make an impact. For example, someone may choose not to get involved in a dispute going on within their office if it doesn’t directly involve them.

 

The fifth and final way that people generally respond to stress is to alter the experience of the situation. When we look at a situation differently, the experience itself changes. Changing perceptions is probably the most challenging of the responses, because we tend to be stuck in our own interpretations and assumptions about what’s happening, but it is also perhaps the most powerful of all.

 

It’s your world, and you can create it as you wish. Remember, what one person sees as stressful, another person barely notices, or sees as exciting and full of opportunity. How are you going to choose today?

 

(This was excerpted with permission from the E Factor Newsletter January 2009 - "Handling what life throws your way" © 2009 iPEC Coaching)

0 Comments Permalink Tags: change, advice, leadership, stress, productivity, management, energy, smarter, ipec, performance, effectiveness, personal

Pace Yourself

Posted by Natalie Gahrmann Dec 31, 2009

Picture yourself walking through the buffet line with an abundance of choices to put on your plate. As my audiences have shared during my "There's Too Much on your Plate" program, there are many different ways to fill your plate. Some begin with the end in mind and start with dessert. Others take a little bit of everything so that they can sample whatever's available. While still others fill their plate very carefully ensuring their foods aren't touching and being sure to gather their favorites early in the meal.

 

How do you fill your plate?

 

Chances are that however you fill your plate while walking through a buffet line may be the same way you fill your plate with activities, tasks and responsibilities.

 

There will always be more that you can add to your plate so it's important to pace yourself whether you're eating a meal or managing the day-to-day responsibilities.

 

This morning I awoke to a beautiful snow fall. As I walked my dog, I delighted in the beauty of the new day and reflected on the year past as well as the year ahead. When we arrived back at home, we trounced around playing in the snow. With that burst of energy and joy I decided to shovel our front walkway.  The snow was light and fluffy so the the task felt rather effortless.  I looked up my long almsnowy driveway.jpgost 450 feet of driveway and wondered if I could shovel the whole thing. I paced myself by completing a section at a time. When I was about 75% done, my son came out with a shovel and joined me, questioning why I was shoveling when it didn't seem that necessary.  I responded that I was enjoying the fresh air, exercise and feeling of steady accomplishment. In the end, it took about three hours to shovel the entire driveway and walkway. I didn't know what time it was nor how much time had passed. I knew that I didn't have to finish but I could choose to continue if I felt so inclined.

 

To look at the long driveway, or any large project or goal for that matter, as a whole may seem daunting and unachievable. However, by breaking it down and pacing myself, I enjoyed the feeling of completion.

 

What can you complete a piece of today to help bring you closer to completing a task?

 

It's not necessarily all or nothing. Pace yourself and get the momentum going. You may be surprised with the results!!

0 Comments Permalink Tags: performance, effectiveness, busy, time, stress, balance, management, choices, productivity, alignment, satisfaction

   We are sleep deprived as a Nation! When I polled a recent audience during a presentation about “Taming Stress in your Over-committed Life”, less than 60% indicated that they get 7-8 hours of sleep each evening. The remaining 40% reported getting significantly less!  One woman admitted to 2-3 hours of sleep each night on average.

So, what’s wrong with us?  Why don’t we get the sleep we need?Many people argue that they don’t need as much sleep as others.  Some defend their sleep patterns with the excuse of being “too busy”.


Here are some good sleep habits, I’ve adapted from a presentation I delivered for CIGNA Behavioral Healthcare that received rave reviews.  Incorporate them into your life as soon as possible!


  • Avoid caffeine within 6–8 hours of bedtime.


  • Avoid nicotine close to bedtime or during the night.


  • Refrain from using the bedroom for any activities other than sleep and sex.

 

  • Don’t drink alcoholic beverages within 2–4 hours before bedtime.  It may relax you and help you fall asleep but will result in a poorer quality of sleep, and more nighttime waking.

 

  • Abstain from eating large meals or greasy, spicy, or gas-producing foods too close to bedtime.  Select a light snack composed mainly of carbohydrates instead if you’re hungry because it can help promote more sound sleep.

 

  • Exercise regularly but don’t do it within 2 hours before bedtime.

 

  • Minimize light, noise, and extremes in temperature in the bedroom.

 

  • Establish relaxing pre-sleep rituals, such as a warm bath, reading, imagery, repetitious techniques (e.g., deep breathing, counting sheep), or progressive relaxation.

 

  • If you are unable to fall asleep within 15–20 minutes after lights out, leave the bedroom and do a non-stimulating activity such as those above.

 

  • Awaken at about the same time daily – a regular rising time is even more important than a regular bedtime.  In other words, don’t sleep in just because you can.

 

  • Go to bed only when you are sleepy – again, bedtime is less important than rising time.

 

  • Avoid napping late in the afternoon or evening.  If you choose to nap, do so early in the afternoon and limit it to 30 minutes or so.

 

  • Choose a time during the day to think about your worries or concerns and make plans for handling them, so that you can avoid dwelling on them in bed.

 

  • Sleeping pills are intended as a last resort and for short-term use only.  Sleeping pills have many side effects, and can cause drowsiness into the next day.  Their long-term use can actually lead to “rebound insomnia.”  If you have been using sleeping pills for more than a few months, consult with your doctor about how to stop them.


Here’s to a better night’s sleep!  Getting adequate sleep will help you function at your best by enhancing productivity, performance and your attitude towards life.

2 Comments Permalink Tags: advice, choices, improvement, personal, smarter, balance, life, work/life, busy, performance, time, effectiveness, productivity

Those who are tied to their technology so that they can respond immediately to anyone reaching out to them need to better understand what this behavior is costing them...


Are you someone who almost always immediately replies to every phone call, text message or email so that you can demonstrate just how committed you are to your work and family? Do you often provide an immediate response for work-related items while getting around to family, friends and personal matters when you have the chance? Or, do you respond immediately to your family while putting off work-related contacts?


Having the habit of responding immediately, whether for everyone or for just work or personal matters, is unhealthy. Many are fooled to believe that when they respond immediately to work-related matters they are demonstrating their commitment to their job. However, are they? And, does this level of availability really measure true commitment?

Commitment is not synonymous with being constantly available! Operating as if it is contributes to higher stress levels and lower life satisfaction levels.

The advances in modern technology have created a common distorted view of expectations. Commitment to your job in too many cases has become equated with being constantly available. However, just because you can be constantly accessible and responsive doesn’t necessarily mean you should be available 24/7.

Also, you must be willing to turn away from all the available technology if you really want a break from work.  With today's technology, many of you carry beepers, cell phones, laptops, BlackBerry® etc. so that you can constantly be in touch with the office.  You are never "off" work.  As a result, work is non-stop.  Even when you are home with your family, you are still closely connected to work if you never shut off the available technology and fully focus on your family.

Working too many hours jeopardizes you health and well-being, family life and relationships with others.  It can also effect the quality of your work.  You will continue suffering from overwork unless you are willing to make a firm decision to stop.

Are you addicted to your technology?

Does being available and ‘needed’ help you feel important?

If so, take responsibility for your life.  Stop sacrificing the quality of your life. And, stop putting such high demands on yourself.  When your body breaks down because you're pushing too hard, everything will come to a crashing halt.  Take control now; don't wait for an emergency or disaster to occur. Learn more!

 

 

 

0 Comments Permalink Tags: work/life, self-care, technology, balance, addiction, performance, busy, choices, effectiveness, productivity

gratitude.jpg

Be thankful for what you have rather than focusing on what you don’t have! We all have much in our lives to be grateful for regardless of our personal or professional situation. By focusing on the positives, we come from a place of optimism and hope and allow that to expand. However, when focused on the negative, we see ourselves out of control of situations in our life; we are victims; there is no hope; and, unfortunately, this stays our truth or reality.

Adapting the attitude of gratitude will help you get by even on the roughest days. Living in gratitude helps you focus on what you have to be thankful for.

Back in 2001, following 9-1-1, my husband's job was significantly more stressful. All of the vital equipment that enabled his employer to operate was located in Tower 1. As the Director of Information Technology, it became his responsibility to get the data feeds and connections operational as soon as possible. With his average day being 15-20 hours (including his commute) it could have been easy to become angry and frustrated about the stress, long hours and feelings of not being appreciated by upper management. Instead, we talked about what we had to be grateful for and, for the most part, focused our energies on that instead.

He said that he is grateful to be alive; to have been off (at home) on September 11; to have a loving family to come home to each night; to know we were all okay; to have a career in his field of expertise; to have excellent resources at some of his vendor's companies; to have our health; to be a part of our new community; and, to have extended family and friends that were also okay.

Adapting an attitude of gratitude gives you the opportunity to change your experiences. Gratitude is a state of being not just a momentary feeling. Look at the things in your own life right now that are causing you feelings of stress, sadness or anger and consciously choose to change the experience to look at gratitude1.jpgthose situations with a new perspective. You can control your feelings, attitude and behavior in a situation. You can focus on what you have to be grateful for, especially in times when things don't feel like they are going well. In many cases, you can’t change the situation; however, you can change how you choose to feel about it, how you allow the situation to affect you and how you respond to it. Being in gratitude helps you remain calmer in a crisis. It helps you accept things that may be difficult to accept. It also helps you keep a positive mood while feeling more centered and balanced. When you go through your day in a state of gratitude it's almost impossible to feel down.

Although things may look bleak and hopeless at times, think about what you have to be grateful for today. Even in situations that seem far from perfect, there are valuable lessons to learn, relationships to cherish and probably numerous reasons to be thankful. Look for those things, cherish them, and appreciate them.

My challenge to you is to adapt the attitude of gratitude this week and find at least 5 things each day you can be grateful for. If there seems to be nothing, remember, you are alive; you have a roof over your head; some friends and family; food to eat; internet access, you can speak, see, hear, taste, touch and think; you have skills and talents; and, you are undoubtedly a terrific person! If you need help with this, I'm just a phone call away!  Schedule an initial coaching consult to see if working with me as your coach will help you bring more positve results in your life! Email natalie@theprioritypro.com.

0 Comments Permalink Tags: balance, smarter, alignment, advice, gratitude, choices, productivity

Corporate America, not unlike individuals everywhere, is faced with having too much on their plate.  With major cuts across the board in budget and headcount, people have overwhelming burgeoning work loads.  There are continuous competing demands and conflicting priorities. 

Many people miss the signs when there's too much on their plate.  However, there are a number of indicators and symptoms you should recognize so that you may remain calmer and more focused at completing the task-at-hand while increasing your performance and productivity.  Be aware of high stress, anxiety, frustration, irritability, depression, or inflexibility.  Notice when you become impatient with others and respond rudely. If you find yourself making an increasing number of foolish mistakes or bad decisions, pause and shift your energy so that you alleviate negative consequences.

Recognize what you can and cannot control in your life. Let go of what you absolutely have no control over and concentrate on what you can control or at least influence or negotiate.  You can regain control in many situations by simply:

·         Rethinking the ‘shoulds’, ‘musts’, and ‘coulds’

·         Acknowledging your reality and current situation

·         Accepting your abilities and limitations. Leveraging/maximizing your strengths.

·         Having a positive can-do attitude

·         Minimizing stressors

Some stress cannot be totally eliminated and is actually effective to helping you be at the top of your game.  However,many different behaviors and attitudes help better cope with stress. My personal favorites include exercising, smiling/laughing, taking things in stride/going with the flow, breathing through difficulties (too help slow things down and stay in the moment while consciously choosing how I want to respond rather than just reacting), planning ahead and creating contingencies in case things go as unanticipated. 

Other effective behaviors for coping with stress so that you can increase your productivity and contentment include:

·         Defining your limits (having realistic standards and limits)

·         Slowing down (stop hurrying)

·         Learning to deal with anger

·         Using meditation/yoga

·         Avoiding catastrophic thinking

·         Listening to calming music

·         Using imagery or daydreaming

·         Knowing your natural rhythm of when you’re at your best.

·         Scheduling your day so that you have structure

·         Paying attention to noise levels and minimizing

·         Using pent up energy wisely

·         Taking time for yourself

·         Getting off adrenaline/avoiding procrastination

·         Regrouping after stressful periods

·         Eliminating worry (87% of what we worry about never occurs or is out of our control anyway)

·         Learning to say “no”

Stress can be lethal if not brought under control. It can effect your health, well-being, relationships and employment.  Reduce your stress and improve your productivity! For more stress tips, subscribe to my free bi-weekly e-newsletter by sending a blank email to superbusyparent-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

0 Comments Permalink Tags: advice;, effectiveness, busy, stress, productivity

Extra Hour!

Posted by Natalie Gahrmann Oct 28, 2009

daylight-savings-2009.jpgMake the Most of your Extra Hour

Many of you will be gaining an extra hour this week as we roll the clocks back an hour. Some say we're losing an hour but I think of it as gaining an hour (“Spring Ahead...Fall Behind!”)  Fortunately, I'll be on vacation so, in essence, I'll have an extra hour of rest & relaxation.  The extra hour comes while most of us are sleeping; many choose to therefore sleep in and enjoy extra snoozing.  However, with most of us usually pressed for time and dreaming of an extra hour in our lives, what will you do with your extra hour this weekend?  And, how can you consciously create at least an extra hour every day to better manage everything on your plate vying for your time and energy?

Here are 40 tips to help you gain more time each day.  Feel free to adapt them to best fit your unique situation. I hope you enjoy your extra hour this weekend and use these ideas to start gaining time every day to focus on your top priorities!

man hit by brick in time capsule.gif

 

1.      Awaken earlier

2.      Get to work before everyone else to have some uninterrupted time

3.      Have periods of time blocked when you allow no interruptions

4.      Use barriers such as a closed door, headset, or something similar to provide a clearer boundary

5.      Get your toughest task out of the way first

6.      Work within your natural rhythm - work hardest when you're most mentally alert

7.      Restrict TV watching, Internet use, email and on-line social networking

8.      Put blocks on your email inbox

9.      Process email in batches instead of constantly interrupting your train of thought

10.  Stop allowing others to waste your time

11.  Avoid casual conversations while working

12.  Use your commuting time wisely to study, plan, listen to educational or motivational tapes, or catch up on calls (with your hands-free phone!)

13.  Keep everything better organized

14.  Use your lunch hour to catch up on things so that you have more time in the evening and on the weekend

15.  Delegate both authority and responsibility whenever possible; empower others!

16.  Spend less time on unimportant tasks (phone calls, emails, talking, etc.)

17.  Think things through prior to beginning a new project or task

18.  Before each task, ask yourself "Is this really necessary?"

19.  Get a better night's sleep

20.  Skip desserts or after-dinner cocktails

21.  Stop taking smoking breaks

22.  Use your wait time wisely

23.  Multipurpose by combining tasks that are done in the same area or closely related; avoid multitasking

24.  Be prompt for all of your appointments and insist others do the same for you

25.  Outsource work you don't do well by hiring specialists

26.  Read quicker

27.  Find or create shortcuts for repetitive tasks and processes; use templates

28.  Prepare your morning items the night before (clothes, briefcase, lunch boxes, cell phone, keys, etc.)

29.  Avoid interruptions and distractions

30.  Don't make a mountain out of a molehill - avoid making a big production out of small tasks

31.  Keep a list of contact details for all of your important contacts (doctor, lawyer, accountant, mechanic, bank, family members, neighbors, emergency services, school personnel, insurance brokers, etc.)

32.  Create routines for you and your family

33.  Set a reasonable deadline for each task

34.  Use a checklist for routine or recurring tasks

35.  Post due dates and expiration dates in your planner or on your calendar

36.  Hold regular meetings with your direct reports and your boss

37.  Plan time buffers in your schedule

38.  Stop procrastinating - eliminate the urgent from your to do list

39.  Address issues before they balloon into big problems

40.  Improve your mental arithmetic

 

I know it's tough to break bad habits. However, it is necessary to make sacrifices so that you can be more successful at personally and professionally. Experiment with the ideas above, feel free to add your own, but to avoid overwhelm, try just one tip at a time and practice it until it becomes a natural part of your daily routine.

0 Comments Permalink Tags: advice, improvement, time, busy, performance, productivity, daylight, savings, choices, smarter, management, effectiveness, working

Manage Your Workload

Posted by Natalie Gahrmann Oct 15, 2009

 

If your workload is rapidly increasing, you are not alone! Most people complain that there’s “Too Much on their Plate!”. Each time I visit corporations, associations, or non-profits I hear the same level of overwhelm, frustration and stress. It's funny though that everywhere I go they tell me that they have it the worse, stress is at its highest and they are working under the poorest conditions. Problem is that this issue is widely prevalent!

 

As downsizing continues, many employees are given additional responsibilities without any being removed. The workday keeps expanding and the expectations are increasing. Deciding what needs your immediate attention may be a huge challenge. Determining priorities is difficult because often they keep changing.

 

So, what's a super busy person to do to better manage everything on your plate??

 

Start by doing a quick inventory of all the tasks you perform daily and determine which can be...

·       eliminated

·       combined with something else

·       delegated (upward, downward or laterally)

·       changed in frequency from daily to weekly or even less frequently

·       automated

·       stopped altogether

·       less than perfect

·       avoided

·       covered by someone else who attends

 

Then, after off-loading or eliminating some of your more mundane tasks, seek opportunities for more challenging assignments, more visible projects, or more critical tasks to the bottom-line. This can boost your career satisfaction and performance!

 

Energizing programs are available for your workplace or professional association. Contact The Priority Pro for more information.

2 Comments Permalink Tags: choices, job_security, smarter, advice;, productivity, management, effectiveness, work/life, performance

Market Brand YOU!

Posted by Natalie Gahrmann Oct 2, 2009

I have had the distinct pleasure of helping several unemployed groups of professionals by delivering one of my sought after workshops.  Although it's important to distinguish yourself when you're employed, it's even more important in this time of high unemployment rates to be sure you stand out from the crowd.

One of my clients was an IT Director suddenly laid off and afraid he wouldn't find another comparable position.  However, within 3 weeks he was gainfully employed in a similar position!  Not having much experience as a job seeker he wanted to get this off of his plate very quickly.  He turned to me, as his career coach and asked for my help and support.  We did all of the 'normal' things....updated his resume, talked to headhunters, had his resume reviewed and critiqued, networked with former colleagues and clients, practiced job interviewing, and researched potential employers and the job market. In the end, what really made him stand out in the pool of potential employees was the fact that he is a strong technical leader with the up-to-date skills to diagnose and fix problems.  Not only could he provide the leadership needed but he could do much of the work himself without hiring consultants and contractors or expanding the technical team.  He had an excellent track record and positioned himself based on what he knew the potential employer needed.  He marketed his personal brand!

brand you.jpgPersonal branding is about fully understanding your unique combination of qualities—your strengths, values and passions—and using these qualities to differentiate yourself and guide your career decisions. When you're well branded, packaged and positioned you attract people and opportunities that are exciting, fun and a great fit for your gifts and abilities!

Some of the benefits of creating your own brand include:

  • understanding yourself better
  • increasing your self-confidence
  • building your visibility and presence
  • differentiating yourself from the competition
  • expanding your opportunities
  • out-performing 'non-brands'

 

 

 

Your career success lies in producing the clarity and authentic presentation

that is the essence of a brand.

 

 

For expert help managing everything on your plate or distinguishing yourself in the marketplace, contact natalie@theprioritypro.com.

0 Comments Permalink Tags: smarter, job, advice, job_search, marketing, effectiveness, coach, workplace, branding, career, job_security, productivity

Ongoing professional and personal development is the most important thing you can do to improve your business or career.

 

 

If you want to stand-out as the best-of-the-best, you need to have laser-sharp focus. This will allow you to make purposeful and significant contributions and build higher potential for success.

 

Many business owners and managers have taken the time to create organizational mission statements. However, few have gone through this process on a more individual or personal level. If you are one of the many who have not created a personal mission statement, now is the time to do so!

 

Here are five suggestions to help your write your personal mission statement:

 

1.  Reserve some uninterrupted time to think through and write your statement. Block out at least an hour or so away from the distractions of home and work to reflect on where you are and where you want to be. Determine how you would like to invest your time and energy in the context of work, family, friends and your community. Realize that the feeling of true success comes when you have a balanced lifestyle of success, family, friends, true happiness, personal health and fulfillment.

 

2.  Identify your main purpose in life. What do you believe your primary purpose on this earth is? How will you be able to achieve this based on how you live your life? How will you empower vision for yourself and others? (Note: your vision is what you SEE) What qualities or attributes do you admire in others and wish to embody in yourself? What principles can you learn from other successful people that could benefit you most in your work? Use a journal to record your answers to these questions as you explore and discover who you are and what’s most important to you. When you’re through with the process of questioning yourself, review your answers to observe patterns and priorities in your life. Seek out the essential elements of your life necessary to write your personal mission statement.

 

3.  Gather your thoughts and apply your action plan. What are five goals you are committed to achieving in your work in the next year? In the next five years? In the next ten years?  What specific actions do you need to take in the next year to achieve your one-year mission? your five-year mission? your ten-year mission? Now, take a close look at your action plan, primary purpose, empowering vision and the right principles. Begin to write out your personal mission statement and be sure to include family, friends and community as they apply to how you wish to live your life. Your personal mission statement should be succinct and clear.

 

4.   Once you’re created your draft version, continue working on your mission statement by seeking input from others who can help you refine your ideas.

 

5.    Use your mission statement as a tool to help guide you, your ongoing development and your key decisions in life and work. Keep it available and visible at all times.

 

Get professional help writing your statement. Contact Natalie Gahrmann!

0 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: performance, personal, alignment, productivitiy, productivity, balance

These days with high unemployment resulting from layoffs, reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, many people are concerned about losing their job. My client, John Stuart had joined a pharmaceutical company less than five years ago. Although he had survived two other downsizing efforts, Stuart wasn’t sure he would make it through this next one. He felt like he needed a miracle!

 

To help sift through his options, Stuart met with his mentor, a senior-level manager in another department of the company. He also hired me as his professional career coach to provide an objective unbiased sounding board.  Although no one is truly irreplaceable, Stuart’s goal was to make himself so indispensable to the division that his managers couldn’t afford to lose him.

 

As part of the process, Stuart assessed his strengths, weaknesses and value to the division. He also analyzed his competition before developing a strong personal strategic plan with both short- and long-term strategies to increase his value within the company. This became his personal brand message.

 

His career-enhancing strategies helped him thrive in the ever-changing job market. They increased his confidence and helped him more clearly and consistently communicate his value across the company.

 

Are you valuable to the company? Test your indispensability with this quick quiz!

Directions:  Use the rating scale to the right with 1 representing "not at all" and 5 indicating "this is a strength of mine".

 

Standards

Never------------------------Always

I take ownership of my responsibilities and continually look at the bigger picture before making a decision.

1

2

3

4

5

I take responsibility for my career.

1

2

3

4

5

I maintain a positive attitude, even when I’m stressed or overwhelmed.

1

2

3

4

5

I save the company money by hiring outside experts, contractors or consultants when necessary rather than staffing with extra bodies.

1

2

3

4

5

I have identified a task that I can do better than it’s being done now and have asked my boss for the challenge.

1

2

3

4

5

I strategically broadcast my accomplishments.

1

2

3

4

5

I excel in an area where my boss is weak.

1

2

3

4

5

I represent the company in outside organizations or community events.

1

2

3

4

5

I am an effective team player.

1

2

3

4

5

I continually invest in myself and my career.

1

2

3

4

5

Scoring: 40-50 points – Your are indispensable; 30-39 points – Identify 5 areas to improve upon; Below 30 points – Polish up your resume.

2 Comments 0 References Permalink Tags: career_effectiveness, job_security, indispensible, performance, productivity

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