As I was talking to a friend of mine about goal achievement she made the above statement. She felt she was drowning in lists and not getting anything accomplished. I have to admit, I know the feeling.
When we create lists because we are afraid we will forget something, we make ineffective lists (i.e. a bunch of stickies all over the office). That is why I am a big believer in lists with a purpose. I have a small white board by my monitor in my office for the things I need to get done soon (but only work items). I have a list in the kitchen for my grocery and household items. I have a list in my purse for shopping or errand items. Having specific lists for specific purposes helps me get things accomplished.
If you randomly grab for a piece of paper and pen and write something down, chances are good that it either will get lost - stuck in a pile - or forgotten about. Carrying a little notebook with you for your ideas is a good idea, however you have to remember to open your notebook. You can use lists effectively as long as you have a plan and a purpose for them, you look at them periodically, they are easily accessible and you don't have too many of them.
I greatly enjoy completing something on my to do list and crossing it out like a crazy person. Particularly if the task was something I was dreading having to do. It feels so good to make it physically and mentally go away. It gives me the boost I need to get going onto the next task.
My next task is to remind everyone that the 4 Dynamic Women Dare to be Dynamic event is coming up February 4th in Shoreview Minnesota with an Early Bird deadline of January 21. Don't bother putting this on your list, just sign up today - I would love to see you there! Good, now I can cross that task off of this morning's list with a smile on my face. http://www.4dynamicwomen.com/registration.html
Monday, January 17, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
I Got It - Now What?
You are probably sick of hearing about New Year's Resolutions - Goal Setting - Starting New. Too bad! One of my favorite topics is Goal Attainment. I would be remiss if I didn't at least do one blog on the topic and at the beginning of a new year.
Did you note that my topic is Goal "Attainment" and not Goal Setting? I am a big goal setter. I write them down; they are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timed (S.M.A.R.T. goals). I do that so I know what I am aiming for and know when I have reached it. And, if I procrastinate I know my deadline is near. However, a lot of people don't even start attaining goals because they think they must go through the task of writing them down AND then creating a plan AND then executing the plan AND then what if they actually achieve the goal - then what are they supposed to do?
Attaining the goal is the real goal of goal setting. If you write it out and use the S.M.A.R.T. method, you are statistically more likely to achieve it. Primarily because you clearly stated what "it" is. However, don't let that stop you. Pick out what it is that you want and then do something to start getting it besides just dreaming about it. Pick up the phone, cut up the credit card, do some research, get the book, whatever it takes to start physically, mentally and emotionally moving toward attaining your goal. It is more about changing your behavior than making out a big elaborate plan.
I find it funny in my goal workshops when at least one person has set a goal of getting out of debt or getting rid of a credit card. When I ask them if they are willing to cut up that one card that day and stop relying on it and adding to it - 100% of the time the answer has been "No." Well, good luck then. This is the rut we put ourselves in. We would like to achieve stuff, but that means doing things differently than we are currently doing - that hurts, that takes work, that isn't comfortable.
This is the year that I am going to stop saying, "Gee, I would like to..." and only dream about it. If I think it, I am taking action. I want to learn Spanish. I have had the Rosetta Stone program for a couple of years now and am through the first CD and am not confident enough to ask where the bathroom is. I can read the signs and can pick out the bathroom if someone shows me a picture of it. So, I signed up for a beginners Spanish class this winter and that should be the push I need. My mom has wanted to learn piano for years now. So, I signed us both up for a beginners piano course (I know, weird Christmas present, but it should be fun).
If you are a goal setter, that's great, just don't stop there. If you are a goal dreamer, that's great, just don't stop there. Be a goal doer and take action today. One tiny step, one change, get uncomfortable, read a book, take 10 minutes to do some research, ask someone a question - just do something! Before you know it, you will have achieved it.
Then what? Go for something else. Utilize the skill you just attained. Look back and bask in the glow of your success. Pat yourself on the back and realize that you can achieve, if you just do more than believe - get going.
Did you note that my topic is Goal "Attainment" and not Goal Setting? I am a big goal setter. I write them down; they are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timed (S.M.A.R.T. goals). I do that so I know what I am aiming for and know when I have reached it. And, if I procrastinate I know my deadline is near. However, a lot of people don't even start attaining goals because they think they must go through the task of writing them down AND then creating a plan AND then executing the plan AND then what if they actually achieve the goal - then what are they supposed to do?
Attaining the goal is the real goal of goal setting. If you write it out and use the S.M.A.R.T. method, you are statistically more likely to achieve it. Primarily because you clearly stated what "it" is. However, don't let that stop you. Pick out what it is that you want and then do something to start getting it besides just dreaming about it. Pick up the phone, cut up the credit card, do some research, get the book, whatever it takes to start physically, mentally and emotionally moving toward attaining your goal. It is more about changing your behavior than making out a big elaborate plan.
I find it funny in my goal workshops when at least one person has set a goal of getting out of debt or getting rid of a credit card. When I ask them if they are willing to cut up that one card that day and stop relying on it and adding to it - 100% of the time the answer has been "No." Well, good luck then. This is the rut we put ourselves in. We would like to achieve stuff, but that means doing things differently than we are currently doing - that hurts, that takes work, that isn't comfortable.
This is the year that I am going to stop saying, "Gee, I would like to..." and only dream about it. If I think it, I am taking action. I want to learn Spanish. I have had the Rosetta Stone program for a couple of years now and am through the first CD and am not confident enough to ask where the bathroom is. I can read the signs and can pick out the bathroom if someone shows me a picture of it. So, I signed up for a beginners Spanish class this winter and that should be the push I need. My mom has wanted to learn piano for years now. So, I signed us both up for a beginners piano course (I know, weird Christmas present, but it should be fun).
If you are a goal setter, that's great, just don't stop there. If you are a goal dreamer, that's great, just don't stop there. Be a goal doer and take action today. One tiny step, one change, get uncomfortable, read a book, take 10 minutes to do some research, ask someone a question - just do something! Before you know it, you will have achieved it.
Then what? Go for something else. Utilize the skill you just attained. Look back and bask in the glow of your success. Pat yourself on the back and realize that you can achieve, if you just do more than believe - get going.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Communicate How They Communicate
Voice mail, email, snail mail, notes, texting, blogs, Intranets, memos, letters, cards, e-cards, faxing, face-to-face, and phone calls. Wow, that's a lot of different ways to communicate and I am pretty sure that is not an all-inclusive list. Do you have a preference? Do the people that you communicate with have a preference? I know I do and it can change depending on the subject, the convenience and the parties involved.
One of the problems with communication today is that we tend to use the communication medium that best suits the way we want to be communicated with. However, we don't tend to give a lot of thought about the person or people we are communicating to. Communication could be greatly improved if we just understood and utilized the medium that people preferred without assuming that our way is the best way.
I have to change which system I use depending on who it is that I need to reach and for what. If I want something from my Godmother, I better pick up the phone. It's okay to leave her a message, if her machine isn't full. If I want to catch breakfast with my Mom, either a quick email or phone call to her cell should work just fine. Making plans with friends requires a little coordination using Facebook and a bit of lead time.
If you aren't getting the responses you are expecting from people, take a step back and analyze whether the communication medium you chose was what they prefer. If they rarely turn on their cell phone, don't leave a voice mail or attempt a text message. If their inbox is overflowing, your email will just end up in the pile. If they are Facebook junkies, a quick chat there might just be the thing to do. Though it might not be your favorite way to communicate, paying attention to the receiver's preferences will get the communication flowing.
One of the problems with communication today is that we tend to use the communication medium that best suits the way we want to be communicated with. However, we don't tend to give a lot of thought about the person or people we are communicating to. Communication could be greatly improved if we just understood and utilized the medium that people preferred without assuming that our way is the best way.
I have to change which system I use depending on who it is that I need to reach and for what. If I want something from my Godmother, I better pick up the phone. It's okay to leave her a message, if her machine isn't full. If I want to catch breakfast with my Mom, either a quick email or phone call to her cell should work just fine. Making plans with friends requires a little coordination using Facebook and a bit of lead time.
If you aren't getting the responses you are expecting from people, take a step back and analyze whether the communication medium you chose was what they prefer. If they rarely turn on their cell phone, don't leave a voice mail or attempt a text message. If their inbox is overflowing, your email will just end up in the pile. If they are Facebook junkies, a quick chat there might just be the thing to do. Though it might not be your favorite way to communicate, paying attention to the receiver's preferences will get the communication flowing.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Spell Check - Really, It's That Simple
Have you ever received an email from someone with spelling errors in it? Worse yet, ever send one? We have gotten so complacent with our communication that even if we are corresponding in a "professional" manner, it still looks like some code we would send to our best friend.
There is a difference between personal and professional images. One of the biggest factors is that in a business setting people expect us to do things to the best of our abilities. After all, we are getting paid for what we do - aren't we? What image are you sending to people? Is it something that shows you care about what you are doing? You care about them? You care about your job?
It appalls me when I see an advertisement or edited document that has a typo in it and it wasn't intended. Who did such sloppy work? Will that organization do as poor a job on my tasks?
How do you avoid such issues?
1) Slow down
2) Utilize spell check, but still check it with your own eyes
3) Utilize grammar check, but still check it with your own eyes
4) Reread it out loud and make sure it make sense to your ears as well
5) If all else fails, read it backwards so your brain can't read what you are expecting it to say
There is a difference between personal and professional images. One of the biggest factors is that in a business setting people expect us to do things to the best of our abilities. After all, we are getting paid for what we do - aren't we? What image are you sending to people? Is it something that shows you care about what you are doing? You care about them? You care about your job?
It appalls me when I see an advertisement or edited document that has a typo in it and it wasn't intended. Who did such sloppy work? Will that organization do as poor a job on my tasks?
How do you avoid such issues?
1) Slow down
2) Utilize spell check, but still check it with your own eyes
3) Utilize grammar check, but still check it with your own eyes
4) Reread it out loud and make sure it make sense to your ears as well
5) If all else fails, read it backwards so your brain can't read what you are expecting it to say
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Do You Hear What I Hear
Is it sleigh bells? Is it a group of carolers? When we aren't exactly sure what a sound is or where it is coming from, we lean in and listen harder to figure it out. When we have someone right in front of us telling us something, we don't always give them that same intentness. Instead, our heads are reeling with what we are going to say next, what else we have to do, or making judgments about the person. Many people say they aren't being heard and chances are really good that they aren't.
How can you improve your listening skills? Here are a few simple things to do the next time you should be listening:
1) Take a breath and focus your eyes on or next to the speaker. (Step away from the television!)
2) Repeat what they are saying, in your head. Pay particular attention to their word choice.
3) If appropriate, take notes.
4) If there is something you don't understand or needs clarification, don't let your mind wander to try to figure it out. Instead, politely ask them to hold up for just a second and ask them for the clarification.
5) When it is your turn to speak, use the words they chose (when appropriate) rather than synonyms and people will feel they were heard.
Have a wonderful holiday. I hope you hear lots of wonderful sounds, songs, and jolly conversations.
For more on improving your communication skills, join the 4 Dynamic Women on February 4 in Shoreview, MN for Dare to be Dynamic - The 4 Corners of Business Success. http://www.4dynamicwomen.com/registration.html
How can you improve your listening skills? Here are a few simple things to do the next time you should be listening:
1) Take a breath and focus your eyes on or next to the speaker. (Step away from the television!)
2) Repeat what they are saying, in your head. Pay particular attention to their word choice.
3) If appropriate, take notes.
4) If there is something you don't understand or needs clarification, don't let your mind wander to try to figure it out. Instead, politely ask them to hold up for just a second and ask them for the clarification.
5) When it is your turn to speak, use the words they chose (when appropriate) rather than synonyms and people will feel they were heard.
Have a wonderful holiday. I hope you hear lots of wonderful sounds, songs, and jolly conversations.
For more on improving your communication skills, join the 4 Dynamic Women on February 4 in Shoreview, MN for Dare to be Dynamic - The 4 Corners of Business Success. http://www.4dynamicwomen.com/registration.html
Monday, December 6, 2010
What Did She Say?
IMHO I think you are terrific. BTW, did you know that I renewed my CPCU and CIC memberships. I really think it is important to keep up on your education and communication skills.
If you don't understand the use of the acronyms above, you aren't alone. When we have spent any time in an industry, all of a sudden we start speaking in acronyms and industry jargon. Not everyone gets it. That is why you need to be careful when talking to people that aren't in your industry or haven't had the same experiences as you. It's a great source for miscommunication.
I was teaching an insurance class and used a common insurance acronym of PIP. One brave audience member asked me what "Picture in a Picture" had to do with insurance. I suppose if you were insuring the television - a lot. However, PIP in insurance-speak means Personal Injury Protection, an automobile coverage available in some states. Even within the same industry, not everyone gets your shortcuts.
Be aware of who you are talking to and where you are. If you are on the Internet or texting it is common to shorten "In my humble opinion" to IMHO and start or end a sentence with "by the way" using BTW. The unfortunate situation is when you have emailed or texted someone, you don't get to see the deer-in-the-headlights look to know they didn't get what you just said. Hopefully, they are brave enough to ask for clarification to lessen miscommunication. We wish!
What acronyms or jargon do you commonly use in your industry? Note that even when it is common knowledge to you and your coworkers, it may not be common to your vendors or customers. If you have to explain something or are making a deal - spell it out, make it clear, keep it simple and you will reduce the chance of misunderstandings.
On February 4, I along with my three other business partners in 4 Dynamic Women are putting on a live seminar in Shoreview, MN. If communication is important to you, join us to learn about improving your communication skills from four different perspectives: http://www.4dynamicwomen.com/registration.html.
Sincerely,
Lisa Burnside, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
If you don't understand the use of the acronyms above, you aren't alone. When we have spent any time in an industry, all of a sudden we start speaking in acronyms and industry jargon. Not everyone gets it. That is why you need to be careful when talking to people that aren't in your industry or haven't had the same experiences as you. It's a great source for miscommunication.
I was teaching an insurance class and used a common insurance acronym of PIP. One brave audience member asked me what "Picture in a Picture" had to do with insurance. I suppose if you were insuring the television - a lot. However, PIP in insurance-speak means Personal Injury Protection, an automobile coverage available in some states. Even within the same industry, not everyone gets your shortcuts.
Be aware of who you are talking to and where you are. If you are on the Internet or texting it is common to shorten "In my humble opinion" to IMHO and start or end a sentence with "by the way" using BTW. The unfortunate situation is when you have emailed or texted someone, you don't get to see the deer-in-the-headlights look to know they didn't get what you just said. Hopefully, they are brave enough to ask for clarification to lessen miscommunication. We wish!
What acronyms or jargon do you commonly use in your industry? Note that even when it is common knowledge to you and your coworkers, it may not be common to your vendors or customers. If you have to explain something or are making a deal - spell it out, make it clear, keep it simple and you will reduce the chance of misunderstandings.
On February 4, I along with my three other business partners in 4 Dynamic Women are putting on a live seminar in Shoreview, MN. If communication is important to you, join us to learn about improving your communication skills from four different perspectives: http://www.4dynamicwomen.com/registration.html.
Sincerely,
Lisa Burnside, Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC)
Friday, November 19, 2010
Set It and Don't Forget It
Wouldn't it be great if everyone in your office did things right? I believe they can. Leadership has a couple of key tasks to make that happen: set expectations and make sure they are followed. I spent this past week in Nebraska working with a multitude of people and the most common denominator I found was a frustration of having no expectations or having them but no one follows them. These two items go hand-in-hand.
Setting expectations is like letting everyone know the destination of the vacation. Once they know where they are going, they will know what to pack, which activities to expect, and anticipate having a great time. If you don't know where you are going, you might pack your ski equipment for a trip to Hawaii. Instead of anticipation they experience anxiety. Expectations give people something to strive for - a target.
Once expectations are in place they must then be watched. Yes, I mean Big Brother is Watching. Many people will do what they find is the easiest for them to do, take the path of least resistance, and will not stretch if they don't find the benefit for them. When you are measuring results, giving feedback, and letting people know where they stand in meeting the expectations, they then find moving toward the expectations becomes the path of least resistance. People will also find more satisfaction in their jobs when they know how they contribute and that their contributions are validated.
Set what you expect to get from your people. Let them know you are paying attention and appreciating their contribution to the success of those expectations. Let them know you don't accept them not moving toward the expectations. We need consequences for non-compliance to make the expectations matter to the person doing the job. It adds credibility to the organization and the leadership. It fosters personal and professional success.
Setting expectations is like letting everyone know the destination of the vacation. Once they know where they are going, they will know what to pack, which activities to expect, and anticipate having a great time. If you don't know where you are going, you might pack your ski equipment for a trip to Hawaii. Instead of anticipation they experience anxiety. Expectations give people something to strive for - a target.
Once expectations are in place they must then be watched. Yes, I mean Big Brother is Watching. Many people will do what they find is the easiest for them to do, take the path of least resistance, and will not stretch if they don't find the benefit for them. When you are measuring results, giving feedback, and letting people know where they stand in meeting the expectations, they then find moving toward the expectations becomes the path of least resistance. People will also find more satisfaction in their jobs when they know how they contribute and that their contributions are validated.
Set what you expect to get from your people. Let them know you are paying attention and appreciating their contribution to the success of those expectations. Let them know you don't accept them not moving toward the expectations. We need consequences for non-compliance to make the expectations matter to the person doing the job. It adds credibility to the organization and the leadership. It fosters personal and professional success.
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