Organized365: October
Don't let the wind rustling fallen leaves spook you. Get into the spirit of the harvest season, building on achievements both personal and professional.
Organized365 271/365
It may feel as though we are speeding to the end of the year. You can take control and slow your pace. Take time to breathe and prioritize. With a bit of reflection you should find that some of those urgent tasks are actually unnecessary. Cut the fluff but not the fun. Achieving work/life balance is the goal.
Organized365 272/365
If you have implemented our Email Management strategies you should be feeling more in control of your inbox. Now translate those strategies to your social media feed. Stop following commercial feeds in which you have lost interest. Disconnect from contacts that are tenuous or with whom you don't have a 'real-life' connection. Clear the way to constructive connections to enhance both your personal and professional life.
Organized365 273/365
Take ownership of your schedule by suggesting meeting dates/times. Don't say "whatever works for you" unless it is 100% true. If a colleague proposes times that are inconvenient suggest a time that better fits your schedule and identify a back-up option. Ex. "Mtg at 3 would be better for me. If that isn't possible I could do 1:30."
Organized365 274/365
Confused by a colleague's email message? If possible, get up and walk over to their work space. Ask for clarification or additional detail. Be genuine in your inquiry, looking for further understanding not providing a critique. You will build collegial relationships, gain insight, and get closer to your daily quota of steps. #Win
Organized365 275/365
When a colleague's behavior annoys you, take a moment and assess not only your reaction but also your own behavior. Have you contributed to the friction that may exist between you? Own your own part in the situation and take the time to be thoughtful in framing your communication to address the issue. Strong collegial relationships are always a two way street.
Organized365 276/365
Never stop learning. No matter what your role is at work, you have opportunities to further your understanding. Avenues for continued growth range from engaging a veteran colleague in conversation for insight into workplace culture to searching the internet for groundbreaking articles in your area of responsibility.
Organized365 277/365
Improve customer service, by adding specific information to your auto response or voicemail message. Include the times when you will be checking and responding to email or voicemail messages. Provide an alternate method of being in contact. Invite communication from your clients/customers and increase the depth of your business relationship.
Organized365 278/365
Have you been searching for an important document, frustrated, anxious, stressed? If you have an opportunity to get a replacement copy, stop looking. Apologize to the colleague you will need to ask for help and then (mentally) vow to do better.
Reflect on your process for keeping track of information you need to access in the future, make adjustments, develop a back-up plan, forgive yourself, and move on with the work that needs doing.
Organized365 279/365
Immersed in a big project? Over plan then scale back. Whether you are developing a presentation or planning for weekend guests, start with a complete overload of information (or food). As your deadline approaches you can scale back on content that is less relevant or in which you are not as well versed, leaving solid material in place. Same with refreshments for guests, as time runs short makes choices that are practical and tasty.
Organized365 280/365
Start with the 'have to's' and then take a break. A walk, a cup of tea, or tick off a couple of tasks requiring the aspects of your work that you love. The tough stuff will be done and you will feel rewarded and productive.
Organized365 281/365
Taking your puppy on a road trip. Start stockpiling car entertainment early for long rides. Plan for longer than usual rest stops to run around and get the wiggles out. Top tricks: chewy toys, food puzzles, and an extra long leash. Don't forget your puppy's seatbelt!!
Organized365 282/365
Double Up! Just as two heads are better than one, two reminders are better as well. Jot a meeting on both your online AND paper calendars. Text a reminder AND send yourself an email. Take advantage of easy to employ safety nets to preserve your professional reputation and meet expectations.
Organized365 283/365
It's never too early to practice donning your Halloween garb. Complicated costumes or wiggly trick or treaters benefit from some practice prior to zero hour. For seamless prep on candy binge night start now and plan ahead.
Organized365 284/365
As you review & warm up for the coming work week, take some time to delete duplicate files, clear out your downloads, and rename folders that are redundant. Ongoing maintenance helps prevent lost documents and hours of searching.
Organized365 285/365
Make easy hair care part of your streamlined morning routine. Have you tried dry shampoo and struggled? Need tips for quick styling? Ask your hairstylist!
The professionals in your life can save minutes and frustration. Traci @artisanhairsalon provides great advice for my hair care and for the SO who is a hair product hound.
Organized365 286/365
Schedule overloaded? Social calendar brimming? While it may be time to say 'no' to a meeting here or there, you may benefit from more from simply rescheduling. Don't feel compelled to pack your day if you have flexibility within a week or so. Suggest rescheduling. Often your request will be accepted and you will be able to devote more attention to your meetings and colleagues. Same strategy works equally well with friends and family!
Organized365 287/365
Strengthen your professional relationships by pitching in. Success, personal and professional, hinges on building relationships. Listen to your colleagues to learn where their pain points, then do what you can to lend a hand. You will help your colleagues and increase their understanding of your skills and abilities.