Off the Island
November 20, 2008
“I’m worried,” Lydia explained. “It’s like the tv show ‘Survivor.’ I used to think, how contrived. A group of people get together and vote to throw someone off the island. Who does that?” I was quiet.... Read more...
Organized for Indecision
November 19, 2008
From the Ask Tom mailbag: Question: I was recently hired as a supervisor in a volunteer outreach center. There are many funding sources (board members) for the center, with one paid Executive Director. When I was hired I thought I would be accountable... Read more...
Start Time to Due Date
November 18, 2008
Comment from Kevin to yesterday’s post Mine to Keep. Comment: I am interested in how you made the connection between due date and time span. Just because a deliverable is required later in the process, does not necessarily mean that it has a longer... Read more...
Mine to Keep
November 17, 2008
“When you sort your goals by length of Time Span, the “by when” part, what do you see?” I asked. Colleen was actually re-sorting her list using arrows. “I am going to clean this up and put it in Outlook, but I can already... Read more...
Which Ones to Keep
November 14, 2008
“Convert my notes into a list of what by whens? That’s easy enough, but how is that going to help?” Colleen challenged. “When you list out your what by whens, you will have a simple list of goals. Embedded in those goals will... Read more...
Transforming Your Notes
November 13, 2008
“That’s the first place I am stumped,” Colleen admitted. “Some of the tasks I know I should be doing, and some of the tasks I need to delegate.” “How are you going to make that decision?” I asked. Colleen laughed.... Read more...
Sorting the Tasks
November 12, 2008
“I am a little overwhelmed,” Colleen admitted. “I just got out of a planning meeting. We’re looking down the road a bit. I think I got a promotion, not a raise, just a new area that I have to supervise in addition to all the... Read more...
Most Important Discipline of Time Management
November 11, 2008
“There are many disciplines for Time Management,” I said. The group was taking notes. “Which is the most important?” “OHIO,” shot a voice from the back of the room. “Only Handle It Once.” “Okay,”... Read more...
Difference Between Success and Failure
November 7, 2008
“But, I don’t understand. They fill out the form. What discretionary decisions do they have to make as they collect the data from the customer?” Arlene asked. “Lots, and it is those discretionary decisions that determine success... Read more...
Discretionary Decisions
November 6, 2008
“Do you, as the Manager, sit with your team and talk about the decisions they have to make as they collect this data?” I asked. “Well, we go over how to fill out the information on the form. We have training every month on changes to... Read more...
