"We will receive not what we idly wish for but what we justly earn. Our rewards will always be in exact proportion to our efforts." Earl Nightingale
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Recession Survival Kit
I have a some pretty powerful and simple information to share with you to help you deal with the current economic cycle. It isn't bad news either! Shock, horror..... applause....
Simply put, It's really about prioritisation and effective time management, making time to plan and strategise, to work on your business rather than being trapped working in it. Try the following suggestions to find that time!
Think strategically to waste less time.
Are you working as hard as you can, but finding that you are not making enough real progress? Do the same things appear on your to do list, day after day? Would you work smarter not harder, if only you knew how?
The simple fact is if you are not spending your time in the most valuable way possible, you are wasting it. Ask yourself the following five strategic or 'big picture' questions and never waste time again:
Question # 1 - What do I need to achieve?
This is not another time management course, our research shows that the most effective way to stop wasting time is to develop the habit of thinking strategically - about everything!Are you clear on your objectives, do you know what results you need to deliver and most importantly do you know how the work you do today fits into that clearly defined bigger picture?
Every time you go to a meeting, have a conversation or undertake a task, ask yourself 'what do I need to achieve?' It's amazing how much time can be lost when you are not clear on what your real objectives are.
Question # 2 - Why do I want to achieve it?
Do you know why you are doing it? This is such a simple question, but it's amazing the number of times the answer comes back as 'because I always do', 'because so-and-so said to', or simply 'because...'
Ask yourself how the task you are working supports your objectives. If the things that you are working on don't support your companies vision, department strategy, performance KPIs, or your personal goals, then big question is - why are you doing it at all?
If you understand why something is important, you will immediately have a clearer understanding as to the compromises, sacrifices and tough decisions, you are willing to make in order to achieve your goal.
You may be willing to offer blood, sweat and tears for some objectives and work weekend or late nights for others, but make sure that you don't apply this level of effort unless the objective is worth it to you!
One of the biggest causes of executive stress and burnout is treating everything as a high priority and attempting to deliver a 110% effort indiscriminately. Make sure you take a strategic approach to the way you expend your energy.
Question 3 - What am I willing to do to achieve it?Once you have determined what needs your focus and why, you might find that there are some things on your to-do list that still need to be done, even though they are not a high priority for you.
If you have a team, delegate! If you don't have a team of people working for you or the right resource isn't in your current team, consider recruiting, outsourcing, calling in a contractor or freelancer, or building a support team of niche service providers.
Question 4 - What support or help do I need to make this happen?
With so much that requires your attention, it's important to ensure that you are getting the support you need to make it all happen. This includes support or 'buy in' from your employees, stakeholders and key decision makers, as well as more personalised support like working with a specialist consultant, business mentor or coach.
Question 5 - Have I got all the support I need to achieve my objectives? Who can I delegate the rest to?
This becomes the sixty four million dollar question. Can you give up the baby. Do you have the trust and belief in others to contribute too your success? How much are you prepared to delegate and empower others so that you can personally become more effective?
Now the above strategies are not rocket science... BUT to be blunt... the global economy is changing... whether we choose to acknowledge the fact or not we are on the cusp of a global financial crises... just look at the number of recent job redundancies across many sectors, even here in Australia. The time is now to become more entrepreneurial...to work more on the business creating new opportunities, to improve systems and operational efficencies so that you are a thriving survivor not a statistic. Look for ways that will FREE up YOUR time to work ON not so much in the business.
More Information »AussieHost Customer Service Workshops
TRAC Consulting in conjunction with QTIC (Queensland Tourism Industry Council) recently conducted an AussieHost Customer Service Workshop in February at Golden Beach on the Sunshine Coast. participants from the Caravan and Camping Association, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, The STEPS disability group and QTIC attended.
AussieHost is a one day customer service training program that focuses on: What is customer service excellence; workplace and professional presentation; excelling in communication skills; effective telephone communication; handling customer complaints; who are your customers and how best to serve them.
The recent workshop was such a great success that another is now scheduled for Thursday 2nd April 2009 commmencing at 8.30am at the World Mark Resort Golden Beach. For more information about how AussieHost training programs can improve your organisations service standards call us on 07 5439 7999 and ask for Jeanette or Mark or follow the links on the QTIC website at http://www.qtic.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=564&Itemid=299
NEW Facilitation Academy Training Programs for 2009
The Facilitation Academy is holding the first two training programs for 2009 in June this year.
The Advanced Facilitator Training Program is a must for any professional who is responsible for developing and managing teams, designing training programs, providing counselling services or leading performance improvement initiatives. This training presents effective facilitation models and techniques that can be used to increase individual knowledge and group performance. The unique hands on approach applied throughout the training gives each facilitator an opportunity to practice their craft in a small learning group. Our method has proven successful over the years because it focuses on developing facilitators from the inside out. Bookings and program enquiries should be directed to mark@tracc.com.au
June 15 & 16th 2009. Sunshine Coast Queensland. Venue to be advised.
The Facilitative Leadership training program provides an opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead individuals and groups to achieve improved performance. This program is designed to strengthen your ability to work with and lead teams towards a high performance culture. Today's workforce is not motivated by mere dictation of procedure, instead they want partnership in processes and ideas, opportunities to apply creativity and innovation, and a role in a shared vision. This contemporary approach will allow leaders to achieve success and amazing results. This is a leadership program not to be missed. Bookings and program enquiries should be directed to mark@tracc.com.au
For more information go to www.thefacilitationacademy.com or contact Mark Jones of TRAC Consulting on 07 5439 7999.
The Facilitation Academy is a joint initiative between LearningChange LLC and TRAC Consulting Pty Ltd.
