So What Time Will You Finish Work Tomorrow? Work Life Balance From Priority Management Kelowna

Just as few people are trained in information management, even fewer are trained in workload management. Yet every job in the world entails balancing a series of to-dos with the clock. Our research with over 1,000,000 of our customers worldwide in best-practice productivity processes, shows that very few people have a realistic plan for each day. Most plans that we see are long lists of non prioritized tasks-more of a wish list than a plan.

Here is a quick check as to how your workload management processes compare to best practice. Firstly, think about where you presently keep all the things you have to do . How many of the following tools do you use each day? Notepad, paper to-do list, scraps of paper, post-it notes, whiteboard, piles on the desk, Inbox, electronic to-do list, diary, electronic calendar and your memory. No wonder we so quickly lose the plot and find ourselves working late.
Best practice demands just one place to plan (yes, that’s ONE). When our work is in one place then we have something we can manage and control.
Now we have consolidated our tasks into one location we have a process that will get you home on time!

1. Write down all the things you need to do tomorrow in one place.
2. Estimate how long it is going to take to get each item done. Total the time - does it fit into
an 8 hour work day?
3. Are you likely to be interrupted tomorrow? If so, how will that impact your work? It will most likely double the time it takes to accomplish your work. Ask yourself if you can still get the work done after the interruption time is added?
4. Have you included time for lunch? What about travel time to and from your appointments? What about time to check your email? Remember that non-productive time for lunch, coffee breaks and checking email can easily add up to one-and-a-half hours.
5. Now total the realistic time and block out your calendar. What time are you going Home?
Is it time you want to go home?

Start today to develop the skills that will help you stay balanced and in control of your personal agenda. By developing essential skills such as personal organization, life/work balance and workload management you will improve every aspect of your life.

David Anderson
President
Okanagan Training Solutions / Priority Management Interior BC
250 762-5096 / 1-877-762-5096
prioritymanagment@shaw.ca
http://www.okanagantrainingsolutions.com/
http://okanagantrainingsolutions.blogspot.com/

RESOLVING CONFLICTS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

OKANAGAN TRAINING SOLUTIONS KELOWNA

RESOLVING CONFLICTS

By Dr. Peter Honey
Every difference of opinion, every disagreement, is a conflict, either with a big or small 'c' depending on the magnitude of the difference.

Conflicts between people are inevitable as they try to agree priorities, make decisions, solve problems and work together. If there weren’t differences of opinion it would probably be a sign that people were apathetic or acquiescing by ostensibly saying yes, but in reality hiding major reservations.

Whilst conflicts are rarely welcomed, the offer splendid opportunities to:

-Reach a better solution than would have been possible if the conflict hadn’t arisen.

-Learn from the experience of facing the conflict squarely and addressing it constructively

It sounds pious to say it, but as a manager the way you handle conflicts is a decisive factor in whether they will result in win-win or win-lose outcomes and whether they will result in beneficial learning.

Broadly there are three different ways to react to conflict:

Avoid it. - Typically this involves:- denying the conflict exists- circumventing the person/people with whom you are in conflict- deciding not to make the conflict explicit or to raise it.

Diffuse it. - This involves:- smoothing things over, ‘pouring oil on troubled waters’- saying you’ll come back to it (as opposed to dealing with the conflict there and then)- only dealing with minor points, not the major issues.

Face it. - This involves:- openly admitting conflict exists- explicitly raising the conflict as an issue

All three approaches are genuine options when conflicts arise. There may be occasions when it is best to let it go (why win the battle but lose the war?) and there will be other occasions when some pussy-footing is appropriate.

Usually, however, facing conflict rather than avoiding it or diffusing it offers the most potential. But how you face it makes all the difference. You can face it aggressively or assertively.

People who face conflict aggressively
1. Are secretive about their real objectives
2. Exaggerate their case
3. Refuse to concede that the other person has a valid point
4. Belittle the other person’s points
5. Repeat their case dogmatically
6. Disagree
7. Interrupt the other person

People who face conflict assertively1. Are open about their objectives
2. Establish what the other person’s objectives are
3. Search for common ground
4. State their case clearly
5. Understand the other person’s case
6. Produce ideas to solve the differences
7. Build on and add to the other person’s ideas
8. Summarize to check understanding/agreement

You can convert conflicts into useful learning opportunities by refusing to adjudicate and doing everything you can to foster assertive behavior amongst protagonists. If you put your energies into helping them to find some common ground, however tenuous, and to build on it, then you not only make a constructive resolution more likely, you also make people work for it and learn as they do so.

David Anderson
President
Okanagan Training Solutions / Priority Management Interior BC
250 762-5096 / 1-877-762-5096
prioritymanagment@shaw.ca
http://www.okanagantrainingsolutions.com/
http://okanagantrainingsolutions.blogspot.com/

Take Ownership Of Your Own Stress in Kelowna BC

Take Ownership Of Your Own Stress! By Daniel Stamp

People everywhere are worrying about their savings, their careers and the future. So this is probably a good time to talk about taking control of your own stress levels. In last month’s LearningLink survey we asked how your employer could help reduce stress in the workplace and I’m pretty confident that most of you aren’t holding your breath on that being the solution. Indeed, most experts on the subject will tell you that the place to start on the road to recovery is to take ownership of your own stress.

But first we need to understand what constitutes stress. The environment or event that causes stress plays a small part but the main stress comes from your reaction to it! If it were the appalling economy that was causing stress, then everyone would be feeling the same amount of stress-but we’re not! Each person’s reaction to a situation is unique. Stress is an inevitable part of everyday life. It can be a positive beneficial force protecting us in times of danger or helping us adapt to change. It can motivate, stimulate us to greater achievement and make for creativity.

Stress only becomes a problem when there’s too much of it, too often, when it lasts too long and when we feel out of control and unable to cope. But mainly becomes problematic when we haven’t developed coping strategies. Stress now becomes debilitating-our physical, emotional and mental health suffers. Relationships with colleagues and loved ones may become casualties too.

We owe it to our friends, workmates, families and mostly to ourselves to firstly accept that it’s our individual emotional reaction to a stressful situation that will determine how we behave. Remember Shakespeare’s famous line “It is neither good nor bad, but thinking makes it so.”

So what’s to be done - we can’t eliminate it from our lives, nor run from it. The best solution is to develop your own coping strategies.

Here are some suggestions:

• Recognize that you do have some personal control. You may not be able to control what happens in your workplace, or in the world at large, but you can control how you react.
• Take care of your health. Eat well. Get a good night's sleep.
• Exercise daily. This needn't mean joining a health club, just a commitment to walk around the block before bed.
• Look for relaxation techniques that personally appeal to you. Meditate, for example, get regular massages. Take up a hobby. Practice Tai Ji or QiGong.
• Don't allow your frustration to build. Find ways to let off steam. Seek out a counselor. Find a confidant who isn't judgmental. Keep a journal.
• Take a little time for yourself every day, if only to sit in a warm bath or read a book unrelated to work. A walk in a forest or park or by a river or lake on the weekend can revitalize you.
• Practice time management. Organize systems at work and home for greater efficiency. Determine the things that waste time during the day and try to eliminate them. Come up with polite yet decisive ways to excuse yourself when the talk becomes particularly gloomy, for example.
• Ask for help. It's not to your employer's advantage to have workers under chronic stress. Ask about employee assistance programs, stress management or time management training. If some of your co-workers are feeling stressed, as well, form a united front and approach your manager or boss to discuss the issue.

Finally, the next time you observe that your breathing is shallower, you feel nervous or tense, you're a bit twitchy - whatever your stress symptoms are, you can take an immediate step to calmness - take three deep breaths, low and slow and think about nothing but your breathing. You can do this anywhere, anytime. It takes a couple of minutes and it works. Every time.
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David Anderson
Okanagan Training Solutions - Priority Management Interior BC
250 762-5096 or 1-877-762-5096
prioritymanagment@shaw.ca
http://www.okanagantrainingsolutions.com/

Office Handbook - Blackberry Etiquette

I ran across this great article today on Blackberry Etiquette taht is done with a bit of hunour at the Priority Learning Link

David Anderson

By Ryan Underwood, Fast Company Magazine

Chapter 3(a):

BlackBerry Etiquette
It has come to management's attention that wireless email devices have begun to hinder employees' interpersonal communication skills. In the light of that, the following guidelines update Chapter 3 on email.

Conditions of use: It is generally acceptable for supervisors to send wireless emails while meeting with underlings - but not vice versa. Employees may not email at any engagement where the CEO is speaking; during off-site "trust exercises" that require colleagues to catch each other; and at "nonconfrontational" meetings with clients.

Mealtimes: During meals with colleagues, the use of wireless email devices is encouraged in the awkward lull between ordering and receiving food, and while awaiting the check. Employees generally should not, however, attempt to eat and email simultaneously.

Notification: In an effort to prevent workplace violence, the Company asks employees to silence devices at all times in the office.

Ergonomics: Many employees have taken to emailing, hunched over, with both hands, device nestled between the legs. The legal department has determined that this activity, though not technically harassment, could embarass fellow employees. Hence, the Company now requires devices to be used above the waist or on the knee. Three or more "zone" violations may result in harsh disciplinary action.

Addiction: Though wireless communication is not technically classified as an addiction, the Company has started a support group for employees who derive pleasure from being tethered to their email at all times. (Senior managers: This group is code named "Fast Track.")

If you or your organization relate to any of the above, you should click here to learn more about our new Working Sm@rt with BlackBerry program.

Time for Priority Management Training ?

Turbulent Times: Threat or Opportunity?

When it rains manna from heaven,

some people put up an umbrella.

Others reach for a big spoon.

ACTION POINT: Get rid of unjustifiable products and activities, set goals to improve productivity, manage growth, and develop your people.
Click on the link below to learn more:

David Anderson

Okanagan Training Solutions - Priority Management Interior BC

250 762-5096 or 1-877-762-5096

prioritymanagment@shaw.ca
http://www.okanagantrainingsolutions.com/

The manager will have to look at her task and ask, “What must I do to be prepared for danger, for opportunities, and above all for change?”

1.First, this is a time to make sure that your organization is lean and can move fast. So this is when one systematically abandons and sloughs off unjustifiable products and activities – and sees to it that the really important tasks are adequately supported.

2.Second, she will have to work on the most expensive of resources – Time – particularly in areas where it is people’s only resource, as it is for highly paid, important groups such as research workers, technical service staffs, and all managers. And one must set goals for productivity improvement.

3.Third, managers must learn to manage growth and distinguish among kinds of growth. If productivity of your combined resources goes up with growth, it is a healthy growth.

4.Fourth, the development of people will be far more crucial in the years ahead.

David Anderson - Warren Buffet- Thoughts on Life

YES, there are many challenges in today’s business world for example: Budgets, financing, credit, reduced demand for your product or service etc. Keeping you and your company in the window of opportunity when the business pie becomes smaller there is an automatic need for all business people to increase their skill sets.

“BUT” I still wonder why companies stop training their people when faced with difficult situations.

Business people Like Warren Buffet and his well trained team are out spending, investing knowing these are the times that will propel them further ahead of his competitors for the future. They have a different view on life.

Training within companies during challenging times positions their people out in front during and after an economical slow down.

Due to the time spent in training the company’s success is a direct reflection of the people it employs.
Over many years in the business world I have formed a strong believe that top producing companies flourish when there is an emphasis on well trained employees.

I ran across this great thought about life from Warren Buffett, Please click on the URL to my blog and you will find It at the foot of the current news letter in a Video format

David Anderson
Okanagan Training Solutions
Priority Management Interior BC
250 762-5096
1-877-762-5096
prioritymanagment@shaw.ca
http://www.okanagantrainingsolutions.com/
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David Anderson - Kelowna - Business Week - Work-Life Balance: How to Get a Life and Do Your Job

Great article in Business Week about Work Life balance that I would like to share with you. David Anderson Okanagan Training Solutions

Work-Life Balance: How to Get a Life and Do Your Job
BusinessWeek readers make it seem possible. Here's how some have succeeded in a balancing act
Edited by Michelle Conlin

There is a species of knowledge worker that seems transcendentally competent when it comes to finessing work-life balance. These are the people of the tidy desks and tidy homes. The work-life super class. They don't skulk in late like the rest of us. They don't wear rumpled clothes, miss deadlines, or weaken before the vending machine. Are these people for real? Is work-life balance achievable? We asked our readers. Some responders groaned that, owing to a hypercompetitive workplace and the race for status, the answer was no. But more disagreed, having found ways to make their lives less chaotic when it comes to juggling what often feels like two full-time jobs. Sanity actually exists, they say. Hallelujah! Now, dear readers, over to you.

Click link below for full article: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_34/b4097036727134.htm?chan=magazine+channel_special+report

David Anderson - Okanagan Training Solutions – Teaching at UBC Okanagan Kelowna

In January and February of 2009 David Anderson of Okanagan Training Solutions will be teaching at the UBC Okanagan in Kelowna.

This course call Business Theatre is in a nut shell based on the company’s place of business being staged and directed like a theater performance. It is based on teaching the students a different form of business and personnel communication skills based on Business Theater.

Participants will learn verbal & non verbal communication management with: clients / customers / co-workers when confronted with, Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) and acquire the skills for managing conflict resolution.

The philosophy behind Business Theater is to teach employee’s and management the art of telling and selling the company story, living and acting the vision, being committed to the story line and have all employee’s playing their part in telling the story before any product or service is ever sold.


David Anderson - President - Okanagan Training Solutions
Priority Management - A Better Way to Work
250 762-5096 / 1-877-762-5096
mailto:prioritymanagement@shaw.ca
http://www.okanagantrainingsolutions.com/
http://okanagantrainingsolutions.blogspot.com/
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Okanagan Training Solutions workshops are held in the following cities:
Kelowna, Penticton, Kamloops, Veron, Salmon Arm, Prince Rupert, Prince George, Williams Lake, Quesnel, Nelson

David Anderson - Okanagan Training Solutions - Retail Business Training – Retail Theater

Retail Business Training – Retail Theater

Retail Theater is a strategy that addresses the changes in how and where people purchase today.

These changes are based on the changing motives’ that stimulate the purchasing process from today’s internet and gamer savvy consumer”.

Todays consumers are more interested in retailers who are going to “entertain their minds and provides an atmosphere of a true live shopping experience” rather than what the traditional retail has provided for many years.

The internet savvy shopper is looking at the “overall experience which includes entertainment as a key factor when they visit your retail establishment”.

The place to go, The place to be seen and the place to be able to interact with likeminded customers.

To book and assessment contact:
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David Anderson - President - Okanagan Training Solutions
Priority Management - A Better Way to Work
250 762-5096 / 1-877-762-5096
mailto:prioritymanagement@shaw.ca
http://www.okanagantrainingsolutions.com/
http://okanagantrainingsolutions.blogspot.com/
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Okanagan Training Solutions workshops are held in the following cities:Kelowna, Penticton, Kamloops, Veron, Salmon Arm, Prince Rupert, Prince George, Williams Lake, Quesnel, Nelson