Google VP’s secret to avoiding burnout
“I have a theory that burnout is about resentment,” says Google VP Marissa Mayer. “And you beat it by knowing what it is you’re giving up that makes you resentful.”
Category: Productivity
Creating those light-bulb moments
The next time you need a creative approach or solution, nix the disciplined mental focus and instead let your mind wander. In his new book, Imagine: How Creativity Works, Jonah Lehrer says that laser-like focus actually inhibits creative thinking.
Organizing a virtual meeting for execs
Nowadays, executives more often are meeting virtually, through instant messaging, video chat and other tools. Here’s how to organize a virtual meeting, and prepare participants to get the most out of the session.
Admin pros’ best time-management tips
Odds are, you’re wasting time. A Salary.com survey reveals that the average employee admits to wasting roughly two hours each workday. Top time-management advice from admin pros:
Ask three important questions to determine what’s most important
To determine what’s most important, says time management expert Hyrum W. Smith, ask: “Why am I doing this?” “Should I really be doing this?” and “Do I want to do this?”
1-Minute Strategies: June ’12
Start each day with a prioritized to-do list, dividing it into A-B-C tasks … Ditch the half-truths, even the little white lies you tell to make someone feel better … Earn respect of senior management by showing the ROI for whatever you’re proposing.
Boost productivity with a smartphone
Does a smartphone make your job more productive and efficient? Is it worth making the switch from a “dumb” phone? The jury is nearly unanimous. Here’s what administrative professionals say:
Does your cubicle say ‘professional’?
Most Americans judge their co-workers by how clean or dirty they keep their desks, says a survey by Adecco. It’s likely that you’re not the one suffering from disorganized habits, but your co-workers or boss may need help wrangling their desks into shape. Here are tips on streamlining a mess:
You’re not as busy as you think
“There was a time, not so long ago, when I was busy, busy, busy,” says Laura Vanderkam, author of 168 Hours. “At least I thought I was.” Then she began tracking her time and found she’d been kidding herself. Rather than complaining about your long to-do list, own up to how you’re really spending your time.
Power through any task
When you’re feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the project in front of you, remind yourself that you need only do one small part of it at a time. If you can finish one small part, you can move on to the next small part.