How to have fewer mistakes in the workplace.
29 July 2013Susan Cain’s comments about work spaces in ‘Quiet: the power of introverts in a world that won’t stop talking’, make me really excited. Based on years of research I strongly believe that too many open plan office layouts are very poorly designed and grossly inefficient. The businesses who think they’re saving money by cramming […]
What my daughter learnt about Mandela's leadership style
17 July 2013As I write this article, Mandela is on life-support. Maybe he will have passed on by the time you read it. However, his generosity of spirit has influenced, and will profoundly influence, for many generations. In his honour I’d like to share a story. It was a hot Monday afternoon in June 2007. Gazing up […]
The subtle shift in attitude that means success or failure with our goals
7 May 2013I picked up a great distinction last week from a participant. Tam from the NZ Rural General Practice Network in Wellington had this to say in regard to achieving our goals: ‘We might WANT something, but until we have an INTENTION, nothing will happen.’ Think about when you want to lose weight, or get fit, […]
How To Save Money While Training The Kids!
24 April 2013It was a sunny Monday morning, May 1998. Kate and I were planning our next client newsletter. She was one of my two part-time assistants and the one who assisted with marketing activities. She turned to me and said: ‘Robyn, you’re wasting money with our newsletter.’ I looked at her in alarm. After all, everyone […]
To improve – inspect: the four keys to great delegation
21 March 2013Even in small businesses, great delegation is a vital skill for any business person who wants to expand or increase turnover. However, the problem is, very few have formal training in it. Many folk lurch along, doing their best, often overwhelmed by their own work as well as the needs of their people, trying not […]
More Tips On Email Efficiency
5 February 2013Email is a wonderful tool. Only problem is – many people are trying to use it in the same way they handle paper – not very well, in many cases! E-mail usage can be split into three main areas, and chunking the topic down (as we teach others to do) you can simplify it even […]
The benefits of raising children French-style
27 September 2012Did you know that French children are, on the whole, better behaved than those from most English-speaking Western countries? (And how does this relate to business? Good mannered children become thoughtful and well-mannered workmates, I’m sure you’ll agree.) In an extended visit to France earlier this year I never saw a French child having a […]
Stacey’s simple stress-reducer
18 September 2012I’ve been working with Stacey* for a couple of months as her productivity coach. She’s the GM of a successful company in the engineering field. She used to be a big list maker. Often she’d have five pages of items ‘to do’ – but hardly anything got done and the lists just got longer. Result? […]
Replying quickly to email is bad time management
15 June 2012If you’re replying immediately to every mail as soon as it arrives, you’re also sending an invisible message that could be interpreted as: ‘I’ve got nothing too important to work on. That’s why I’m sitting here sending you an instant response.’ Email is my top priority.’ If so, why? And what are your real priorities? […]
Develop a curious mind to discover shortcuts
12 June 2012What better ways of doing things or shortcuts are under your nose? And, how do you find these ‘better ways’? Develop a curious mind, a mindset that always says, ‘How else could we do this?’ If you find yourself repeatedly doing tasks, play a game with yourself to winkle out alternative ways. […]
