WorkMatters Tips Issue #7 - November 7, 2006
Publisher: Gayle Lantz mailto:Gayle@GayleLantz.com
http://www.GayleLantz.com
WorkMatters
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A quick tip to help leaders and executives who need to motivate their teams and themselves, and catapult their business.
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Thinking Clearly
It's easy to lose perspective on your business when you're immersed in it.The other day I spoke with an executive who was beginning to question if he should stay with his company after having been there for 20 years. He was working hard and not sure about what he was really gaining anymore -- for himself or the company. He said he couldn't think clearly.
You've probably experienced some cloudy thinking during the course of your career. Here are some of the most common problems and ways to combat them.
* Being problem focused.
This is a downward spiral. You become obsessed by a problem in your work, whether it exists in the form of a person, process or situation...and whether it exists in your mind or reality. If you're like others I know, the problem may be so consuming that you feel paralyzed.
SOLUTION: Focus on the best possible outcome. Take one action to help you move toward what you want. Stop dwelling on what's not working. It is much more energizing to work toward new possibilities.
* Feeling overwhelmed.
Trying to tackle too many things at once? You're probably seeing mediocre results in all areas.
SOLUTION: Take a break to identify your top three priorities, the areas of your work where you need to focus most of your attention. What kind of significant progress in one specific area would have the greatest impact on your business results, both short and long term? Start there.
* Stress and pressure.
Stress is an inevitable part of work. When it gets to be too much, you probably can't make the best decisions. You're viewing the world through a different lens.
SOLUTION: Talk, walk or both. Talk about what's on your mind with someone else. Process your thinking out loud. Go for a walk to clear your head. Expect that you will return with increased calmness and clarity to do what you need to do.
Clear thinking beats mindless action any day.
PS - If you're looking for the perfect holiday business gift for a colleague, boss or friend, consider a simple, unique desk calendar I created to help my clients stay focused and achieve their goals during the year. It's filled with questions and insights to help leaders and other professionals accomplish
what's most important. Order EARLY! Supplies are limited.
For details, see:
http://www.gaylelantz.com/calendar/
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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
The road to success is always under construction.
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REPRINT: You may reprint items from "WorkMatters Tips" in your own print or electronic newsletter. But please include the following paragraph:
Reprinted from "WorkMatters Tips," a free ezine produced by Gayle Lantz featuring tips for leaders and executives who want to grow themselves, their team and their business. Subscribe at
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