Month: May 2020

Want to Boost Your Team’s Creativity? Try This

If you’re planning a brainstorming session with your team, nothing is more intimidating than staring at that blank flipchart. You can kick off your brainstorming with this new concept developed by an author/writer. This will gear up your team with this fun activity and get them in that creative mode.

Concept of Newspaper Blackout

The idea is based off the idea that it’s more fun to cross things off than to come up with something entirely new. The writer that created it used the idea to help his brain block since he was having a hard time coming up with ideas for short stories. Newspaper Blackout makes it seem more like a game than actual work.

How to Play the Game

The game is actually quite easy for your team. Gather a few essential supplies such as black markers and newspapers. To play the game, follow these simple steps:

1. Find an article you like
2. Draw a box around words or phrases you like
3. Cross of the words you don’t like
4. Use the marker to black out all the words except the ones you put a box around
5. You’ll be left with a poem of the words and phrases that you like

How to Use Newspaper Blackout to Boost Creativity

If you want to use this concept for your brainstorming session, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Rip out pages of popular newspapers such as The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times or other popular papers in your area
• Come up with a specific assignment related to what you’re goal is for having a brainstorming session. For example, come up with a question such as, “Why is the customer always right?”
• Divide your team into groups of 2-6 people
• Give them their supplies and instruct them on how to play the game
• The overall goal is for their “poem” to answer the question. Have them picture something in their mind of what the assignment is to them and then look for specific words or phrases that match that picture
• If a team gets stuck, try giving them a different newspaper article to work with

Remember, while this can be a useful tool, the main goal is for your team to have fun so don’t take it too seriously!

Need more ideas for boosting creativity? Contact us today!*

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Do This to Control Your Emotions When You Are at Work

Controlling your emotions is hard enough. Doing so in a stressful and busy environment like at work is even harder.

Have you ever cried after getting feedback? Or struggled with your temper around another team member? You’re human, which means you have complex emotions like frustration, panic, and disappointment.

Leaders are held to a higher standard. You can’t overreact. You must be able to control your emotions. There are many methods you can use to do this. Here are three tools you can use to control your emotions at work.

Get Grounded

This isn’t the same type of grounding that your parents punished you with. Grounding is a technique that can be used to keep your mind in the present.

When emotions strike, it’s easy to lose yourself in thoughts of the past and future. These types of thoughts can fan the flames of your emotions. Here are a few simple techniques you can use to ground yourself and stay in the moment.

• Focus on the eye color of the person you’re talking to.
• Tighten your calf muscles.
• Rock back on your heels a bit.
• If you’re sitting, relax your back into your chair.

The goal of grounding is to focus on what’s true and controllable.

Try Box Breathing

Box breathing is a great way to stay calm and focused. It’s used by the military to manage emotions. It can be a great tool for you to learn and utilize.

This type of breathing is a four-square breathing technique. You will breathe in for four seconds. Hold it for four seconds. Breathe out for four seconds. Hold it for four seconds. Then repeat the same rhythm. This four-sided breathing technique is named after its similar shape. A square or box.

Cool Off

Emotions cause physiological responses in our bodies. Have you ever felt your palms perspire or your cheeks flush in response to anger or embarrassment? This is your sympathetic nervous system going into overdrive. Finding a way to calm your body’s natural response can help you. Cool off is one of these ways.

• Put your hand around a cold glass.
• Take a sip of a cold drink, or put an ice cube in your mouth.
• If you’re wearing a jacket or sweater, remove that layer.
• Move closer to the air conditioner or a vent.
• If possible, take a moment to go to the restroom. This not only creates distance, but you can splash cool water on your face.

There are many more techniques you can use to control your emotions. Start practicing these today so you can be prepared when emotions strike.

Need help getting started? Contact us today! *

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.

Examples of How Other Businesses Are Handling The Coronavirus Pandemic

Businesses and organizations around the world are changing their policies as COVID-19 continues to spread. Some businesses are providing tremendous examples for other business owners to follow. Below are how some of the largest companies in the world are handling this situation.

1. Uber

Uber has stated that it may temporarily suspend the accounts of riders or drivers confirmed to have the virus. If a driver has tested positive for the virus or is asked to self-isolate, they will receive financial assistance for up to two weeks while their account is on hold.

On top of that, Uber is working to provide all of its drivers with disinfectants to help them keep their cars as clean as possible. Their food delivery service, Uber Eats, is also taking action to protect its drivers and customers. Customers can now elect to have food dropped off at their doorstep to adhere to social distancing practices.

2. Target

Target has looked to increase its staff as demand has grown for groceries and other essentials. They look to increase their staff for services such as pickup and drive up. These services allow customers to get the items they need without ever stepping foot in the store.

They will be cleaning surfaces in checkout lanes and touchscreens at least every 30 minutes to ensure a clean environment for customers. Any team member who feels ill is strongly encouraged to stay home. They have also begun to limit key items per customer to prevent any hoarding.

3. Walmart

Walmart has taken many of the same steps other grocery stores and markets have taken. Hours have been reduced and certain items may be limited by customer. They have also taken steps to ensure social distancing is followed in their stores.

The company has enacted an emergency leave policy for its hourly workers. Any employee that is required to quarantine by the government can receive up to two weeks’ pay. The store is also rigorously cleaning their surfaces.

Before leaving your house to run errands, first, determine rather or not your errands are considered essential. Second, do research to ensure the places you are going are open and are taking steps to protect both you and their employees. These companies are doing what they can to help slow the spread of this virus. *

Need help? Contact us today!

Gary Brunson
gary@myclearfocus.com

Debra Rider
debra@myclearfocus.com

574.361.2674

Sustainable Growth & Profit Consultant, Coach, Mentor and Counselor/Therapist for Business Owners and Professionals.