Tag: Profiles

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6 Ways to Help Gauge Your Productivity

6 Ways to Help Gauge Your Productivity

Are you productive or are you constantly busy? There is a major difference. Both types of individuals can get their to-do-lists done and can stay up to date on their schedule. However, the person that is truly productive will focus on things that have a greater impact on their lives and those around them.

Check out these six ways to help gauge your productivity:

1.     Do you know your purpose?

Productive people set goals and stay aware of their daily schedule. They have a plan and mission for both the short and the long-term goals they’ve set. Productive people have a purpose and take pride in carrying it out.

2.     Do you support your goals and have a system?

While you want to achieve your long-term goals and be successful, you need a system in place to pull that off. Track your progress and figure out benchmarks to help you stay the course. Your system should include marketing, sales, operations, productivity, costs, and be able to meet deadlines.

3.     When do you feel most productive?

Are you a morning person or a late afternoon ninja? You may have a typical day job schedule, (9 am -5 pm) but that doesn’t mean you are productive the entire time you’re at work. Figure out when you are most productive. Then you must prioritize your tasks based on the importance they hold in your plan.

4.     Are you a multi-tasker?

Studies have shown that multi-tasking does not equal productivity. If you are a multi-tasker, you may be more busy than productive. Give each task your complete focus rather than a scrambled version of trying to get too many things done at once.

5.     Would you consider yourself indecisive?

If you struggle to make decisions, you may be wasting time thinking or over thinking about the situation. Be decisive and save yourself time. Ask yourself this question: Will this take me closer to reaching my goal or further away? If it takes you closer, proceed.

6.     Are you a time tracker?

Those that track what they do can have a more realistic picture of how they spend their time. This will eliminate the time wasters and increase your productivity as a whole.

Review each of these to gauge your productivity and see if you are in line with your goals.

Send us your comments right now… we would love to hear your thoughts about this article.

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 Professional.

Posted on

6 Ways to Help Gauge Your Productivity

6 Ways to Help Gauge Your Productivity

Are you productive or are you constantly busy? There is a major difference. Both types of individuals can get their to-do-lists done and can stay up to date on their schedule. However, the person that is truly productive will focus on things that have a greater impact on their lives and those around them.

Check out these six ways to help gauge your productivity:

1.     Do you know your purpose?

Productive people set goals and stay aware of their daily schedule. They have a plan and mission for both the short and the long-term goals they’ve set. Productive people have a purpose and take pride in carrying it out.

2.     Do you support your goals and have a system?

While you want to achieve your long-term goals and be successful, you need a system in place to pull that off. Track your progress and figure out benchmarks to help you stay the course. Your system should include marketing, sales, operations, productivity, costs, and be able to meet deadlines.

3.     When do you feel most productive?

Are you a morning person or a late afternoon ninja? You may have a typical day job schedule, (9 am -5 pm) but that doesn’t mean you are productive the entire time you’re at work. Figure out when you are most productive. Then you must prioritize your tasks based on the importance they hold in your plan.

4.     Are you a multi-tasker?

Studies have shown that multi-tasking does not equal productivity. If you are a multi-tasker, you may be more busy than productive. Give each task your complete focus rather than a scrambled version of trying to get too many things done at once.

5.     Would you consider yourself indecisive?

If you struggle to make decisions, you may be wasting time thinking or over thinking about the situation. Be decisive and save yourself time. Ask yourself this question: Will this take me closer to reaching my goal or further away? If it takes you closer, proceed.

6.     Are you a time tracker?

Those that track what they do can have a more realistic picture of how they spend their time. This will eliminate the time wasters and increase your productivity as a whole.

Review each of these to gauge your productivity and see if you are in line with your goals.

Send us your comments right now… we would love to hear your thoughts about this article.

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 Professional.

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Increasing Your Emotional Intelligence In One Step

Increasing Your Emotional Intelligence In One StepIncreasing Your Emotional Intelligence

People are generally more reactive than proactive which often can be a good thing. For instance, avoiding an accident while driving with quick reflexes, or your reflexes when a spider lands on you. (I know I personally move like Bruce Lee when one gets on me)

However, there are times when you allow emotions to govern your actions. For instance, think about how you react when you get a difficult email, an unfair assumption, or the moment when you get blamed for an issue at work that you don’t agree with.

A little reflection in these situations can help us to increase our emotional intelligence.

To define, Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and use the power of emotions to facilitate high levels of collaboration and productivity. It is the foundational competency every leader needs to grow. Emotional intelligence, in essence, is the ability to effectively manage emotions. Emotions precede actions. When you are happy, you smile. It is not the other way around. Emotional intelligence is what drives our actions. This can be learned or trained, and if you work at it, you can have an outstanding outcome.

One tip to increasing your emotional intelligence is known as “the pause.”

If you take a bit of time to just pause, like a few seconds, you will handle situations differently.

Your reactions will adjust because you take a few moments to simply pause and reflect. This will take some work because we are programmed to react quickly.

Added stress or irritations can govern our behaviors & ability to think clearly. The pause will help correct the over exaggerated reactions that often ensue.

Pausing is a good habit to practice and master. You’ll see that success will follow when difficult situations need to be handled.

How to use the pause for the win

The pause will work best if you take a moment to stop and genuinely think before you speak. While this doesn’t sound hard, you’ll want to be sure that you give it some practice. It won’t be second nature for most people.

Ways to pause

Try to do the following in order to utilize the “art of the pause” skillfully:

  1. Go for a walk
  2. Take a few deep breaths
  3. Resist the desire to act out rudely
  4. Stop and reflect
  5. Give yourself some space between the situation, even if it’s an email

Nothing about this is self-centered. It is actually good for you and those around you. The benefits will be seen in your decision making both personally and professionally.

Further reflection

After you have used the pause, take some time for reflection. Ask yourself some questions such as:

  • Why would I have felt that way?
  • What is the purpose of that type of attitude?
  • How can I handle things better in the future? 

Now write it down.

When you have a successful pause for a situation, take some time to write it down. This will help make the pause a habit.

The pause is a wonderful way to increase your emotional intelligence and stand out in the workplace as one that is proactive rather than reactive.

Send us your comments right now… we would love to hear your thoughts about this article.

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 Professional.

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How To Transition Into A Leadership Role

How To Transition Into A Leadership Role

How To Transition Into A Leadership RoleCongratulations, you’re transitioning into a new leadership role! While this may seem like a challenge, there are things to consider for a more seamless transition. As a new leader, the first impression you make with your team is crucial.

Get things started off on the right foot and remember the following:

Mistakes Are Inevitable

No one is perfect which means that you’ll make some mistakes. Own up to them with your team. Apologize for the error rather than make excuses. Further, you’ll want to correct the situation quickly and then put it to rest.

Awkward Moments

New leadership roles can render some awkward moments.

Your team will be used to the way things have been run in the past and it may be a challenge to win them over. People are often resistant to change. Don’t let the awkwardness deter you from leading your staff well.

Different Opinions

Not everyone will agree with your decisions. Listen to the differing opinions of your team, validate their concerns, and adjust your plan if you see a need. As a leader, you will not always make everyone happy.

Stay Accessible

Make yourself accessible to your team. If you want to be an effective leader, then people need to feel comfortable enough to approach you. Take a sincere interest in your team and get to know them. Your efforts will be noticed and appreciated.

Provide Consistent Support

Encourage, support and coach your team in order to train them in their roles. If you choose a bossy approach, then you could lose their interest and respect. Listen to your staff and consider their feedback in order to foster continued growth.

Be a Fast Learner

As a new leader, you should attempt to learn your role quickly. Utilize the resources provided by your company and embrace any training they may offer. Don’t be shy to ask questions if it helps you to transition as a leader.

The Golden Rule

Treat people like you want to be treated, as the old saying goes. Reflect on how you felt as an employee before you took on the new leadership role. Try to think of things to implement that would improve your team’s overall work experience.

As a new leader, you must believe in yourself and the message you have to share. The confidence that you exude will give your team a greater peace of mind. Finally, lead them well, and give yourself and your employees some grace during the transition.

Need help transitioning into your new role? 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 Professional.

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Social Media Marketing Predictions

Social Media Marketing Predictions for This Year

Online adults aged 18-34 are most likely to follow a brand via social networking (95%). (Source: MarketingSherpa) Think about your audience and see where they are most likely to follow your brand.

71% of consumers who have had a good social media service experience with a brand are likely to recommend it to others. (Source: Ambassador) Use social media as an effective customer service tool to increase brand engagement and win new customers.

Visual content is 40 times more likely to get shared on social media than other types of content. (Source: HubSpot)

The best time to post on Facebook is 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Other optimal times include 12:00–1:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and 1:00–4:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. (Source: HubSpot)

Send us your comments right now… we would love to hear what is working for you.

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 Professional.

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Do Your Coworkers May Run From You?

Do Your Coworkers May Run From You?

Reasons Your Coworkers May Run From You

Workplace relationships can be complicated. However, you can avoid certain behaviors that will ensure your coworkers won’t run in the opposite direction when they see you approaching.

Be sure not to act like this type of employee: 

You don’t listen to others 

If you don’t listen to others, people will not want to engage with you. Facetime with your coworkers will decrease if you only talk about yourself. When you attend meetings or pass someone in the hall, put your phone down and make eye contact with others which welcomes conversation.

You look for a fight 

If you are argumentative, you will be seen as looking for a fight. People will avoid you like the plague because no one has time for this type of behavior. Don’t throw out criticism and insults by constantly critiquing those around you. You’ll be seen as obnoxious and unprofessional.

You forget to give others credit 

You take the credit when it should have been given to others. Be sure to recognize the accomplishments of others and even offer praise. Stealing the credit of your coworkers will be a surefire way they to anger them and build distrust. 

You are too self-absorbed 

You tend to get so engrossed in your workday that you appear self-absorbed and not willing to engage with others. Your coworkers will feel the brush off and just avoid you in the future. No one likes to work with someone that only thinks about themselves and their agenda. 

You give too much information 

No one wants to hear your life story and latest drama. When you give too much information, people become uncomfortable and lose interest in spending time with you. Further, they will not likely want to work on group projects with you for fear of your latest info overload.

Your goal is 5:00 PM 

You seem more interested in 5:00 PM than the tasks at hand. Coworkers won’t feel that you are keeping the company & employees in your best interest and will want to avoid you. No one wants to work with a loafer or one that is constantly watching the clock.

Don’t be this type of employee. You’ll find that your coworkers won’t engage with you. They will avoid you and perhaps even run in the opposite direction in order to escape the pain of dealing with you.

Do you run from any of your coworkers? Pass this article along to them.

We would love to hear your comments & suggestions. Please contact us today!

Have you taken The ExitMap® Assessment questionnaire? Click to try it at no cost! 

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 Professional.

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Why Employing a ‘Culture Add’ Benefits Your Business

Why Employing a ‘Culture Add’ Benefits Your Business

Reasons Why Employing a ‘Culture Add’ Benefits Your Business

Employers spend part of their hiring resources on personality assessments in hopes of finding the right fit for their company’s culture. While this is important to do, it should not be the only thing you look at with your potential candidate.

When an employee doesn’t stay long in a position, often an employer wonders whether they were the right fit for the culture of the company. Hiring is expensive and time-consuming, which is a drain on any business.

Here are a few things that you can do to help with the recruitment process:

Common Values

A “culture add” is where you can look at the values and behaviors that are non-negotiable for your business. Diversity should be celebrated and embraced. People from a wider range of backgrounds will mean a lot for your success.

Look for the type of attitude that you want in a new employee.

* Will they work well with others?

* Do they have the drive to do whatever it takes to complete the job and meet the deadlines?

These are the values to watch for during an interview.

Personality Traits

Look for the personality traits & soft skills that are most suitable for your business. Profiles & assessments will give you great insights on a candidate. You’ll be able to see if they are a team player, good at solving problems, and if they can work well on their own. Recruiters embrace assessments in order to find the select few that would be a good fit for the company.

The Interview

Use the interview along with the assessments to make a wise hiring decision. If possible, consider bringing your candidate in for a trial day. You’ll gain new information about the person as you watch them interact with others in the office.

Shaping Your Employees

Candidates are not always an open book from the beginning. Assessments will help you identify their strengths & weaknesses. There needs to be room for professional development and growth.  Shape your employees into your company’s culture. Be sure to cover the company’s vision, mission, and core values. Lead by example!

These tips exemplify ways that candidates can be found, and will work out well. The interview, doing assessments, and learning their values will help in the selection process.

We would love to hear your comments & suggestions. Please contact us today!

Did you see our latest post?

Click here to read: How Do I Begin Planning My Exit?

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 Professional.

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How to ensure you accomplish your goals & resolutions!

Here we are, the third month of the year…. How are you doing with your New Year’s resolutions & goals? How to ensure you accomplish your goals & resolutions!

Many people have already forgotten or dismissed the goals they set for themselves… Don’t fall into this trap.

Look back at the previous year and celebrate your accomplishments…. Now set some “realistic” goals that will help improve your performance in all areas of life; personally & professionally. 

Here are some tips to help ensure success. 

Refocus your morning habits

Instead of struggling through the morning before you head to work, regroup and try to set up some good, solid morning habits. Consider pulling back the curtains and letting the sun shine in your windows. Set your coffee the night before and take some time to sit and enjoy it as you read for a few minutes. Make your bed when you get up because it will make your room look tidier.

Brainstorm ways to help you feel more ready and begin to form some new morning habits.

Get some extra sleep

Try to get to bed earlier or set your alarm later. Often, it becomes easy to do one more thing around the house or to check email one more time to get ready for the next day. Try skipping this and get some extra sleep instead.

Take time to read daily

We live in a world where you can watch TV or videos on any mobile device at any time. Rather than focusing on so much screen time, consider reading about 30 minutes per day. Find something encouraging to read which will nurture your mind.

Get out of your rut

You still have time to do something new this year. Try to get out of your rut and embrace something that you haven’t done before. This is a great way to enjoy life and make it feel less mundane.

Consider what you’re thankful for

Work and life can be busy. It is easy to get overwhelmed, so take time out to write down what you are thankful for. Seeing it on paper will enhance your attitude and allow you to feel more positive and grateful, which will help you at work too.

Network with someone each week

Rather than getting stagnant, be sure to network with someone each week. We learn so much from others and they can be an encouragement too. Be sure to take time out each week to build relationships by connecting with others.

Make this your most productive year ever!

Need more tips on how to be more productive & focused?  Contact us today!

Did you see our latest post?

Click here to read: The First Step to Understanding the Complexities of Preparing a Company for Transition

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 Professional.

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Surefire Ways to Get Promoted

Surefire Ways to Get Promoted

Surefire Ways to Get PromotedWouldn’t you like to know how to secure an upcoming promotion? Imagine being able to tap into your supervisors thought processes and learn what it takes to get promoted. These tips will enable you to understand more of what bosses look for as they make their promotion decision. Stand out and you’ll find yourself in a new role by doing the following:

Do the right thing.

Supervisors likely promote those that do the basics well. In other words, do the right thing when it comes to showing up on time, not gossiping, and treating everyone with respect.

Set your mind on the big picture.

One way to get promoted is to think like the owner with a long-term vision. The big picture is important and your supervisor will note you are thinking ahead rather than just about the day to day tasks of the company.

Play nice with others.

No one likes to work with someone who is difficult to get along with. Work hard to be a team player. Your boss and coworkers will appreciate it and respect you more. Be present when the workload gets hard rather than shirk from the responsibility.

Take initiative whenever you can.

If you want to get promoted, then you’ll want to be seen as one who takes initiative. Accept tough assignments, don’t complain, and give your all to the tasks you are to handle. Your boss will be looking for someone who is willing to step up to the plate rather than one who must be asked repeatedly to help.

Be a leader.

Promotions often go to the employees that are considered leaders. You can show your strengths by extending advice, a hand, or your skills to assist others. People will take note when you have expertise in a variety of areas. Lead by example and be sure you follow the company’s policies and procedures.

Allow your passion to be evident.

You are hungry for advancement and passionate about the company. Make sure that you allow our passion to shine through your work each day. Don’t be shy to let people know you want to lead, grow, and advance your career in ways that benefit the team.

Networking is the key to your success.

Spend your time networking with the people that can help you learn more about the role you hope to secure. In other words, try and find team members that have been in that role before or supervise the person who has that position. Networking will enable you to learn more about the role which will give you a better chance to secure the position.

Need more tips on how to get promoted? 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 Professional.

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New Laws Banning the Salary History Question

New Laws Banning the Salary History Question

New Laws Banning the Salary History QuestionPotential new laws are on the horizon that would ban employers asking questions about salary history during the interview process. Restrictions in Massachusetts, Delaware, Oregon, New York City, San Francisco, and Philadelphia have already passed legislation that prohibits employers from requesting salary information from job candidates. Hefty fines will be imposed on those that do not comply.

These laws are becoming more prevalent in order to counteract the disadvantages that salary history requests put on women and other minority groups. Often employers do not intend to use the info given about history against the candidate but bias opinions can creep in if the history is discussed.

Here are some recommendations to ensure that you adhere to such laws and prepare in advance for those that may come into play in your municipality.

Employers should avoid asking about salary history.

Once the information is out on the candidate’s pay history, it can never be taken back and could affect the thought processes of the employer. The gender gap is a real problem and minorities suffer too when it comes to prior salary history. Let it not even become a factor and simply don’t discuss it during the interview process.

Focus on the open position and the pay expectation.

Rather than discussing salary history, employers should talk with their candidate about the responsibilities and skill sets necessary required for the position. The conversation should be a two-way street where both of you discuss the expectations when it comes to salary.

Be sure that Human Resources have made the salary amount clear as far as what the company will pay. Go into the interview ready to discuss options with your candidate. Previous salary history should not have a bearing on what they will get paid.

Know that this is not just for female candidates.

The laws banning the salary history question are not only to protect women. In fact, this is important for all candidates and an essential element to a company’s culture. Avoiding these questions shows that you are unbiased and pay based on what suits the role and candidate that accepts the position.

In any situation, you want to be sure that you handle salary questions with attention and detail. The laws that have been put in place and are coming in the near future will help to protect candidates and keep employers an unbiased mindset. The compensation discussion should be beneficial to both the candidate and company. Work to keep these conversations positive with the goal to eliminate any unfair practices.

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 Professional.

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