The Myth of Multitasking

“When we think we’re multitasking we’re actually multi-switching. That is what the brain is very good at doing – quickly diverting its attention from one place to the next. We think we’re being productive. We are, indeed, being busy. But in reality we’re simply giving ourselves extra work.” Michael Harris, Author Often we have heard people say they are good at multitasking as a source of pride. Multitasking was almost a buzzword for efficiency and effectiveness in the business world. People seemed to aspire to being good multitaskers. There are certain mundane tasks that we can do while concentrating on another thing or two. Generally, these are rote or habitual tasks that make up our day and do not require our attention. While brushing our teeth and thinking of the conversation we will be having later with a colleague, is a kind of multi-tasking. The part of the brain we use for our thinking is not able to do two tasks at the same time, hence we see the laws being changed about texting or speaking on a hand-held cell phone when driving. We as a society have learned that “multi-switching” can lead to dire consequences. When it comes to the important things in life, we need to focus on what is important, what requires our attention, and what needs to be done. Recently in a prelude to a meditation, Oprah Winfrey said her day starts with three important questions that helps her focus on the best use of her time. We can certainly benefit from reflecting upon these questions. The first question is, what is really important? Again...

What are Your Intentions?

“What we speak comes to life…our words inform our action and empower our intentions.” Oprah Winfrey, in an introduction to a meditation with Deepak Chopra. It is important for us to realize that our words often lead our actions, reinforce our feelings and emotions, and as Oprah wisely stated, “…empower our intentions.” Positivity in our vocabulary will lead to positive activities and feelings. Likewise, negative thoughts and words reinforce a negative mindset. Think of those days when you wake up in a happy space, feeling cheerful and bright. Often the day continues in this vein, leading to positive interactions with colleagues, family and friends. On the other hand, when we start the day in a negative space, the day may continue in that way unless we press the reset button. This is where our intentions become important, where our outlook is important. Whether conscious or unconscious, there is intention behind all of our actions. As Sheri Salata, co-president of the Oprah Winfrey Network stated in the January 2016 Leadership issue of Fast Company, “We don’t do anything without an intention. Sometimes our intention is just to have some fun. But there definitely is some soul-searching done on every decision we make.” How do we approach the day? What is important to us in a conversation with our boss, colleague or subordinate? What do we want to accomplish today or this week? When we put our intentions into words we are guiding ourselves towards desired outcomes. When we ask questions related to our intentions, we are ensuring that the decisions we make, or the path we take, are clear and...

The Importance of Saying Thank You

“Appreciation can change a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” — Margaret Cousins Whether we are appreciating an employee’s completion of a task, or a client’s continued use of our services, or a customer’s purchase, or a child’s effort in doing a chore, saying “thank you” shows appreciation and recognition for what they have done. Here are four reasons why it is important to sincerely say thank you. Appreciating the individual for taking action. Have you ever had exceptional service at a restaurant or in a store? The clerk or server has taken on an attitude of it being more than just a job, wanting you to have a very pleasant and enjoyable experience. By saying “thank you,” even if you have also left a tip, will show them you have recognized and appreciated their efforts. They have chosen not only the job, but they have chosen the positive attitude they bring to it. The need for people to feel appreciated and respected for their contribution. Again, whether the task is for your organization, your company, or your family, people have a need to feel appreciated for their contribution. Yes, they may be paid for the job but if it is simply a monetary transaction then the positive attitude they bring to it may be left behind next time. John F. Kennedy once said, “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” The size of the difference is irrelevant, it is that they have made a difference and contribution...

Habits For Success

What habits work for you? What habits work against you? What habits are seen to be part of a successful person’s day? Are there some common threads that seem to be contributing factors to their success? One important habit that many successful people have is focus. “Putting First Things First” as Steven Covey wrote in his book, Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, is about having a focus. What is that over-arching goal you have for yourself, your career and your company? Keeping your focus is one of the key elements in achieving the success you desire. Following focus, another key habit is to minimize distractions. Distractions and interruptions often derail you from what is important. What are you doing that keeps distractions or interruptions to a minimum? Sometimes it involves carving out some time for yourself by closing your door, turning off the phone, and letting people know that you do not want to be disturbed at certain times. What are your intentions for the day or week? What do you wish to accomplish and why is it important? Planning your day and even your week ahead of time is another key habit worth pursuing. Taking the time to write down what you want to work on ahead of time allows you to focus on the important/urgent and important/not urgent things on your to do list. By writing down your intentions and following them, you are another step towards achieving your goals for success. Often, having a morning routine is helpful in creating a successful life. What does your morning look like? What happens when things don’t go...

What is Your Legacy?

“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” – Epictetus, Greek Philosopher As a business owner or as a leader in an organization, it is important to take the time to think about the mark you wish to leave. How do you want to be remembered when you leave an organization, retire from your position, or even pass away? What is your legacy? It’s not about living up to others’ expectations or wishes, it is about living up to your own expectations and dreams. It’s about understanding how and what others think of you and whether this is consistent with the person you want to be, the legacy you want to leave, and how you want to be seen by the world. Your actions speak louder than your words. As a human being, whether you are a leader, a parent, a teacher, or whatever your position in life, you are a role model to those who know and surround you. The question is; what role model do you want to portray? Susan Scott in her book Fierce Conversations speaks about taking responsibility for your emotional wake. She describes it as “…what you remember after I’m gone. What you feel. The aftermath, aftertaste, or afterglow.” As Scott states using the analogy of a boat’s wake, we need to know how our words and actions affect others and therefore be conscious of “…the wake I was [you are] leaving during my [your] conversations with others.” In Dicken’s Christmas Carol, Scrooge had the opportunity to see himself through other people’s eyes. It was a...

Gaining Trust

“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” Ernest Hemingway In his book, The Speed of Trust, Steven M.R. Covey writes that there are five waves of trust-Self, Relationship, Organizational, Market, and Societal Trust. Using the analogy of a wave formed from a pebble hitting the surface of a pond, the primary source is Self Trust from which emanates the other four waves. Although all five waves are important, this month’s column will focus on the second wave, relationship trust, and give some ideas on ways to encourage this trust in your various interactions and interpersonal connections. With a strong foundation in this second wave of trust, the stronger trust bonds will strengthen your organization. As a leader or business owner, it is important to understand that the strength of your organization and your relationships are based upon trust. It should also be noted that trust is a two-way street, for there to be a truly trustworthy relationship, whether with your colleagues, subordinates, customers, trust needs to be reciprocal. You need people to trust you as much as you need to trust them. So, how might you go about engendering trust amongst your employees, colleagues and others? One very powerful way, as Hemingway says, is for you to put your faith or trust in people if you are to know them as trustworthy. A way to extend this trust is to show them they are truly part of the team, and the business, by involving them in conversations that demonstrate you appreciate their role in the success of the organization. Here are...