Snow Day Revisited

As the US East Coast gets slammed with another “storm of the century” we can reflect on two things – leadership and technology. I have a friend whose boss demands she is at her desk every weekday no later than 8:30am and cannot leave the office any earlier than 4:45pm. That may be helpful if you’re working on an assembly line but frankly I think it’s short-sighted.

We are connected through email and mobile devices, webinars and virtual teaming technology, and if you look at the forward-thinking companies in the world, people aren't measured by the number of hours they spend warming their office chair.

No School Today!

Of course the words “snow day” were joyous when we were kids. It meant that school was closed and we all get a free pass to go play in the same snow that canceled classes. Now we see a big storm crush the city and the commute to that seat to keep it warm is longer, dangerous, and frustrating.

If you are experiencing this latest storm, stop and think of how your work is being done differently this week. Less people may be able to make it into the office, many will have to work from home, email and phones will be utilized more, and fewer will be as concerned about punching some imaginary clock to put in their hours.

Now remember this in six months when the sun is baking us and these same options are available. Productivity is not about the numbers of hours we spend in an office. But if you are forced to be there.

Be safe!
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Kneale Mann | People + Priority = Profit

maviskb

Are You Happy at Work?

We are stressed and overwhelmed. Information and deadlines are coming at us faster than our minds can comprehend them. Multitasking has become the new badge of honour. And being busy is apparently a good thing.

The reason why unhappiness in the workplace has become an epidemic may not be about the work. It may not be those around us. It may be the attitudes we bring to our work. Leadership and culture are key components to how well we enjoy what we do and with whom we do it.

The numbers prove it

Overwhelming data show our relationship with the people around us profoundly affects our work and careers but it's what each of us brings to the relationships that remains the key element.

Shawn Achor is a psychologist who shares his experience with happiness, work, people and the magic of unicorns.

Find time in your busy to watch this.


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Kneale Mann | Leadership and Culture strategist, writer, speaker, executive coach engaging leaders, collaborative teams, and strong business results.

Lattitude | TED | Shawn Achor

Virtual Teaming

There are exceptions of course, but in many cases technology affords us the opportunity to work from anywhere. Millions can accomplish their work without ever going into a formal office. If I’m not on the road or with clients, I do much of my work from a home office. The remote environment isn't for everyone and it can be especially distracting if you let too much work blend into life.

It takes discipline to work when you have work and walk away when you can. But for more and more companies, virtual teams are on the rise. As social networks continue to grow and more than half of the online users on earth are connected through a profile, we're getting more and more used to connecting with others electronically. That is growing in the workplace too.

Who’s on the Line?

I was on a conference call recently with client leaders and almost half were calling from a location other than their formal office. The tools which allow this to happen can benefit companies, make people more efficient, and often save money.

Many leaders need to open their minds to the possibility that some (if not all) of their team may not report to a company desk at 8:30 every morning. I know many who haven’t been in the office in months. This is where strong communication and presentation skills become even more important. You are sharing ideas remotely which can be a challenge but conversely think of the amount of time you waste sitting in meetings that fail to result in solutions.

Try It You May Like It

This is not to suggest it works for everyone or immediately or all the time. There are growing pains as with every new initiative but if there was a way to increase productivity and improve revenue, you would investigate it so this falls into that category.

We can't forget the human work so open your mind, start slow, ask your team, try it out, and see how virtual teaming could open up possibilities.

If you need a hand, I’d be happy to help out.

Kneale Mann

psion

Work Won’t Make You Happy

We are stressed and overwhelmed. Information and deadlines are coming at us faster than our minds can comprehend them. Multitasking has become the new badge of honour. And being busy is apparently a good thing.

The reason why unhappiness in the workplace has become an epidemic may not be about the work. The cause could be something other than the economy. It may not be those around us. It may be the attitudes we bring to our work.

Shawn Achor is a psychologist who shares his experience with happiness, work, people and the magic of unicorns.

Find time in your busy day to watch this.


Kneale Mann

visual credit: TED | Shawn Achor