By John Paschall, President/CEO

Last month in our eTorch on-line magazine, I shared with you three of the best time management tips I have gathered over the past 25 years from those that know much more about the subject than I do.  Do you remember what they were?

         Automobile University

         The Top Five List

         The Flat Biscuit Theory

If you want to refresh your memory on those, just take a quick peak at last month’s eTorch Report, sent to your e-mail on April 18, 2012.  I also promised you three more time-management tips this month.  Again, these are not my ideas but are some of the best tips that I have learned (often the hard way), and continue to learn each day.  They are:

         One Thing at a Time

         Turn on the Mute Button

         Controlling the Income Suppressor

One Thing at a Time

         I have to remind myself about this one every day.  When you are working at your desk, we are told that the most efficient way to work is to clear all papers, files, reports, etc. off of your desk and put them somewhere where you cannot see them (a drawer, file cabinet, behind you, etc.).  Then, pull out just One Thing (one paper, one report, one file, one project); work on it, when it is completed put it away (trash, file, outbox, etc.).  Then, and only then, pull out the next One Thing.  Yes, I know, our projects often require that we have several reports, several files, and several books out at once.   What often happens to us, however, is that we have piles of papers, files, reports, etc. on our desk and while we are diligently working on one thing, we spot something else on our desk that diverts our attention.  Then, without rhyme or reason we quit working on the first item and pickup the second one and begin working on it!  This can completely dissipate our focus and energy and increases the inefficiency in our day.  Truthfully, no matter how much we protest that, “I am a great multi-tasker”, the fact is, we can really only focus and work on one thing at a time.  Why not set up your workspace to take advantage of that fact?  Just try it and see what happens.

Turn off the Sound Button

         I had to break myself of this habit, when I started working here at the BBB of Southeast Texas.  My computer is located behind my desk and when I arrived, the sound button was turned on.  This is obviously needed if you are listening to music or watching a video clip, etc., but what also happens is that every time an e-mail arrives, the computer notates that with a corresponding audible sound.  So every time I was working at the desk on a project and an e-mail arrived, I heard that sound.  Guess what I did…every time.  You got it, I stopped what I was doing, turned around and read the e-mail.  Did this interrupt my focus and train of thought – of course it did!  Did I stop doing it – of course not!  I am not that disciplined.  When I heard the sound, I just had to turn around to see what it said.   Finally, I realized how silly that was.  Now the sound is off and when I turn around to send an e-mail, I can quickly go through the ones that have been received.  Unless we are working at a nuclear reactor, NASA, or NORAD, it is probably not life-or-death if we do not answer the e-mail within 30 seconds or less.  If it is a truly critical situation, what will our co-workers do…that’s right; call us on our mobile phone.   So, turn on the mute button, and keep focusing on the work at hand.

Controlling the Income Suppressor

         Now this one is an away-from-the-office time management tip, but I believe it is very applicable to building your better business.  It has often been said that what we do off the job plays a major role in how far we go on the job.  Did you know that in most companies, the level of the employees is directly proportional to the amount of TV that they watch during the week?  That’s right.  The further up the ladder you go, from front-line employee up to upper management, the fewer hours of TV viewing per week you will find.  Why is that?  The ones watching less usually take that extra time and invest it in personal growth, continuing education, and communicating with their families.   The results, over an extended period of time, are amazing.  This one has actually been proven by a number of studies.  The best way to do it?  At the beginning of the week, make a written plan to watch those shows, etc., that you have a real interest in.  Make a point to watch those shows or even a movie or two as a family.  But when the show/movie is over, keep the remote in your hand, and then turn it off.  Take the remaining time and invest it in those activities that will help you and your family, and consequently your business, grow.

Now, for your lagniappe – you know, something extra, something over and above what is expected.  By the way, that has to be the best word I have learned since coming back to this area after a 20+-year absence!  This lagniappe comes from Marina Sweeten, Valedictorian of Jesseville High School in Arkansas.  I had the opportunity recently to hear her speech and it was truly one of the best I have heard in some time.  She had four major points that I believe will help you and I to continue building a better business and they all come from the Wizard of Oz – you do remember that children’s movie, correct?  Thought so.

         Like the Scarecrow, we will all need a brain to accomplish the goals we have set in the future. 

         Like the Tin Man, we will all need a heart and compassion to relate to the people and needs that we will encounter.

         Like the Cowardly Lion, we will all need to have courage to face the challenges that lie ahead.

         Like Dorothy, we all need to remember where we came from and that someone cares about us.

         All four of these desired something from the Wizard.  And yet, all four found out that they had these things all along.  They just needed to be reminded.  So do you and I.

         Look how much you have accomplished and how far you have come – surely you already have a powerful brain.

         Look at the hurts, heartaches, and disappointments that you have endured to get to where you are.  No doubt you already have an experienced and compassionate heart.

         Look at the challenges you have already come to build the business you have.  You surely are already courageous.

         You and I can return “home” to our foundational values anytime, and every time that we remember who we really are. 

Take all these musings for what they are worth.  Use the ones you can and send me your ideas about how to continue to build a better business.  Have a great month!