When Company Culture Encourages Risky Behavior

The texting/speeding driver will probably see jail time and rightly so.  However, I also blame her boss for creating a work environment where being on-time was so important that an employee felt it necessary to put innocent people at risk.

What could the boss have done differently?  For one thing, it's stupid and careless to text people when you know they're probably driving.  But texting while driving is a symptom, not a cause.

When Company Culture Encourages Risky Behavior 

This morning I was forwarded a story about how bestselling author Jill Konrath's husband was rear-ended by a driver who was speeding while answering a "Where are you?" text from her boss.  She was late for work.

The driver struck Fred Konrath's car, propelling him into two pedestrians, a married couple. The husband, who tried to thrust his wife out of the way, was killed and the wife so seriously injured that she needed over 5,000 stitches and staples.

Both the driver and her boss were focusing on getting things done rather than thinking of how their actions might hurt others. The real problem is creating a corporate culture where outcomes are more important than people.

Fortunately, it's possible to create an environment where people matter more than outcomes.  Here's how:

1. Become a good role model.  As every parent knows, "Do as I say not as I do," never works. If you're taking thoughtless risks (like driving aggressively because you're late), you're teaching your employees that such behavior is OK.
2. Don't force employees to do dumb things.  A former boss once demanded that I drive 50 miles in Ireland (left side of the street, right side steering wheel) after an overnight flight.  I obeyed because I knew my job was on the line.
3. Expect reasonable work hours. People who are tired and stressed make bad decisions. Even when bad decisions don't end up killing people, they can wreak havoc with your company and customers.
4. Fire the jerks and assh*les.  Jerks make themselves successful at the expense of others. If you tolerate jerks, your best people will eventually leave and those who remain will be the jerks and wannabe jerks.

Note: Please consider joining the Henson family's Stop the Texts, Stop the Wrecks initiative. Take the pledge and don't drive distracted.

By Geoffrey James

Source: Inc.

4 Tips To Staying Motivated During On A Dragging Workday

4 Tips To Staying Motivated During On A Dragging Workday

I believe that establishing a “flow” at work- what the sociaologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi referred to as being so engaged and motivated that you practically get lost in the joy of whatever you’re doing- is the key to unlocking happiness. It’s no secret that stress and dissatisfaction at the office can carry over into our personal lives, where friends and family unluckily absorb the brunt of our negative energy. Sound Familiar?

Colleagues that freguently remark, “Where did the time go?” have probably channeled this “flow” – being so engaged in their work that time feels like it’s flying by.

Here are some tips on how to uncover this mindset throughout the workday:

1. Record happy moments. 

Keep a journal of the moments when you feel really happy at work. Use Post-Its, a notebook, an app — whatever’s easiest — to record what you were working on, who you were working with and when.

For extra credit: You can get an even better triangulation of your "flow" moments if you also separately record the moments when you were frustrated, annoyed or disappointed.

2. Challenge yourself.

The "flow" state often arises when you are doing something challenging — but when you are skilled enough to meet the challenge. For example, if analyzing the weekly sales report is fun for you because you find it challenging, this is a good indicator of a "flow" moment.

3. Ask peers to observe you.

Contact the people you work with and ask them — colleagues and managers alike — if they can recall moments when you seemed most engaged. If they can’t recall anything immediately (which is likely), ask if they wouldn’t mind keeping track for the next week or so, and then gather feedback.

When checking in with my employees every quarter, I ask what they were most proud of accomplishing as a jumping off point to maximizing “flow” moments.

4. Find your happiness trends.

After two weeks, you should have a fairly complete record of your happy moments at work. Sit down with a cup of coffee and see what trends emerge. Are you happiest in the morning? In the afternoon? When you are working alongside other people or by yourself? In front of a computer or in front of a whiteboard? Virtually or face-to-face? Are you happiest making things or evaluating them?

As your happiness trends emerge, you can more aptly put yourself in a position to enjoy work, discuss a change of role at the office, or even decide to do something else completely.

By James Reinhart

Source: Business Insider

13 Things You Should Do On Your Commute Instead Of Playing Candy Crush

13 Things You Should Do On Your Commute Instead of Playing Candy Crush

Your daily trip to and from work doesn't have to be a complete waste of time. Experts say with some strategic planning you can easily use your commute to recharge and boost productivity.

Amy Hoover, president of Talent Zoo, says whether you drive, carpool, take a train, bike, or walk, making the most of that time can help set up the rest of your day. “If you're interested in knocking out some work or simply relaxing, there are things you can do to turn a lengthy commute from a frustrating time-eater to a satisfying and productive time of day.”

Here are 13 productive things you can do during your commute:

1. Ramp up or wind down. The first thing you need to do is recognize what kind of person you are, says Connie Thanasoulis-Cerrachio, a career expert and co-founder of SixFigureStart. If you’re energized in the morning and tired in the early evening, for example, use your trip to work to accomplish tasks and your trip home to relax and reenergize.

2. Bicycle or walk to work, if possible. While it's unlikely to make your commute shorter, starting or finishing the day with some physical activity can keep your brain sharp, in addition to keeping your body in shape, says Rita Friedman, a Philadelphia-based career coach.

3. Reflect. “Taking time each week during your commute to check in on your goals is a great way to stay on track and make adjustments," says Teri Hockett, chief executive of What's For Work?. It's also the perfect time to think about what makes you happy and what areas of your life could be improved.

4. Check emails and voice messages. If you’re not driving or riding a bicycle, your morning commute is a great time to get a head start on your workday. Attending to messages early in the morning will set you up for a productive day. However, the experts say you shouldn’t spend your entire commute doing work. 

5. Listen to music or audio books. These activities support your ongoing learning and development, Hockett says.

6. Mentally prepare for the day. If you'd like to get a head start on your day, you can use your commute time to get ready for what's on your calendar, Hoover says. “If you have a presentation, practice out loud and put the finishing touches on. If you have an important meeting, make sure you know what you're going to cover and your position on the subject matter.”

You can also use this time to plan the rest of your day outside the office. “Perhaps you can finalize the dinner menu in your mind, plan what you'll wear to an after-work function, or think about what you’ll do with your kids this weekend. A workday without distractions relating to after-work responsibilities or activities can be far more productive,” she says.

7. Create a to-do list. Your commute is the perfect time to create a to-do list or fine-tune the one you’ve already made. “By creating a to-do list and prioritizing the day's responsibilities, you're setting yourself up to have a more organized and focused workday,” Friedman says. If you can't actually write a list because you're driving, it can still be useful just to have a mental checklist. You might also consider using a voice recorder or memo app on your phone, just as long as it doesn't require you to look away from the road.

8. Relax. Consider using your commute to unwind. “Practice calming your mind, or just enjoy the environment around you,” Hockett says. “The idea is to just be present in the moment and relax.”

Friedman says you can, and should, spend some time thinking about what you did or need to do during the workday, “but if you spend a majority of your commute doing some deep breathing and focusing on the other things in your life, it can be an excellent transitional time so you don't walk in the door feeling wound up.”

9. Learn. Subscribe to a podcast or buy a language program. Your commute can be used to catch up on news, expand your knowledge in a particular area, or learn a new language. 

10. Check in with your friends and family. You may have very limited time for this type of communication throughout the rest of the day, so use your commute time to call your parents, chat with your significant other, or text your friends (as long as you’re not driving). 

11. Check in on your social networks. If you’re not driving, use your phone or tablet to interact with your network on social media by sharing information and engaging with them.

12. Sleep. Depending on your commute, you may be able to catch a power nap, which can give you a boost of energy, Hockett says. “Studies have shown that 10 to 15 minute naps can be very positive for the mind and body. Just set your alarm, and close your eyes.”

13. Play games that will sharpen your mind. If mindless games are what truly relax you, it’s okay to indulge from time to time, Thanasoulis-Cerrachio says. But you should consider swapping out games like Candy Crush for crossword puzzles or other brain games, "as these have been shown to help stave off age-related memory loss," Friedman concludes.

By Jacquelyn Smith
Source: Business Insider

6 Tips for Productive Time Management

6 Tips for Productive Time Management

Once again Spring came around and messed with my time clock.  Even though I know I still have the same number of hours in the day, I can't help but feel that Daylight Savings Timehas stolen an hour from me. My body clock still thinks it's 7 a.m. when I wake up, and yet here it is 8 a.m. Sure, I have more daylight, but for the most part, the only light I need for my productivity is the glow of my computer.

Every year, I want to find a way to gain back that hour. I figure somehow maybe I can cheat the system and get back that 60 minutes to write, read, or just relax with my wife and dog. So I put thought into my current processes and how to manage them more efficiently.

It's no fool's errand. In the worst case, I'm stuck with the same patterns but can at least recognize where I'm slow and inefficient. In the best case, I get super-efficient and rack up more time to kayak over the summer. Then, I feel rich in time when the clock changes back in the fall.

Here are the six time-management tips I'm using this year. Who knows, maybe you'll gain an extra hour now as well.

1. Keep a time log. Intention is the key to being more productive. I have to focus my time on the highest manner of productivity. That means not leaving things to chance. In order to remove inefficiencies, I first have to know where they are. I'm keeping a log of time spent on my calendar in order to identify inefficient tasks I can delegate or improve. This past year, I logged my writing time with my column and improved my writing efficiency from 3.5 hours per column to less than 2 hours.

2. Add music to solo tasks. One of the ways I reduced my column-writing time was with a specific music playlist. I grouped songs into 30-minute increments. Now when I write, I set my pace to that specific play list.

The music acts as a metronome keeping me in a rhythm. It also lets me know by which song is playing how far ahead or behind I am on the pace without having to clock watch. Lastly, the earphones keep me tethered to the computer, so I'm less inclined to get up for distractions. I'm now adding this to other reading, writing, and thinking tasks.

3. Schedule related tasks together. Lately, I have been in a high volume work mode. Between producing a weekly live radio show, writing three columns a week, and managing a large marketing project, I'm moving fast and furiously to make sure everything and everybody gets deserved attention.

Instead of moving back and forth between different projects in small increments, I'm setting large blocks of time or even a full day for related tasks. This reduces physical and mental prep time, as well as the effort and distraction of having to remind myself of all the detail surrounding the projects.

4. Add pre and post times to meetings. So often I stack several meetings on the phone or in person.  Then, later, I have to go back and decipher my notes to set everything in motion. My new approach is to schedule two minutes before each meeting to prep an action list. I modify the list during the meeting and then I take three minutes afterward to put those items into action. When possible, I apply the recent tip from my Inc. colleague Dave Kerpen of setting those action steps in motion during the meeting itself.

5. Improve punctuality. I used to pride myself on being a very punctual person. I hate being late for anything and am annoyed at others who keep me waiting. So I was shocked when recently a good friend and client told me that she always assumes I will be 15 to 30 minutes late, due to my past behavior.

I thought about how much time is lost in being late, from rushing, rescheduling, apologies, etc. Upon reflection, I identified the culprit. I constantly try to squeeze in one more task, call, or email before I leave for a meeting. No more. I'm now scheduling a set time to leave, with a five-minute buffer to each meeting.  I can always add in a simple task while waiting if I'm early.

6. Add a planned work break. Flipping back and forth from project to project can create distraction and tire my brain. So I have added a 15-minute head-clearing exercise in the middle of the day. Then I do a quick two-minute download of my thoughts so I can assess the remaining day. This combined activity sort of defrags my brain, allowing me to operate at peak efficiency.

By Kevin Daum

Source: Inc.

How the Oscar-Nominated Movies Can Make You a Better Boss

How the Oscar-Nominated Movies Can Make You a Better Boss 

So, I have a confession to make. I am an entrepreneur and a mother, and my time is precious. I have very little free time-- but what free time I do have in the first two months of the year is spent watching every Oscar nominated film. I've seen every one this year, and it occurred to me that weaved throughout each of these films are some serious pearls of wisdom for entrepreneurs. As you sit down this weekend to watch the Oscars, see if you can pick up on any of these leadership themes from the Best Picture nominees:

American Hustle: Fake it til you make it.

Irving Rosenfeld and his partner Syndey Prosser are forced to work with the FBI when they are busted for running a total sham of a business. They get into a situation that is way outside their comfort zone, and are forced to work on the biggest, and scariest, con of their lives. By pushing themselves beyond their perceived limits, they discover an awful lot about themselves, and what they are truly capable of. Leaders can and should get comfortable being uncomfortable--and pushing forward even when it feels impossible.

Captain Phillips: Nice guys finish first.
When Captain Richard Phillips was commanding a cargo ship 145 miles off of the Somali coast, he was captured by pirates. Unlike the pirates, the Captain and his crew were unarmed and had only their negotiating skills to carry them through. Through his ability to connect with the lead pirate, Muse, Captain Phillips was able to protect his men and survive an incredibly challenging situation. He knew exactly how to handle this armed, unstable pirate--and it wasn't by playing hardball. He was simply kind, and thoughtful, while remaining strong and solid in his approach. He was nice, but not weak--a key lesson for all of us.

Dallas Buyers Club: Be solution-oriented.
When Ron Woodruff, a rodeo cowboy was diagnosed with HIV and given 30 days to live, he tried to begin the typical treatments of AZT, and found that the system and the drug was completely broken. He decides to cross the border into Mexico where he learns about alternative solutions to treat HIV, and begins smuggling them into the U.S. and starts the "Dallas Buyers Club," a membership club where HIV patients can get these alternative medications. His willingness to tackle this problem with an (albeit illegal) solution, lengthened the lives of thousands of HIV patients and changed the course of HIV treatment. Although he had a lot of mixed feelings about the gay community, many of whom were his customers, Ron worked to push past his own ignorance to solve a problem and had a successful, game-changing business as a result. As a leader, are you solving problems with your product or on your team? You should be.

Gravity: Remember the power of mentors.
When Dr. Ryan Stone, an engineer on her first shuttle trip to space, ends up having a freak accident on a routine spacewalk, she and astronaut Matt Kowalsky are left spiraling in space, tethered to each other. Matt spends the next hour telling her various lessons about life and space, and their connection is as deep as they come. When Matt and Ryan get separated, Ryan is forced to channel Matt's confidence and knowledge to help get her home. She brings back his words and takes from them what she needs to in order to survive. Many of us as leaders have met people who have said things that we took with us on our journeys. Remember and look for people whose words and actions can inspire you to great success.

Her: Human connection is important.
Theodore Twombley lives in LA in the not-too distant future. He becomes fascinated by a new advanced operating system--basically Siri on steroids. "Samantha," his OS, is so advanced that she feels like a real person. Their connection is deep, and as Samantha gets more and more advanced, it gets complicated. Watching Her was like a giant reminder that we are headed towards a time where technology can and will advance faster than we'd ever expect. Through all of this, it's more important than ever for leaders not to become isolated. We constantly use technology to make our time-pressed lives more efficient, but we must, to be good leaders, make time for people--our most important asset.

Nebraska: If you don't make time for family, you'll regret it.
Nebraska is the story of David and his drunken, elderly, disoriented father Woody. When Woody receives a letter stating that he won a million dollars in a mail-order sweepstakes, he is convinced it's not a hoax. His son David agrees to drive him from Billings, Montana, to Lincoln, Nebraska. David essentially stops his life to go on this goose chase for his father, and along the way, repairs old, damaged relationships with his entire family. As leaders, we can't always stop everything we are doing to spend a week on a road trip with our most difficult and challenging family members, but it's important to ensure that our family relationships are a priority.

Philomena: Don't accept no for an answer.
Based on the book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee by BBC correspondent Martin Sixsmith, this film tells the story of Philomena, a woman who was forced to give her child up for adoption by the nunnery that took her in when she was a pregnant teenager. Philomena had tried to discover the whereabouts of her son, who she signed away to an abbey in Ireland, but based on the church doctrine, she was not entitled to any information about him. It was only after a journalist contacted her and encouraged her to push past the church's refusal to cooperate that Philomena learned the truth about what happened to her son. Because she learned to not accept the first "no" that she got, she was able to achieve her goal and find peace. Leaders need incredible resilience, and they must push forward even when faced with challenges.

The Wolf of Wall Street: There are no shortcuts to success.
New York stockbroker Jordan Belfort built a giant empire off of selling penny stocks. A life filled with greed and corruption, Jordan was the ultimate "get rich quick" hustler--living a life of affluence filled with drugs and corruption. Jordan's story reminds us all as leaders that there truly are no shortcuts to success. True leaders don't cheat their way to the top, and the ones that do, have short-lived success.

12 Years a Slave: Even when the odds are stacked against you, always believe in yourself. 
This true story follows the incredible tale of Solomon Northop, a free man who lived in the North in the 1800s. Abducted and sold into slavery, Solomon spent 12 years living as a slave in deplorable, unimaginable conditions. It seemed that Solomon would never return to his life as a free man--and yet, he never gave up hope and never stopped believing that he was free. Though none of us could imagine a life like Solomon's, we as leaders can face insurmountable odds. Haven't we all felt like it was totally hopeless at one point or another? We must remind ourselves that being a leader involves lots of ups and downs, and that it is only our ability to believe in ourselves and our strength to lead through difficult times that will carry us through.

When you're watching the Oscars this weekend, remember that there are leadership lessons to be learned from each and every film.

By Carrie Kerpen

Source: Inc.