http://smarterbytheminute.com Get smarter while you work! Smarter by the Minute is an easy, motivational and practical way to learn new ideas so you can work smarter and live happier. These quick tips are written, compiled and presented by Doug Smart, CSP, an award-winning, international motivational speaker and author/co-author of more than 20 books. He presents innovative and interractive programs on leadership, teambuilding, sales, and talent selection. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:30:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 en ©Doug Smart http://media.blubrry.com/smarterbytheminute/smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=podcast Doug@SmarterByTheMinute.com (Doug Smart) Doug@SmarterByTheMinute.com(Doug Smart) Podcast 1440 Doug Smart, business, advice, motivational, speaker Get smarter while you work! Smarter by the Minute is an easy, motivational and practical way to learn new ideas so you can work smarter and live happier. These quick tips are written, compiled and presented by Doug Smart, CSP, an award-winning, international motivational speaker and author/co-author of more than 20 books. He presents innovative and interractive programs on leadership, teambuilding, sales, and talent selection. Doug Smart Doug Smart Doug@SmarterByTheMinute.com No clean http://smarterbytheminute.com/images/podcast-graphic.jpg http://smarterbytheminute.com 144 144 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=190 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=190#comments Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:30:21 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=190 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=190 2:03 I believe objections are healthy. When people object to your new idea as too expensive, too risky or too time consuming, they are projecting what ... I believe objections are healthy. When people object to your new idea as too expensive, too risky or too time consuming, they are projecting what life would be like if they supported your idea. That's healthy for you because you got them involved in your idea. Indifference kills more new ideas than objections. (I'm adding, in parentheses here, haven't you heard co-workers say, "Just ignore him. It'll go away"? That'll smother new ideas!) When people object to your idea they aren't indifferent. But how to minimize objections? Here are some smart ideas: 1. Lay out your ideas logically. Let people know the problem, its impact on them and your solution. For example, you might say, "Shipping is processing the internet orders so slowly, customer complaints are up 300% and sales down 12%. We can remedy this byhellip; 2. Anticipate objections. For example, if you'll be presenting your new idea at the Tuesday morning managers' meeting. You know the people who'll be there and can anticipate their concerns. Do your homework and address their issues during your presentation. 3. Build into your proposal the objections most likely to come up, such as, "I know some of you might say we tried this already. But things are different now and here's whyhellip; Following these ideas won't eliminate all objections, of course (which is fine) but they will put you ahead of the curve in steering your idea through to acceptance. It's smart to see objections as healthy and to build them into how you present your fresh new ideas. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=189 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=189#comments Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:30:56 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=189 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=189 1:53 I say it's smart to welcome objections to your ideas. Why? They are signals you are getting closer to yes. How's that? Change is uncomfortable ... I say it's smart to welcome objections to your ideas. Why? They are signals you are getting closer to yes. How's that? Change is uncomfortable and one way you and I protect ourselves is through objections. But think about it, you don't object to things that have no impact on you. For example, you're indifferent to most of the stories and ads in your newspaper. Our real estate agent appreciated objections. The houses we didn't like, we basically ignored, but the ones that could work we objected to the most. One in particular was a great house that was perfect except the driveway was too steep and the price too high. In discussing our objections it came out that we were simply used to a flat driveway and wanted to buy the house for less money. The bottom line: we made a low offer, thankfully it was accepted and we have learned to view the driveway as a terrific exercise opportunity for our legs! When people object to your new ideas it's smart to recognize objections are a natural part of the acceptance process. You and I don't automatically say yes to everything we eventually say yes to! I learned that lesson early -- I had to ask Gayle to marry me three times before she said yes. So instead of dreading objections, welcome them. Instead of feeling caught off-guard, be prepared. Instead of feeling rejected, feel positively challenged. Why? Objections can signal you are getting closer to getting a yes. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=188 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=188#comments Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:30:02 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=188 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=188 2:01 Thanks for your e-mails. Here's one we received from Brad in New York: "I manage some very insecure people that are constantly looking to me for ... Thanks for your e-mails. Here's one we received from Brad in New York: "I manage some very insecure people that are constantly looking to me for direction and compliments. I compliment as much good work as I can, but sometimes I feel like I am just feeding mammoth egos. How may one go about positively reinforcing insecure people without ego-feeding? When does a compliment turn into ego-helium?" Thanks Brad. My reply is: Compliments are supposed to feed egos ndash; and that's good. Everyone craves appreciation. We want to be valuable. We want to matter. But if you feel you are over-feeding their egos, than you might be using compliment giving as a manipulation tool. Your compliments could sound conniving. I think what you really want for is for your people to become more self-assured. nbsp;People gain solid self-assurance not from compliments but from accomplishment. nbsp;We all love the satisfaction of getting worthwhile things accomplished. As their leader, create more wins for your team so they can experience more accomplishment. Set clear team goals, such as 10% more outgoing client calls for the week, 100 days without an accident, or earn the "cleanest restaurant" award in your company. It's natural to enjoy participating in accomplishing something worthwhile. Also, instead of spray-painting them with half-hearted compliments to re-fresh their energy, work with them as a coach to help each one reach personal goals, such as over-coming reluctance to calling clients. Then sincerely compliment their efforts. The results you get will earn high and sincere praise for you. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=186 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=186#comments Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:30:38 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=186 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=186 2:07 The good news about meetings is that they are opportunities for people to jointly figure out ways to do things better. The bad news about ... The good news about meetings is that they are opportunities for people to jointly figure out ways to do things better. The bad news about meetings is nothing gets done afterwards. When you are the boss, how can you lead people to actually do what they say in the meeting they will do? Here are 5 smart ideas for generating results: 1. Give specific assignments, not just a vague, "Great idea. Work on that." The magic formula for evaporating the fog of vagueness is: Who will do what and by when. For example, "Regina, develop an outline of how we might offer a change management seminar to all of the district managers. Have it ready for next week's meeting. Thanks." 2. In the meeting minutes, clearly indicate, assignments and deadlines. And distribute the minutes the day after the meeting ndash; don't wait until the next meeting. The minutes will remind people of what they agreed to do and will also make them accountable to everyone else on the team. 3. Post an assignment board in a visible spot so everyone on the team can see what special assignments others are working on. They can offer help, such as websites to check and contacts to call. 4. Between meetings, check on progress. Let people ask clarifying questions. Complex issues may requirenbsp; small meetings to iron out details, but simpler assignments can be handled with casual conversation, such as, "Regina, how's it going with the change management seminar?" 5. Hold people to deadlines. If you don't, then assignments that arise from meetings may be treated casually and not get done. These 5 smart tips will help you lead people to follow through after a meeting and do what they said they'd do. Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=185 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=185#comments Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:30:28 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=185 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=185 2:04 Business meetings can make you feel like a manic depressive. It's easy to feel excited when great ideas are discussed. But at the following meeting ... Business meetings can make you feel like a manic depressive. It's easy to feel excited when great ideas are discussed. But at the following meeting it's easy to feel discouraged if there was little follow up. How can you get people to follow through after a meeting, even if you are not the boss? Here are 3 smart ideas for results: 1. Be certain people are crystal clear that something is supposed to be done. Even when you aren't in charge, it's healthy to ask for clarification, such as, "Are we in agreement that Cheryl will evaluate the three new e-mail programs and report at the next meeting?" Since you have invested your time and energy in the meeting you are a stakeholder, too. You have a right to clarity. 2. If your meetings now end with people feeling dazed and confused, try this. Place a reminder sign in the middle of the table with the words "who, what, when, where, and why." You might want to add "how" and "how much." Then, when discussion is about to end and you're not clear what will happen next, point to the sign and ask, "Before we go on to something else, have we answered these?" When people have a clear sense of "who, what, when, where and why" it's easier for them to take action. 3. On items of particular importance to you, follow-up by offering help or simply asking something like, "Cheryl, how's it going with checking out the e-mail software?" Your involvement after the meeting will help underscore the importance of getting the assignment done. These 3 smart tips will help you get people to follow through after a meeting, even if you are not the boss. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=184 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=184#comments Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:30:02 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=184 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=184 2:08 Andy Grove, the CEO of Intel, claims their greatest asset is the creativity of the employees. Many organizations boast that their most valuable asset is ... Andy Grove, the CEO of Intel, claims their greatest asset is the creativity of the employees. Many organizations boast that their most valuable asset is their people. How to mine the most value out of that asset? Brainstorming. Brainstorming helps you quickly gather collected wisdom for fresh new solutions. Consider this: If you have 12 people on your team at an average age of 35, cumulatively they have 420 years of experience! Use brainstorming to instantly mine that ore! Go for the gold! Here are 7 smart rules for great brainstorming: 1. Groups of 12 or less work best. If you have a larger group, divide them into brainstorming teams. 2. Seat people around a table or in a circle where they can see each other's faces. Emotions are a mega part of the communication process and should not be ignored or brushed aside. 3. Be sure to record the ideas generated. A master note pad, a wall chart or a tape recorder can each work well. 4. There is no time limit to brainstorming. The session lasts as long as the fires crackle. 5. The purpose of brainstorming is to generate ideas, not to find one great solution. You want to generate loads of possibilities that will later be winnowed down to the best. 6. Make no judgments. It's the kiss of death when someone pronounces, "We tried that 3 years ago. It didn't work then. Can't work now." Postpone evaluations until later. 7. Build on each other's ideas so that nuggets can swell into major concepts. There you have it. Have fun tapping the smarts of the diverse mix of people you have on your team. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=183 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=183#comments Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:30:00 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=183 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=183 2:01 When you are interviewing someone, what kind of questions should you ask so you know you are hearing substance not flash? Here are some suggestions. 1. Use ... When you are interviewing someone, what kind of questions should you ask so you know you are hearing substance not flash? Here are some suggestions. 1. Use general questions at first to encourage him to give you honest, open answers and to get past any jitters or nervousness. His resume will give you clues. For example, you might ask, "I see you grew up in Arizona but graduated from the University of Michigan. How'd you come to go to school up there?" 2. Be direct in your questions so it's not a cat and mouse game. Get to the point. Instead of asking, "Well, what made you want to study engineering?" it's better to ask, "Why do you want to work here?" 3. According to Sam Deep in the book "Smart Moves," skip asking leading questions that start off with, "What would you do if you had an unhappy customer whohellip;?" Those fishing expeditions encourage a smart interviewee to say what he thinks you want to hear instead of the real answer. Better to ask him about his experiences with unreasonable customers and how he handled it. 4. Ask probing questions that relate to the characteristics you are looking for. 5. Also, according to Sam Deep, "encourage honesty by letting the interviewee know you will be checking information with past supervisors." For example you might say, "I'm going to be checking this out with other people, but I also want to hear your perception of why your job was eliminated." This line of questioning will help you have a comfortable interview and find the best person for the job. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=182 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=182#comments Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:30:16 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=182 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=182 2:08 People find comfort in structure. When you convert your great idea to a workable plan, you want to make certain you give it the backbone ... People find comfort in structure. When you convert your great idea to a workable plan, you want to make certain you give it the backbone it needs to standup to the challenges it'll weather between conception and completion. On a recent show, we said that to get other people to actively support your plan, it's smart to incorporate these five keys:nbsp; Your plan is clear. It's in writing. You gathered input from those impacted by the plan. The chief architect of the plan is also it's administrator. And there is one particular person in charge of overseeing the implementation of the plan.. Here's more: 1. The deadline should be specific and clear. Saying it'll be finished by the end of the third quarter is fuzzy. Stating it'll be finished by 11:30a.m. on March 3 is clear. Also, be sure to include specific targets for major milestones, such as, "we'll have the beta test of the new product on January 15." 2. Be sure to build in a plan for review and realignment to improve your plan in progress. 3. Make allowances for challenges and opportunities that pop up along the way. Remember the old driver's education saying, "Expect the unexpected." 4. The plan administrator should keep people informed of hits and misses. Clear and honest communication will help people swiftly and intelligently make adjustments. 5. You'll want to articulate how success will be defined. Some questions to answer can be, "How will we know if we are successful? What should the final result look like? What will it do? What will it cost? What will we learn along the way?" There you have it -- 10 keys for constructing a plan that others will want to follow. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=181 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=181#comments Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:30:01 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=181 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=181 1:58 You can have a great idea and you can come up with a plan to make it happen, but unless the plan has a structure ... You can have a great idea and you can come up with a plan to make it happen, but unless the plan has a structure that other people want to follow you could eventually be traveling the road alone. Great ideas need structure so that diverse people can understand what's about to happen. This will help them buy in, support you and, encourage others to come aboard. It'll also help them stay committed if a time comes when they could stray. Here's the backbone of a smart plan. 1. Make sure you describe your plan clearly, especially the end result desired. You want it to be so clear that anyone can explain what the plan is to accomplish. 2. Put your plan in writing to maintain clarity. Not writing your plan invites confusion, misinterpretation and blurred details. Oral plans make me think of the schoolyard game of people repeating the same thing one to another and after 10 generations it no longer sounds even remotely like the original. 3. Have whomever is chiefly responsible for implementing the plan be the chief architect of the plan. The depth of commitment may be what you need to weather future storms. 4. Be certain your plan includes one particular person as the focal point for accountability. People want to know who is in charge. 5. Invite the people most impacted by your plan to share their input long before the plan is finalized. Besides buy in, their insights will help you refine your plan for strength and flexibility. Incorporating these five elements will help ensure your plan's success. That's smart planning. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=169 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=169#comments Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:30:12 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=169 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=169 2:07 It's terrific when you can develop a close mentor relationship with someone who works in your company or at least, a confidant who is close ... It's terrific when you can develop a close mentor relationship with someone who works in your company or at least, a confidant who is close so when you need a boost of insight and encouragement, she is right there. But what if you work for a small organization or there isn't anyone you'd like to have mentor you? What if you work in virtual isolation from your home? Does that mean you have to forego enjoying the benefits of mentor relationships? No. A smart strategy for finding high quality, personal guidance on matters that are important to you is to seek out the best people in your trade association. First of all, if you don't already belong to a trade association, join one. There are groups for everything ndash; from the Association of Convenience Store Owners to the Society of Insurance Accountants to the Women's Professional Rodeo Association. The members face daily challenges just like yours. Many have found solutions to the problems that trouble you. Be sure to swallow any shyness and ask for help. If you already belong to a trade association, then get more active so you can experience first hand how people operate, especially the ones who are where you want to be. After the conferences, use your telephone and e-mail to ask specific questions about issues that are your stumbling blocks. As you read articles in your trade association magazine or newsletter, make note of the authors. Look for e-mail addresses at the end of articles. That's a terrific way to develop mentor relationships from afar. It's helpful, too, to ask people what they read. Just as a great mentor will steer you to books that can make a difference, the top people in your association can point you in the right direction, too. Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=167 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=167#comments Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:30:28 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=167 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=167 1:54 They say, "To err is human." Ask any smart saleswoman who has bungled a sales call or young executive who forgot she had a meeting ... They say, "To err is human." Ask any smart saleswoman who has bungled a sales call or young executive who forgot she had a meeting at 10a.m. and she'll tell you it was a learning experience. We learn from our mistakes. But when you have to admit your mistakes, how should you handle it? First of all, the mistake has to be worth admitting to. Confessing, "I wasted $5 in postage trying to figure out how to use the postage meter" is probably not necessary. But if your lapse of judgment impacts other people and your own conscience, that's different. Confessing, "I used office postage to mail my bills," is more serious. When you admit to a mistake, frame it in time. Make it clear the mistake was in the past, that you learned lessons from it you'll apply in the present, and you'll never repeat it in the future. Here is an extreme example but it illustrates the point. When reporters write about criminals appearing in court, they always mention the offenders' crimes (that's the past).nbsp; Then they write about attitudes (that's the present). Why? We, the readers, want to know if the perpetrators are remorseful and have learned from their terrible actions so they won't repeat them in the future. Framing the mistake in the past present and future is logical and reassuring. Keep your admission of a mistake timely, clear and concise. You don't owe anyone lengthy, gut-wrenching explanations. As an adult, admit your mistake and go on. That's a smart thing to do. Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=166 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=166#comments Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:30:40 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=166 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=166 2:07 Some people are sly and crafty. Their humor can be acerbic. I call them weasels. Imagine this: you are at a meeting of your co-workers ... Some people are sly and crafty. Their humor can be acerbic. I call them weasels. Imagine this: you are at a meeting of your co-workers when, unexpectedly, someone says something wickedly funny, which cracks up everyone. You'd find it pretty funny, too, except the butt of the joke is you.nbsp; Perhaps it was clever fun, but then again you feel as if you are being undermined, maybe even subtly attacked. What causes a person to behave like this? Muriel Solomon in her book, "Working with Difficult People," says the underlying cause could be veiled resentment, hidden hostility or simply a need for attention. What to do? Here are 5 smart tips: 1. Do not laugh at his comments, even if other people are laughing. Don't play. This might cause the weasel to blurt out, "Come on. Can't you take a joke? I was just kidding."nbsp; You don't have to say anything but if you do, just answer, "I didn't think it was funny." Nothing kills humor faster than a dull response. The other people at the meeting will get the message, too, that you don't appreciate hurtful humor. They won't laugh next time. 2. Avoid matching wits. Even if you have a clever comeback and win the moment, you are setting up a duel for the next meeting. Who needs that? 3. Ask questions, if you want, such as: "What are you talking about?" "What are you trying to say?" 4. Speak emotionlessly and factually. 5. If the weasel is persistent in making these sniper type remarks about you, schedule a time to discuss the matter privately. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=165 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=165#comments Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:30:31 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=165 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=165 1:50 Whether you are a team leader, department director or owner of the company, people look to you to get things done for them. So as ... Whether you are a team leader, department director or owner of the company, people look to you to get things done for them. So as the supreme one, should you do every task yourself or delegate? Smart leaders develop an ability to magnify themselves. When they don't actually do a job themselves, they cause it to be done by delegating to team members. And as a smart leader you'll accomplish more if you delegate for the right reasons. Here are 6 situations when it's smart to delegate: - If yours or the team's reputation will not suffer from you not doing the job personally, delegate it. - If you don't have time in your over-burdened schedule to do the job, delegate it. - If the task doesn't require your personal input, delegate it. - If you don't have the personal skills needed to do the job well, delegate it. - If someone on your team has the skill or experience to do an outstanding job, delegate it. - If someone on your team would benefit from the learning experience of doing the job, give him the opportunity to grow -- delegate it. There they are. Don't they make sense? You've heard me say before, as a smart leaders, only do what only you can do. Boost your accomplishment level ndash; and value to the organization ndash; by delegating EVERYTHING until you are left with only the jobs that only you can do. That strategy will help you both maximize your value and drop your stress. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=164 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=164#comments Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:00:54 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=164 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=164 1:58 When it comes to getting a project finished or developing a new market for a product, some people are as single-minded as a dog after ... When it comes to getting a project finished or developing a new market for a product, some people are as single-minded as a dog after a rabbit. They are high achievers who make things happen. They are dedicated, determined and decisive. Strong-willed and stubborn are good adjectives, too. They see victory on the other side of the mountain and resolutely put their shoulders to smashing rock. "Get the job done" is the mantra in their minds. All of this is great stuff in business, but what if that is not your personality but it is your boss's? What can you do to have a successful and satisfying relationship? Since these people see others as either on the way or in the way, to earn respect, the bottom line for you is, when it's time to work, work. Be dependable. Set daily, weekly, quarterly and annual goals for yourself and discuss these with your boss. You don't have to become her, but you'll both be happier if you are on the same page. Be assertive when you need help. Ask questions and take notes. When discussing an idea with boss, get to the point. Say what you mean. Avoid wasting time. Your feelings count, but don't rely on emotions to make your point. If you want her to approve your new idea, use facts, be realistic and talk about potential outcomes. Since this person is decisive, be prepared and offer 2 or 3 options that you would like to see implemented. By presenting choices, you are more likely to have things turn out the way you want. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=163 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=163#comments Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:00:11 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=163 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=163 2:08 Fortunately, most people are naturally warm, loving and caring of the feelings of their co-workers. Some are such willing listeners they even become the office ... Fortunately, most people are naturally warm, loving and caring of the feelings of their co-workers. Some are such willing listeners they even become the office shoulder to cry on. But on the downside, making hard decisions can be challenging for super nice people because every decision produces winners and losers. And the prospect of creating disappointed losers is unsavory. To avoid discomfort, sometimes they won't make a decision at all, or make it vague, such as, "Well, maybe we can change the brand of coffee, as long as it's a better one." And if a decision is made, don't be surprised if it gets amended in order to keep the peace. What if Mr. Nice Guy is your boss? What can you do to have a successful and satisfying relationship? Don't try to toughen him up; instead, be supportive and sensitive. Discuss feelings as a valid issue. Listen for his concerns. Discuss how people will be affected. For example, if you want to change the seating pattern in the office, talk in terms of how it could promote better harmony and working relationships. Ask probing questions to help him clarify his thinking. Offer solutions. Make a decision stick by helping implement it, supporting deadlines, and giving regular feedback. Ask for a memo outlining the change and if you don't get it, consider writing it yourself and then asking, "Boss, to make sure I'm clear on what you want, I typed out the details. Do I have this the way you meant it?" This isn't necessary with every decision (that would be patronizing) but it helps to commit the important decisions to writing. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=162 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=162#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:30:42 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=162 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=162 2:08 Mr. -- or Miss -- Personality has tons of charisma and loads of ideas. He's generally smart, talkative and out-going. He's spontaneous, passionate and fun ... Mr. -- or Miss -- Personality has tons of charisma and loads of ideas. He's generally smart, talkative and out-going. He's spontaneous, passionate and fun loving to the point ofnbsp; childish. He loves to talk about the future and can be described as both dreamer and schemer. He's an idea man. Does this sound like someone you know? There's more. This is an energetic person who enjoys attention. But one of the challenges is, he volunteers for high-profile assignments and leadership positions and because he is undisciplined about time, often the job either doesn't get done or it doesn't get done well. What if Mr. Personality is your boss? What do you do? Make yourself indispensable by being reliable for doing detail work. Verbal communication is preferable to written; lots of small chats during the week are a great way to keep each other informed. Be upfront and persistent in what you want. When challenges come up, brainstorm with him for possible solutions. Help him meet deadlines and help him to look good. Recognize that this personality type can be a fantastic mentor and open lots of doors. When you want him to see things your way, talk about the view from 35,000 feet and don't get bogged down in trivial details. Let him know how your idea could benefit him personally. Let him know who else is on board with you. Avoid vagueness. Let your enthusiasm for your idea shine. One more tip: this person thinks of himself as being apart from the crowd so, when appropriate, be sure to offer specials, such as, "You'll be the first to have this." Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=161 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=161#comments Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:30:04 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=161 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=161 2:07 Some people are precise, analytical and practical by nature. They're cautious, dislike surprises and find unnecessary risks taking to be plain foolish. For the most ... Some people are precise, analytical and practical by nature. They're cautious, dislike surprises and find unnecessary risks taking to be plain foolish. For the most part they play by the rules and seek order in a chaotic world. Does this sound like someone you know? There's more. This person has faith in the inalienable power of facts, holds herself to high standards and values consistency. Deep inside she longs for co-workers and staff who will adhere to the same high standards and self-discipline. This person can also become a perfectionist and control freak. What if this person is your boss? What do you do? Develop your self-discipline. To gain freedom from having boss constantly looking over your shoulder, it's smart to give her a weekly written memo of what you accomplished during the past week and what you plan to do the coming week. She will feel more comfortable with your standards. When you want her to see things your way, be prepared to back up your assumptions and conclusions with more facts than emotions. Be realistic. Don't take offense if she wants to verify your information, especially when the stakes are high. Be conscientious and admit when you don't know something. Ask her for guidance on crucial decisions. Faking and arrogance don't impress this person. Carelessness is a turn-off. Written communication is effective as long as you are direct about what you want and why. Recognize there is a time for work and a time for play. Instead of trying to get your boss to lighten up, it's smart for you to raise your standards a notch or two. Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=160 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=160#comments Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:00:36 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=160 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=160 1:44 If you are very good at your work, you know and see things that others miss. For example, maybe your job is to iron out ... If you are very good at your work, you know and see things that others miss. For example, maybe your job is to iron out the kinks in an assembly line and you know what changes to make. But when you impose your wisdom on the production manager, she and her junior managers resist you. What can you do? I lead a seminar with engineers in a $4 billion dollar a year beverage manufacturing company and asked for their smartest ideas for building team consensus for developing action steps. The consensus was that it's smart to get input from everyone on the team on how to handle a situation. People who feel they have a hand in shaping a decision are less likely to fight it and more likely to put extra effort into making the plan a reality. How to get a team to come up with a plan? Here's a plan that works for developing a plan. Focus on the outcomes you want by getting the group to answer these 4 simple questions: 1. What do we want? 2. Why do we want it? 3. How can we get it? 4. When do we want it by? By staying focused on these four questions you can channel the thinking power of the team. And by developing your answers together, you are most likely to reach a consensus that will hold up when the new plan is implemented. That's smart business. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=159 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=159#comments Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:00:53 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=159 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=159 2:06 To get to the bottom of things, it's smart to ask probing questions. Yesterday I lead a communication skills seminar for the engineering department of a ... To get to the bottom of things, it's smart to ask probing questions. Yesterday I lead a communication skills seminar for the engineering department of a Fortune 500 corporation. To solve challenges, they have to get to the root causes of why something does or doesn't work. To demonstrate asking probing questions, I asked them to each write the answer to this question: "What's the real reason you became an engineer?" When I asked for a volunteer to share with us the real reason, Jim said, "Because I like to build and control the outcome of things." That's a good answer and most people would be satisfied to stop right there. But I wanted to go deeper. I asked, "What do you mean you like to build and control?" Jim answered, "I like to determine how things happen." "Why?" I asked. "Because," he said, "it probably goes back to a time when I was controlled." "How's that?" I asked. He laughed, "Oh, I was raised by a very controlling person." "What do you mean?" "I was VERY controlled," he said as he both rolled his eyes and shook his head. Since this was getting personal I stopped right there. But if this was a business situation we were trying to get to the bottom of, such as, "Why didn't your department reach its production goals last month?" I'd continue asking more thought provoking questions. By asking probing questions, you are leading the person answering to go deeper. They might not even realize why they are answering the way they are. Your probing questions can help clarify the situation for both you and them. Don't be surprised if the person answering says, "Gee, I never thought of that before," in response to his own answer. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=158 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=158#comments Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:00:57 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=158 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=158 2:08 When there's friction in important relationships don't be surprised to find a big factor is because they don't behave the way you think they should. I'm ... When there's friction in important relationships don't be surprised to find a big factor is because they don't behave the way you think they should. I'm outgoing, enjoy relationships with lots of people and I like the fun of unconventional thinking. My daughter is more reserved, enjoys a narrow circle of friends and plays by the rules. I'm a hard worker but Amanda works harder; in high school, if she had a project due the next morning, it was not uncommon for her to stick with it through the night to get it done right. In short, my daughter and I are amazingly different. Since I love her and want her to have a good life, for years I advised, "Sweetheart, lighten up! You take things too seriously." "It's easy to make friends! Just put your hand out at church. Do what I do!" "Get your rest. If you don't finish, your teacher will understand." What do you think I was doing to her insides? Churning them up! Can you see where I was stirring conflict in our relationship? And I didn't even know it! Let me ask you, might you have a relationship in business ndash; or at home -- in which you are stirring conflict and you don't even know it? The friction smoothed away when I accepted her for wonderful self. Respect replaced frustration, defensiveness and control. Now if she has work that'll keep her up late, I kiss her on the forehead and say, "I am proud of you. Do what you need to do." We still disagree on many things and neither of us will become the other. And that's OK. What makes me comfortable with life works for me and what makes her comfortable works for her. That understanding has smoothed our relationship. My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-e16344dba4d7dcbadfd6197fce10dffc} Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=157 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=157#comments Tue, 24 Jun 2008 09:00:57 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=157 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=157 2:05 I get hired by all sorts of organizations to speak at their conventions and leadership conferences. At a convention of prison wardens I learned that ... I get hired by all sorts of organizations to speak at their conventions and leadership conferences. At a convention of prison wardens I learned that the number one punishment feared most by inmates is solitary confinement; even the hardest of the hard need human contact in their lives.nbsp; A couple of months later I delivered a keynote for an association of meeting planners and the president lamented to me that she could not understand why so many members choose to not attend meetings. In her words, "It's like they keep themselves in solitary confinement." What a parallel! That got me to thinking about people who hate their jobs and founder in careers that others have found to be fantastic. I think a big difference is isolation. The people who join their trade associations and go to the meetings and conferences are usually near the top in their industry. They're committed and active. That's a great group to associate with to speed up your career growth. It beats the alternative, which is staying isolated and having to re-invent solutions to industry challenges others have already left in the dust. My Dad was a small volume contractor for 20 years before he decided to become active in the Home Builders Association. He has said he never made any real money until he started attending seminars and conventions that opened his eyes to far greater possibilities than this upbringing on a little farm in southern Kansas would of allowed. He stepped out of isolation. I recommend to you, it's smart to hang around the brightest in your business. And the easiest place to find them is in your trade association. Join and participate. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=156 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=156#comments Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:00:53 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=156 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=156 1:49 There's an old saying that the only difference between a grave and a rut is the depth. You know it's way too easy to slip ... There's an old saying that the only difference between a grave and a rut is the depth. You know it's way too easy to slip into comfortable routines: like start the workday the same way every morning, eat the same lunch every noon, and talk to our families the same way every night. Too many people live the same day over and over, entrenched in their private version of, Groundhog Day. The comfort zone craves monotony, but ironically, monotony gives the comfort zone ulcers because of the nagging sense that life isn't getting any better. Every now and then, it's smart to wake-up and re-vitalize your comfort zone by choosing to do the less comfortable thing. The easiest way to stretch your comfort zone for the better is to interact with people in fresh ways. Here are a half dozen smart ideas: 1. If you know someone who speaks a different language, practice a few phrases with her. 2. If you attend a weekly or monthly luncheon, choose to sit with people you don't know well. 3. Each day this week introduce yourself to someone in your building you haven't met. 4. Even though you love to figure stuff out for yourself, make yourself ask someone for help or directions. 5. Start a conversation with a neighbor you never talk with. 6. Stop talking about doing volunteer work and call a your church office, Goodwill or a soup kitchen and ask what jobs they might have available for you to do on your next day off. Since routine stifles creativity, it's smart to frequently choose the new over the known. Do the less comfortable thing and get growing! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=155 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=155#comments Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:00:47 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=155 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=155 2:03 Five years ago I lead a team-building seminar for a division of PriceWaterhouseCoopers. They had the whole 10th floor to themselves, however the elevator lobby ... Five years ago I lead a team-building seminar for a division of PriceWaterhouseCoopers. They had the whole 10th floor to themselves, however the elevator lobby that cleaved the space into two became known as "The Wall" and people who worked on the east side of the wall felt superior to those on the west side. The office had polarized based on where people sat. The rivalry forced the focus to shift to "us versus them" instead of "we together." In the seminar, of course, we brought that into the open and candidly discussed what was occurring. I wish I had thought up the solution Bolt, Inc. came up with when faced with a similar challenge. In the October 2000 issue of Fast Company magazine, writer Matt Villard's article called "Shake Up Your Seating Plan" explains that in 18 months the company exploded from 15 close-knit employees to 175. The atmosphere of cross-functional partnering for the good of the company was about to be sacrificed for traditional departmentalization on multiple floors. The team-enhancing solution they devised is ingeniously simple. They call it a "hive mind" seating system. To mix it up, the workspaces of accountants, sales reps, programmers, founders and others are interspersed. That is, they sit amongst each other. This applies to about 80% of the New York office and the results are: 1. Nearly everyone knows each other by first name. 2. There's a better understanding of what people do. 3. Brainstorming is deeper. 4. The organization's goals are paramount and that takes people beyond the department's goals. It also sweeps aside the pettiness of "my department is better than your department." Their results sound like smart teamwork to me. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=154 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=154#comments Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:00:35 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=154 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=154 2:05 Several listeners heard me say, you don't need to be in an active listening mode all the time and they wondered what benefit was there ... Several listeners heard me say, you don't need to be in an active listening mode all the time and they wondered what benefit was there to not actively listening. My reply is, when you turn off active listening you stay on the healthy side of paranoia and you don't clog your brain with trivial information. Active listening is done consciously so it takes effort. It's like having your listening skills in the full "on" position. That might sound worthwhile to some but being "on" all the time is not healthy as it diverts your energy from getting other things done, such as your work. We have chipmunks in our backyard. When one bravely scouts acorns on the open patio, he frequently stops, cocks his head back and scans the landscape with his ears. He's on full listening power. I assume he's listening for danger, such as an aggressive squirrel who wants his acorn or a hawk who wants to make a meal out of unsuspecting chipmunks. The effort he puts into listening is energy that could have been put into seeking more acorns. People are different, but we are the same in that the energy we put into one thing diminishes the energy we have for something else. It would be crazy to actively listen to, say, hours of television. Why would you want to fill your head with all that disjointed information? When dealing people-to-people, there are times when it's not in your best interest to be listening for new input, such as when people complain about the weather and you need your powers of concentration to think through a challenge you can really inpact. It's smart to turn on and off your active listening mode. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=153 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=153#comments Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:00:23 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=153 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=153 2:04 How to become a better listener? I asked the Marketing Department of BellSouth Mobility for some smart tips on how to be a great listener. ... How to become a better listener? I asked the Marketing Department of BellSouth Mobility for some smart tips on how to be a great listener. Their work puts them in direct contact with a diverse customer base with fast evolving needs. Plus, they appreciate that it's essential to hear what the customers want before their competition does. Here are 15 smart strategies they recommend for being a great listener. See how many of these you do: Be motivated to listen. Get excited about hearing the other person. Tell yourself you are going to listen. Let your face show the speaker you care. Suspend judgment. Listen for the facts. You can put them in order later. Listen for the emotion. Feelings count for more than the logic of their words. Watch the non-verbals of the speaker for clues that me might mean something different from what he's saying. Be aware that you are filtering as you listen to categorize their comments. If you can't stop doing that, at least be aware you are doing it. Pay attention and demonstrate respect. Avoid preparing your response. Stifle you new idea gag reflex ndash; the one that wants to dismiss new or threatening points of view. Listen for facts and ideas. Listen for intent. Be aware of your own non-verbals because they can impact what the speaker says and how he says it. Listen with empathy. Show you care. There you have it. Amazing how straight-forward these are. And if they work in growing their multi-billion dollar business, I bet they will work smart in your career, too. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=152 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=152#comments Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:00:39 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=152 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=152 1:55 Just as you can set the air conditioner in your car to blow at low, medium, high, and super blast, you can set your levels ... Just as you can set the air conditioner in your car to blow at low, medium, high, and super blast, you can set your levels of listening. There are 4 types of listening: inactive, selective, active and reflective. Inactive listening is when your ears are present but your brain is not. You're not paying any more attention than listening to background music in the grocery. Selective listening is the one most of us use most of the time. Unconsciously, we filter and only hear pieces, such as when a co-worker tells you what he had for lunch Monday. Active listening is when you are consciously aware of listening, like when a new customer is placing a new order ndash; you want to be doubly sure to hear correctly. Active listening is highly effective because you receive both words and message. Reflective listening is used with deep content. You ask questions for clarification and ponder because the emotional message can be as significant as the words, such as when your son tells you he wants to enlist in the Army. Is it smart to always be in an active listening or reflective listening mode? No. Use active listening and reflective listening when you especially want to understand and remember what you are hearing. Use active listening often but not all the time. In different situations, it's smart to choose a listening style that will work for you. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=151 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=151#comments Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:00:24 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=151 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=151 1:51 I once had a boss, a regional manager, who honestly believed everything was a top priority. Because our division wasn't reaching its goals, he worked ... I once had a boss, a regional manager, who honestly believed everything was a top priority. Because our division wasn't reaching its goals, he worked long hours, sweated both the small stuff and the big stuff, and kept himself in constant motion. He was a work-a-holic without focus: always busy ndash; spinning from one project to another. He reminded me of a waterwheel. Sometimes the wheel would spin crazy fast and other times it rotated leisurely. Always spinning, always in motion, always working. The challenge here is that the wheel just spins. It never goes anywhere. And Ray, at that time, wasn't going anywhere in his career, either ndash; at least, nowhere good. Ray's wakeup call came when the company sold our operation to the competition and he was spun out of a job. Are you spinning? Are you in constant motion? Does everything feel like a top priority? Are you frustrated because you don't get more accomplished? Here is an effective time management tip that works. It's smart to ask yourself, "What's the best use of my time right now?" And then go do it. It might be calling a customer, starting a major project or calling to see if your child got home from school safely. By asking yourself "What's the best use of my time right now?" you can instantly cut though to what counts. You clear your head, regain your focus and channel your energies toward getting the right things done at the right time. When you feel as if you are spinning, it's smart to ask yourself, "What's the best use of my time right now?" Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=150 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=150#comments Thu, 29 May 2008 10:00:45 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=150 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=150 1:56 There was a lot of interest in the segment we did recently on how to reward team behavior. The bottom line is, if you want ... There was a lot of interest in the segment we did recently on how to reward team behavior. The bottom line is, if you want the team to act like a team you want to reward their efforts as a team. Here are 10 more low cost ideas for rewarding a team that's doing a great job: * Invite company VIPs to valet park the cars of the team members as they arrive for work. And even better, have them wash the cars in the company parking lot. * Plaster a picture of the team on coffee mugs. * Host a bar-b-que at the team leader's house. * Send the local paper a press release and photo describing an outstanding job. * Start a Scrapbook Wall in the office of photos taken as the team works on a tough project over a few weeks or months. * Give away movie tickets the families of team members can use, too. * Arrive before the team and decorate with balloons and banners. * Surprise everyone with a catered lunch in the office. * Hand deliver one long-stemmed rose to each person as a thank you * For a month, reserve the best parking spaces near the front door specifically for your team members. Remember, behavior that gets rewarded gets repeated. Reward the team. I'd love to know your ideas on how to reward team behavior. E-me at Doug@DougSmart.com. My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-e16344dba4d7dcbadfd6197fce10dffc} Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=149 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=149#comments Tue, 27 May 2008 10:00:23 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=149 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=149 1:42 As a professional speaker, I'm frequently hired to deliver keynotes at conventions and conferences. And one thing I've observed from the podium is that leaders ... As a professional speaker, I'm frequently hired to deliver keynotes at conventions and conferences. And one thing I've observed from the podium is that leaders attend conventions. I don't mean just the head table set, I mean the people on the floor who make the room crackle with infectious enthusiasm. These are the ones with a passion that inspires and energizes. I see them as front line leaders in their industries. Where does all their energy come from? They love what they do. They want to work. I remember being asked, "Don't you think everyone would quit their jobs if they won the lottery?" No. Not everyone. People who love what they do put money second because doing work they love is in the first spot. Lots of well-off people work because they really love what they do. There are dozens of millionaires who work at fast growth companies like Home Depot, Microsoft and Sun Micro Systems. Financially, they could afford to quit now, but they choose not to." Tiger Woods has a great take on this. "I'm just happy to wake up every day," said Tiger, "and do something I love to do, which is go out and play golf." If you haven't yet found work you love, go find this book in the library: Making a Living, Making a Life by Mark Albion. He's got some very smart, practical suggestions for you. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=148 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=148#comments Thu, 22 May 2008 10:00:28 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=148 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=148 1:58 Last night, at a party, I talked with a man who published 9 books, 12 video training tapes and numerous cassette tape programs. He really ... Last night, at a party, I talked with a man who published 9 books, 12 video training tapes and numerous cassette tape programs. He really surprised me when he said, "Doug, I'd like to learn how you develop and sell your books." That was flattering, but what really surprised me was when he hung his head and confessed, "I have made so many wrong decisions." "Wrong decisions?" I asked. "You're a business guru!" He said, "I could have done better. I've made so many wrong decisions." Here was a financially successful but stressed out businessman gently beating up on himself because he could of made more money. Have you done that, too? Have you beaten up on yourself because you felt you made wrong decisions? I used to, and constantly it sounded like this: "I should have taken that job. I could have timed things differently. Why didn't I invest the money?" I used to agonize about making the right decision before I made any decision and afterwards I worried more. What a lot of wasted energy! I took the pressure off, got out of the trap, and started making better decisions after reading this quote from Dr. Wayne Dyer. He wrote, "There are no right or wrong business decisions, only ones with different potential outcomes." He's right! There is no one right decision. There are only choices that will give you different results. So the smart way to make decisions is to decide on the results you want, choose the road most likely to take you there, and decide to make your journey a great one. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=146 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=146#comments Tue, 20 May 2008 10:00:53 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=146 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=146 1:47 This last week I've heard a lot of worrying. Here's what I have heard, intelligent, well-educated people say: "Don't worry me with that." "I have ... This last week I've heard a lot of worrying. Here's what I have heard, intelligent, well-educated people say: "Don't worry me with that." "I have enough worries now." "That's something else for me to worry about." "I'm worried the letter won't get there in time." "What worries me about this ishellip;" Now, that's common, everyday talk. No wonder we're a nation of stressed out people. So much worrying going on! My friend, Max Howard, who is a professional actor and has won an Emmy, told me he worried constantly whether he could make a living as an actor. For 25 years he worried. Then he realized it had been 25 years and he was still an actor so he didn't need to be worrying. He simply chose not to worry any more! He said that decision removed the stress and anxiety he'd felt for years. Researchers tell us about 98% of the stuff people worry about is stuff they have no real control over, such as whether the stock market will go up, if there will be rain next weekend on the golf game, or if the big customer will chose your product. Years ago I read a book by Dale Carnegie called, "Stop Worrying and Start Living." The main point of the book is that worrying is a waste of time and energy and if you want to stop worrying, then choose to stop worrying. Is it that simple? Yes! Instead of worrying, be concerned, be informed, and be prepared to make the best of whatever life deals you. It helps to have faith, focus on the positive aspects, and put your energy where you can make a difference. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=145 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=145#comments Thu, 15 May 2008 10:00:33 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=145 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=145 1:52 To get people to think as a team, it's smart to reward them as a team. Here are 10 smart ideas for rewarding a whole ... To get people to think as a team, it's smart to reward them as a team. Here are 10 smart ideas for rewarding a whole team, no matter how large, and they cost next to nothing. In your company newsletter, instead of individual head shots, run a team picture. Have the team leader write a letter to the CEO praising the outstanding accomplishments of the team. Be sure to send a copy to each team member. Your team impacts the community's economy and reputation. Ask the governor's office for a letter congratulating or thanking the team and then print the governor's letter in the local paper. Why would the governor send such a letter? Because now a days it's always an election year. Host a potluck team luncheon just like the suppers at church. Let people show off their culinary skills. Have t-shirts printed that proclaim, "We are the BEST!" right above a picture of the team. Reward meeting milestones or goals with a casual dress day Have a theme day, such as 1970s Day. Serve up appropriate food and music. Post a weekly or monthly Group Performance Appraisal. Mail notes of recognition to the families of team members. Let them know how proud you are of them. Set daily team productivity goals and when met, people can leave a little early to beat the traffic. Remember, behavior that gets rewarded gets repeated. Reward the team. I'd love to know your ideas on how to reward team behavior. Email-me. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=144 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=144#comments Tue, 13 May 2008 10:00:53 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=144 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=144 1:55 In just the last week I've heard co-workers, friends and family say things like: "I have to get my office re-organized but I don't have ... In just the last week I've heard co-workers, friends and family say things like: "I have to get my office re-organized but I don't have the time." "I want to build a tool shed some day but I don't have the time." And, "Yes, we should go visit your father, but this year we don't have the time." To every one of them I want to say, "That's a lie." The truth is, each one of us is blessed with 24/7/365. Those who accomplish the most phenomenal things with their lives and those who fritter away their lives have the same time at their disposal. Time is not the culprit; it's how we choose to divvy up time that makes the difference. Super successful people such as Donald Trump, Lee Iacocoa and Oprah Winfrey all have or have had to face challenges similar to ours, such as unreasonable deadlines, financial pressures and people who let them down. Sure, they all have personal staffs now, but that wasn't always the case as each of them comes from humble beginnings. What do Donald Trump, Lee Iacocoa and Oprah all have in common? They have an uncanny knack for getting the right things done at the right time. There's no mystery to it. They prioritize their time for the things that matter most to them. When I teach accomplishment management, I recommend never saying the phrase, "I don't have time" because that's a lie. Instead, be honest and acknowledge, "That's not my top priority right now." You'll discover that the shift in thinking will free you from feelings of pressure, put things in perspective and help you more easily identify your true priorities in your hectic life. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=143 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=143#comments Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:33:14 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/10/11/episode-137-do-some-people-regularly-push-your-button/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=143 00:01:01 Do you have people who constantly nag and criticize you? How about bullying you? It might be your brother, spouse, partner, co-worker, neighbor, or anybody. ... Do you have people who constantly nag and criticize you? How about bullying you? It might be your brother, spouse, partner, co-worker, neighbor, or anybody. To get to the root of it: I say, putting you down is a cheap trick for boosting themselves up. By spotting and correcting your shortcomings they get a momentary rush of feeling superior to you. After all, they must be wiser than you since they have the wisdom to see the error of your ways. Let's put things in perspective. When you have someone in your life who constantly corrects you, it helps to imagine the buttons on a blender. When one button is pushed down the other buttons go up. By pointing out your faults to you they push your button down and that means theirs goes up. They get an emotional lift. It's a very basic way to get a boost of self-esteem. When people do that to me, no matter how sincere they may seem, I quickly ask myself "are you trying to genuinely help me or are you a button pusher?" Usually it's button pushing. And realizing that helps me handle the situation more rationally and professionally than arguing, getting defensive or feeling inferior. How do you handle the situation? The same as you'd tell a child about dealing with bullies at school. You can fight if you want to but that usually isn't effective. Stand up to them by ignoring, smiling, walking away, getting a mediator, or asking a higher authority to intervene. That's smarter than letting them push your buttons! My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-e16344dba4d7dcbadfd6197fce10dffc} Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=142 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=142#comments Tue, 09 Oct 2007 14:09:24 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/10/09/episode-136-which-is-the-real-you-the-home-you-or-the-work-you/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=142 1:39 Many people experience a change of personality when they arrive at work. People who are gentle and loving at home sometimes become cranky co-workers and ... Many people experience a change of personality when they arrive at work. People who are gentle and loving at home sometimes become cranky co-workers and ballistic bosses. And the opposite, too ndash; people who rule the home with an iron fist are often gentle pussy cats at the office. So what gives? I'm no psychiatrist, but I believe that people who switch personalities between home and work are caught in a trap of playing roles. To get what they want, some pretend to be domineering and bossy. On the other hand some pretend to be submissive and self-deprecating because it wins favors and preserves what they've got; after all, rocking the boat by being more assertive could potentially capsize the boat. So which is the real person? For years I told our children, "The way you are at home is the real you." I used to believe that in the freedom of our homes we expressed our real natures behind closed doors and drawn drapes. Now I'm not so certain. The real person could really be the personality at work, especially if the individual is smart enough to get himself into a type of work he loves. Is there an answer to this? Great advice is still, "To thine own self be true ndash; at both home and work." To this I add, "There is some job on this planet that needs to be done and you are the right person for it. Don't depend on luck. It's your job to go find it." And when you do find it, you'll discover that your true nature will express itself. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=141 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=141#comments Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:26:14 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/10/04/episode-135-why-its-smart-to-add-your-name-to-your-e-address/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=141 1:51 Take a look at the in-box of your e-mail. If it's like mine, 50% of the senders identify themselves with their names. The others use ... Take a look at the in-box of your e-mail. If it's like mine, 50% of the senders identify themselves with their names. The others use just their e-mail address, which might include enough of a name to figure out who they are. OK, so what's the big deal? It's smart to put your name before your e-mail address when you're the sender. Here are 3 things to consider: be proud, be positioned, be paid attention to. Be proud to be you. People like to do business with self-confident people. Use your name proudly. When people don't use their names it kind of makes me wonder if they are hiding something (like the spammers do) or if they are mousy like a person who mumbles her name when introduced. Position yourself. Build your name recognition as if building a brand. Take Coca-Cola, one of the most recognized names on earth; they still spend half a billion dollars every year on advertising so you remember who they are and what they are all about. It's healthy for you to do some horn blowing, too, so you don't get lost in the shuffle ndash; especially in hyper-evolving workplaces, like yours. Get people to pay attention to your e-mails. I don't know about you but I get so much spam e-mail now that if I can't tell who it's from I'm more likely to delete it than read it. That said, send me an e-mail about your gripes or compliments about e-mail etiquette. Include your name, but if you don't want me to read it on the air, just say so. My address is Doug@DougSmart.com. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=140 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=140#comments Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:30:35 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/10/02/episode-134-persistence-lesson-from-a-duck/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=140 00:01:01 Last week my parents were visiting from out of state and for something different to do, we rented a boat so we could have a ... Last week my parents were visiting from out of state and for something different to do, we rented a boat so we could have a picnic on Lake Lanier. "Oh, look at the ducks!" my wife said as we boarded the boat. "They're watching us." I turned around and, sure enough, a dozen mallard ducks had gathered behind our boat like beggars in the marketplace. They looked well fed and our lunch was still packed away so none of us made any effort to feed them. As we slowly pulled out of the marina, one female duck paddled along behind us. She worked hard at keeping up with us. "Quack, quack, quack!" she screamed, but we didn't respond. And once we got into open water we revved up the engine and took off. 15 minutes later we dropped anchor in a secluded cove and spread out our picnic on the deck. A noisy splash on the starboard side startled us. "Look! It's the duck again," my wife laughed. Sure enough, there she was. "Quack, quack, quack!" she squawked. How could we resist? We tossed bread and sunflower seeds to her. All by herself and without any competition she was in eating heaven. And I thought, "How smart you are. You alone are brave enough to leave the flock and safe harbor. And persistent enough to follow us this far to get what you want. Your commitment, cunning and energy have earned you the right to feast better than the others. Enjoy your meal, my persistent little friend." Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=139 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=139#comments Thu, 27 Sep 2007 10:30:09 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/09/27/episode-133-reduce-the-number-of-fires/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=139 1:31 Watching the news last night I felt compassion for weary firefighters who were exhausted, grimy and bruised. They provide an invaluable service but what a ... Watching the news last night I felt compassion for weary firefighters who were exhausted, grimy and bruised. They provide an invaluable service but what a way to make a living! Then I thought of some of my neighbors: they come home looking the same way ndash; and they work in nice, air-conditioned offices! Do you spend your business day fighting fires? Does your work feel like one crisis after another? Do people dump their problems on you and expect you to solve them? If you do, then here are 4 smart tips for cooling off and finding fast relief. Understand that 9 out of 10 emergencies are not. They have learned to masquerade as crises to get your attention. People around you may have learned how to make the right noises to get you to jump. You don't need to worry about missing out. A true crisis will find you every time. Don't try to be a hero by solving everyone else's problems. Teach people where to find answers for themselves. They need to learn to be as smart as you. Empower people to solve their own problems. This means you have to accept that they won't solve challenges like you and you won't always agree. So what? Put your energy into more important stuff. Stay focused on accomplishing your most important tasks. Don't let yourself be too easily distracted and you'll find you'll fight fewer fires. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=138 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=138#comments Tue, 25 Sep 2007 10:30:13 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/09/25/episode-132-character-is-everything/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=138 1:48 Growing up, my Dad told me, as I'm sure your Mom or Dad told you, "Your reputation is everything." Now I know what he ... Growing up, my Dad told me, as I'm sure your Mom or Dad told you, "Your reputation is everything." Now I know what he said was right but he didn't go deep enough, because actually, our character is everything. H. Jackson Browne said, "Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking." Our character is internal while our reputation is external. And, wrote Elbert Hubbard, "many a man's reputation would not know his character if they met on the street." So, how do you develop a positive character? Helen Keller, an activist for the blind 75 years ago said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." That sounds harsh but I believe Dr. Martin Luther King would of agreed with her wisdom. He said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Taking this concept further is Abraham Lincoln's pronouncement, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." I wonder if he was referring to people who go from being on the sales team to Vice President of Sales? Anyhow, I believe our character is something we can sculpt and I like Ken Keys observation, "A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world. Everyone you meet is your mirror." Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=137 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=137#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2007 10:30:56 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/09/20/episode-131-risk-taker-vs-consistency-quality-producer/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=137 1:44 Are you a risk taker or a consistent quality producer? Both are valuable but they are opposites. In a seminar I lead, I ask participants ... Are you a risk taker or a consistent quality producer? Both are valuable but they are opposites. In a seminar I lead, I ask participants to put an x on a line between risk taker and consistent quality producer where they think they are. And then I ask them to put a y where they feel the organization would like them to be. Being close together is ideal. But if there is any gap, I ask them to label it the stress gap. Risk takers get stressed in organizations or departments that reward doing predictable things in predictable ways for predictable results. Likewise, conservative people are stressed when the organization is anything but predictable, like when people are told, "Give it a try. Let's see what happens." What if you're caught in a tug-of-war like this? It's smart to be true to your inner feelings because that is where you are strongest and can make the greatest contribution. It's up to the risk taker types to get themselves into jobs that reward risk taking, such as leadership, sales and design work. Ditto for consistent quality producer types. They are responsible for maneuvering themselves into positions that reward consistency, such as management, accounting and teaching. It's smart to narrow the stress gap because the wider it grows, the more stress and anxiety you will feel from your job. And we all know that stressed out people can't contribute their best. I say it's always smart to perform work that's consistent with your personality. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=136 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=136#comments Tue, 18 Sep 2007 10:30:20 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/09/18/episode-130-chop-up-the-project-into-human-size-pieces/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=136 00:01:01 What do you do when it's time to start a big project that you've been putting off? Well, if you're like many of us, you ... What do you do when it's time to start a big project that you've been putting off? Well, if you're like many of us, you get up and go get a cup of coffee! You go for a walk. You go visit other people close to your workspace, "Hi Joe! My morning sure is hectic. How about yours?" When there's a big project to tackle, like writing a proposal or preparing a schedule, many people put off starting it because they want the time to be right. You know, they wait for a perfect block of time so they can focus 100% without interruptions. More often what they're looking for is to get in the mood first. They want to feel like tackling the work. And that makes me think of a quote from Nido Quiben: "If you only work when you feel like working, you won't get much work done." Regrettably they sometimes delay starting the project so long that when they finally resign themselves to start, their time is limited and they're rushed to get it done. So what's a busy professional to do? Try this smart approach. When you face any project that feels overwhelming, break it into what I call "human-size" pieces that you can handle. And start tackling a few of those human-size pieces immediately. Each day schedule some of those pieces on your to do list. This way, your mind gets into the project, your resistance melts away, and your creativity opens up. And before you know it, you'll finish the project. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=135 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=135#comments Thu, 13 Sep 2007 10:30:23 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/09/13/episode-129-polishing-communication-skills/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=135 1:41 Leslie Charles teaches communication training. She tells how she was arguing with her husband. He said to Leslie, "You're shouting!" Leslie yelled back, "Of course ... Leslie Charles teaches communication training. She tells how she was arguing with her husband. He said to Leslie, "You're shouting!" Leslie yelled back, "Of course I'm shouting. I don't know what I'm talking about!" Not being able to articulate what you want to say can be excruciatingly frustrating. Often you know what you want to say but don't know how to get it out. How can you become more articulate? In a word: practice. Here are 4 smart ideas: Remind yourself to stay calm in an argument and to speak from facts not emotion. Plan to participate in discussion at every meeting you attend ndash; even if it's for the zoning commission! To get past fears and feeling self-consciousness, speak up at meetings and other public places. If the idea puts a knot in your stomach than before you get to the meeting I recommend you prepare 3 questions to ask. Get yourself appointed to head a committee. You'll be forced to interact with others on a focused topic. And you'll be better for it. Get a part in local theater group. Riley was one of the shyest people I had ever met. But what a performer when he got on stage! He even won awards for expressing himself with depth and passion. It changed his life and gave him the feelings of confidence and self-expression that he later duplicated in his business life. The best way to polish how well you express yourself is by practicing how you express yourself. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=134 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=134#comments Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:30:29 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/09/11/episode-128-the-most-valuable-skill-for-business-success-and-happiness-in-life/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=134 1:43 The president of the company asked me, "What one skill is the most valuable in business?" The answer was easy, I thought. I was fresh ... The president of the company asked me, "What one skill is the most valuable in business?" The answer was easy, I thought. I was fresh out of college, clutching a degree in finance, and I felt I had the world pretty much figured out. With great confidence I replied, "The best skill in business is knowing how money works." He smiled a little, actually smirked, and shook his head. With a fatherly voice he said, "Doug, let me tell you. You put money first and might get some but you'll never be happy. No son, the most important skill you can develop is the ability to communicate well. If you communicate well you can accomplish anything." This happened the same year Ronald Reagan was sworn in as President. That's Ronald Reagan who rose from stage actor to leader of the United States and who earned a place in history as The Great Communicator. Since then I have learned the secret ingredient of people who rise to the top: it's communication skills. You want to continually polish your ability to express yourself well so that information moves from your head into someone else's head in a way that the other person not only comprehends your message but is willing to act on it in the way you wish. That advice made an impact on me. If you could meet yourself again fresh out of school, what advice would you give yourself about how to be successful in business and happy in life? E-mail with your advice. Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=133 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=133#comments Thu, 06 Sep 2007 10:30:36 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/09/06/episode-127-delegating-when-everyone-is-just-as-busy-as-you/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=133 1:43 I ask busy executives why they don't delegate more. One common answer is, "Everyone else is just as busy as me." Ok, but what if ... I ask busy executives why they don't delegate more. One common answer is, "Everyone else is just as busy as me." Ok, but what if you believe someone else on the team should do the job? Here are 4 smart ways to handle it: Discuss priorities. This is touchy, but maybe the other person is busy but not productive. Let me ask you, "Is it possible for someone to be very busy and get nothing done?" You know it! By taking on this request from you, you might be helping a co-worker straighten out her priorities. Match the right job to the right person. Just because a job comes in your direction it doesn't mean you're the right person for it. Find out who is best qualified. Based on skills, training, experience, and job flow, it could be a perfect fit for someone else. Ask, does this need to be done? Maybe the real reason you want to unload a job is because you can't justify the time, energy and cost to do it yourself. Perhaps the world will continue to function well even if the job doesn't get done. Talk to your boss about work flow. Discuss it at team meetings, too. The way procedures and responsibilities are changing so fast, it's possible your team has outgrown it's way of dividing the work. It's healthy to keep reassessing the work flow so that the customers, team members and stock holders all get the best return on your salary. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=132 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=132#comments Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:30:17 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/09/04/episode-126-take-brain-vacations-at-work/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=132 1:34 Do you have a high pressure job? Don't let it make you explode! Lou Ann Hyder, a healthcare worker in Lexington, KY, recommends that ... Do you have a high pressure job? Don't let it make you explode! Lou Ann Hyder, a healthcare worker in Lexington, KY, recommends that to reclaim your sense of calm and balance, you should take 3 vacations ndash; right at work. Lou Ann writes, "On days I feel particularly overwhelmed and stressed, I take three times during the day, one to two minutes each, and think of a pleasant memory or experience. For example, I'll bring back an extremely pleasant memory of vacationing in Seabrook, SC, or a particularly funny statement my 7 y.o. might of said at the supper table last night. This is a wonderful way to get away from it all if only for a few minutes." I say, Lou Ann's got a smart idea. I call these brain vacations and they are a great way to untangle the stuff in your head that makes you feel stressed. To make it work, tell yourself you are going a relaxed zone. Give yourself the OK to leave your present challenges. Then just lean back in your chair or against a wall, close your eyes and let yourself mentally go to another place. Take a couple of deep breathes and get absorbed in your thoughts as though you were physically there. Your body and mind will relax. Enjoy the pleasant mental sensations. It only takes a minute or two -- and the end result? You could feel more re-energized than if you took a real vacation. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=131 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=131#comments Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:30:18 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/08/30/episode-125-interrupt-interruptions-before-they-interrupt-you/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=131 1:40 Heaven on Earth is when you can focus your time, talent and tools on solving challenges. But what about the irritating little interruptions that rob ... Heaven on Earth is when you can focus your time, talent and tools on solving challenges. But what about the irritating little interruptions that rob you of your power? Here are some smart tips that smart people in Pennsylvania shared with me. Kevin Capatch of Huntingdon recommends, "Keep stuff on chairs in your office so people don't make themselves at home." Jane Kile of Danville minimizes interruptions. She posts her calendar, including tasks she's working on, on her computer. She writes, "My co-workers can check my schedule to determine the most likely times to meet. This decreases drop ins and time wasted on the phone playing phone tag." Joe Solomon of Pittsburgh has some clever suggestions: "Keep the coffee machine out of your office. Keep items all staff use in a common area [so you're not interrupted when Sally needs the paper cutter]. Use your beeper for emergency use only. Take an office set back from others" so you're not in a high traffic area and inadvertently inviting interruptions. There you have it. It's a coincidence these smart people all live in Pennsylvania. Or is it? Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=130 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=130#comments Tue, 28 Aug 2007 10:30:54 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/08/28/episode-124-perception-is-everything/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=130 1:46 The reality is, the quality of your life has nothing to do with your money, your looks or your job title. It's your perception. I've ... The reality is, the quality of your life has nothing to do with your money, your looks or your job title. It's your perception. I've shared this belief with many people. A man in Ashville, North Carolina, told me he had always accepted the idea that life is pretty much what you make it, but he said he never really believed it until, he said, "I saw what happened last Saturday." "What happened?" I asked. "I had family visiting and they wanted to do some sightseeing so I took them up on Chimney Rock." For those who haven't seen it yet, it's a huge flat rock atop a mountain in the gorgeous Smokey Mountains and when you stand on it, you're embraced by breathtaking views of lush green valleys, a rushing river and the magnificent North Carolina mountains. "It was a really hot, sticky day," he said. "The place was crowded. But up high the air was noticeably cooler. I saw a blind man with a group of people, but they wandered off and left him alone. He stood with his hands resting on the iron railing. While everyone else was looking down, the blind man had his face up feeling the sun and gentle summer breeze, and drinking in the chatter around him. And the blind man was so moved by what he was feeling that he said aloud, to no one in particular, lsquo;What a beautiful place this is.' I realized right than that while the rest of us were seeing with our eyes he saw with his soul. So, Doug, when you say, lsquo;Perception is everything,' I totally agree." Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=129 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=129#comments Thu, 17 May 2007 10:30:30 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/05/17/episode-123-variations-on-a-tickler-file-theme/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=129 1:43 Just as people personalize their cubicles, the tickler file system for keeping track of paper gets personalized, too. Check this out. Kathie Scott , a ... Just as people personalize their cubicles, the tickler file system for keeping track of paper gets personalized, too. Check this out. Kathie Scott , a materials manager in Nashville, stays on top of assignments, ideas and requests with her personal tickler file system. She writes, "I have file folders labeled Monday through Friday and another set titled 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks. I put notes, faxes and project material in the folder for the appropriate day. If I don't complete the task that day or postpone it to another week, I just slip the information in the next appropriate folder. This works great when I'm asked for a response on a particular day because I can follow-up easily." Karen Forcum of Mode, Illinois, uses 12 files folders as the backbone of her tickler file system, one for each month. She writes, "I deposit things for that month. I check it on the first of each month." Mark Hughey, a minister in Merrimac, Wisconsin, made a tickler file system of monthly files, too. He buys birthday and anniversary cards early and files them away until it's time to mail them. David Guy of Lutherville, Maryland, tells me he slips motivational messages into his tickler file. He writes, "They keep me going." I smiled when I read that because my wife, Gayle, occasionally slips "I love you" notes into my project-laden files. It's a great day brightener. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=128 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=128#comments Tue, 15 May 2007 12:33:08 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/05/15/episode-122-a-tickler-file-is-a-smart-solution/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=128 1:41 Put papers in their place fast with a tickler file system. It's an old idea with a young heart. Here's how you can set up ... Put papers in their place fast with a tickler file system. It's an old idea with a young heart. Here's how you can set up one: Take 31 file folders and number them from one to 31 for the days of a month. Then take 12 more file folders and label each with the name of a month. Pick up each piece of paper on your desk that is deserving of staying in your life and on the top right corner pencil the date you think you will need it. If it happens to be within the next 31 days, drop it in that number file, otherwise store it in the appropriate month file. At the end of every day, as your last official duty on company time, make tomorrow's to do list from tomorrow's file folder. For example, if today was the 10th, then make tomorrow's to do list from your file for the 11th. Near the end of each month also dump the contents of next month's file an choose what days of the coming month you wish to deal with each piece. The beauty of this is, you will have what you need, where you need it and when you need it. No fuss, no muss, no errors. This is the information age and you are wired, but the reality is you have more paper coming into your life than ever before. Your tickler file system will simplify and melt away the glacier of paper that could be putting the freeze on your productivity! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=127 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=127#comments Thu, 10 May 2007 10:30:21 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/05/10/episode-121-hearing-and-listening/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=127 1:45 Here's something that happened just a couple of days ago. I was driving between Louisville and Cincinnati and I pulled into a McDonald's for refueling, ... Here's something that happened just a couple of days ago. I was driving between Louisville and Cincinnati and I pulled into a McDonald's for refueling, something I don't normally do but which goes to show you that a couple hundred million dollars a year in advertising does build neurological bridges in the brain. At the table opposite me sat a young farmer type and his six year old boy. The man looked lost in thought, worried. The boy occasionally blurted out double sentence comments, but since they didn't even get his father to look at him, he lapsed back into short segments of silence. It seems like they just sat there in silence for the longest time, just eating. There wasn't a lot of communication going on, at least not talking. Actually the father did make a few brief, whispered comments near the end so he wasn't oblivious of his son. Now I have no right to make judgments on others ndash; I know that -- but it got me to thinking, "Mister, I wish I could share with you that your boy loves you and wants you to listen to him. You probably think you are listening but you are only hearing. Hearing is what we do when vibrations get in our ear canals. Listening is different because listening is what we do with those vibrations in our minds and hearts. You're a lucky man to have that 6 year old son. If you want to show him you love him, stop listening to your own thoughts and listen to his." This is Doug Smart with Smarter by the Minute. Make today a smart day! Copyright 2000 by Doug Smart. All rights reserved. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=126 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=126#comments Tue, 08 May 2007 10:30:24 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/05/08/episode-120-try-a-5-week-experiment-%e2%80%93-part-2/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=126 1:40 On the last show I suggested introducing team change as a five-week experiment because experiments make change easier to accept. Plus, you establish a perfect ... On the last show I suggested introducing team change as a five-week experiment because experiments make change easier to accept. Plus, you establish a perfect opportunity for soliciting true feedback during the first five weeks. But why five weeks? Psychologists say it usually takes a 1 month to get comfortable with a new routine. Years ago in my real estate office, when I changed the systems, it generally took 4 weeks for the noise to settle down and each change to take root. So why make it five weeks instead of four? During that last week the griping, moaning and complaining generally dissolves and you can do a candid assessment whether your new idea is worthwhile or not. And here's something else, if you impose a change and it turns out to be lousy, you have to change back. Your reputation as a professional might suffer as the grumblers will grumble, "I told you she didn't know what she's talking about." But if you set up an experiment and at the end of the 5 weeks you choose to dump it and go back to the older, more effective way, all you do is simply announce that the experiment confirmed the original way was better. Be sure to thank you everyone for trying. The nice thing here is your professional reputation doesn't take a punch in the nose. You didn't fail. Actually, you are to be commended for taking a risk and conducting an experiment to improve things. Doesn't that sound smart? Copyright 2000 by Doug Smart. All rights reserved. Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=125 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=125#comments Thu, 03 May 2007 10:30:38 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/05/03/episode-119-try-a-5-week-experiment-%e2%80%93-part-1/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=125 1:47 Basically, you can expect three responses to your ideas for improvement on the team; you'll have change embracers, acceptors and avoiders. Recently, on Smarter by ... Basically, you can expect three responses to your ideas for improvement on the team; you'll have change embracers, acceptors and avoiders. Recently, on Smarter by the Minute, I did a series on how to work with the 3 types. A lot of listeners e-mailed that the individual "how to" tips were great but they wanted a faster method -- faster than trying to figure out the needs of each of the three types. Well here it is. I have a simple solution that smartly accomplishes that. The idea is: Set up your change as a five-week experiment. It works like this. Instead of imposing a change, propose a change. Ask co-workers ndash; and your boss -- to work with you on a five-week experiment. Start the "experiment" (that's in quotes) just like any other change. Be sure to explain why the change, who will do what, how and by when. Inform everyone how it will impact people and the results you expect. The reason it works is that the change avoiders and acceptors will feel less threatened by the change, after all, this is just an experiment. The change embracers will enjoy the fun of breaking up the old routine for awhile. During and after the experiment, be sure to solicit feedback. At the end of five weeks, if the change was for the better, keep it. If not, than go back to the old way or try another variation. A five-week experiment is a smart way to get people on board quickly. Copyright 2000 by Doug Smart. All rights reserved. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=124 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=124#comments Tue, 01 May 2007 10:30:18 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/05/01/episode-118-if-you-dont-ask-you-dont-get/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=124 1:42 I have a friend named Mike. He lives in Metairie, Louisiana. He owned a store and enjoyed a lot of repeat customers. One man always ... I have a friend named Mike. He lives in Metairie, Louisiana. He owned a store and enjoyed a lot of repeat customers. One man always asked Mike for a discount and it really bugged him. So, one day Mike asked him, "Why you keep asking me for a discount? It's not like you need the money, you've got 8 rental houses!" The man said, "You can't blame me for asking. And besides, wherever I shop, I always ask for discount." "Does it work?" asked Mike. "About 10% of the time," he replied. You know that old saying, "You don't ask, you don't get." Does this mean you can walk into store like Sears, Penny's or Macy's, ask for a discount and expect to get it? Be a possibility thinker! The answer is "sometimes." I lead a seminar in Atlanta and I told this story about my friend, Mike. Two ladies went shopping at the break and when they came back with shopping bags they were so excited they couldn't wait to tell me. "We did it! We went shopping at Macy's and we asked for a discount!" "Did it work?" Overcome with excitement one stammered, turned to her friend and shouted, "Show him your underwear!" They had gone brazier shopping and got 25% off the top, just for asking! Mike's story taught me that it's true, "If you don't ask, you don't get!" And that's an important lesson for business. Where you work, isn't asking vital to getting? Be sure to ask for what you want. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=123 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=123#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2007 10:30:51 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/04/26/episode-117-try-50-new-things-every-month/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=123 1:50 I recommend, try 50 new things every month. 50. Doesn't that sound obnoxious? Put it in perspective. That's less than 2 a day. And just ... I recommend, try 50 new things every month. 50. Doesn't that sound obnoxious? Put it in perspective. That's less than 2 a day. And just keep them simple. For example ndash; go to work by a different route and be sure to look up at the tops of trees and good architecture. Most Americans don't look higher than the tops of their eyebrows and miss experiencing some beautiful things. Other ideas: eat something different for lunch, make that phone call you keep putting off, volunteer for a risky assignment. Gayle and I have a little game we play. Our kids do this, too. Whenever any of us goes grocery shopping, we always buy one item we have never ever bought before. We are pushovers for new and improved. The cost is low and we have a pantry full of interesting food. And you know what? By voluntarily trying new things, it exercises your mind to stay flexible and receptive to change. It keeps your comfort zone from crusting over and blocking you from fully enjoying the exciting new times we are blessed to be living in! All week we've talked about my 10-20-30-40-50 Resiliency System, which is a smart way for business people to stay strong, confident and happy in fast changing times. Here it is again: Read for 10 minutes every morning. Spend 20 minutes a day around positive, upbeat, optimistic people Say 30 positive things about yourself back to yourself every day. Say "Thank you," 40 times a day. Try 50 new things every month, which is only 2 a day. And keep them simple. Copyright 2000 by Doug Smart. All rights reserved. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=122 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=122#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2007 10:30:49 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/04/24/episode-116-say-thank-you-40-times-a-day/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=122 1:43 Here's a great little tip for putting more joy into your life right now. A lot of you know this one already, but it's fun ... Here's a great little tip for putting more joy into your life right now. A lot of you know this one already, but it's fun to hear it again. I suggest you say, "Thank you," 40 times a day. Zig Zigler calls this the attitude of gratitude. Life is good right now. You've got people around you who don't believe life is good. They might be your co-workers, customers ndash; even your family members. They'll tell you that life is tough but that one day it will get good. And they're right. But do you know when it'll get good? -- 10 years from now when they can safely look to the past, to the "good old days," and fondly remember how good it was: "life was easier then; we didn't have the worries of today; times weren't as crazy." Baloney! Everyone faced big challenges back then, too, just like now (every stage of life brings it's big challenges). Funny thing about human nature, though, people tend to think fondly about things that happened over 10 years ago. And some are perpetually waiting for the video to come out so they can enjoy life by looking backwards. I ask, "Why wait 10 years? Why waste 10 years?" Enjoy life now! This is it. Saying, "Thank you," 40 times a day puts things in perspective, smoothes life's jagged edges and helps us feel the peace that comes with appreciation. I say that by saying "Thank you," 40 times a day you can feel appreciation for the good things you've got while still working to make them better. Copyright 2000 by Doug Smart. All rights reserved. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=121 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=121#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2007 10:30:02 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/04/19/episode-115-say-30-positive-things-about-yourself-to-yourself-every-day/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=121 1:51 Saying positive affirmations about yourself is powerful. 3000 years ago King Solomon noted that as a man thinks, he becomes. How often do you affirm ... Saying positive affirmations about yourself is powerful. 3000 years ago King Solomon noted that as a man thinks, he becomes. How often do you affirm the best in yourself? I recommend to all business people, say 30 positive things about yourself to yourself everyday. You want to say things that reflect your deep inner truth. Most will start with "I am." On my list I have: "I am a child of God. I am a good father. I am a doer. I am optimistic and enthusiastic. I am lucky. I am a risk taker so that I gain security. I am an internationally known motivational speaker." All that sounds very straight-forward, but I'll tell you, it took me 3 months to make the list. When I first wrote down those things I didn't totally believe them. The acid test is this. Read your list every morning while standing in front of a mirror. The hard part will be not flinching. You see, there are 6 billion people on Earth and you have the ability to lie to every one except one. Who's that? Yourself! I want you to write out a list of 30 positive things about yourself that express the real you ndash; both the way you are now and what you believe you are capable of becoming -- and then every morning stand in front of a mirror and say those things to yourself. It's an emotionally healthy and powerful way to affirm your personal truth that your business life may have buried deep under the layers. Bring it back up. Live it! Copyright 2000 by Doug Smart. All rights reserved. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=120 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=120#comments Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:30:09 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/04/17/episode-114-spend-at-least-20-minutes-daily-with-positive-people/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=120 1:37 You and I become the people around us. So I say, spend 20 minutes a day around positive, motivated, optimistic people. People who are good ... You and I become the people around us. So I say, spend 20 minutes a day around positive, motivated, optimistic people. People who are good for you. They'll recharge your batteries. We all know there are two kinds of people ndash; those who bring you down and those who bring you up. Be sure to invite uplifting people into your life. And if you don't have any, go rent some! Borrow the motivational tapes your optimistic friends listen to. And I'd like to see you spend more time with those optimistic friends. Enjoy having lunch with them and talking on the phone for a few minutes. That's what I do. It's smart to enjoy people in your life who show up and bring you up. Here is what I mean. Christine is the little girl who lives across the street. One day she came over and asked, "Mr. Doug, can I catch bugs in your garden today?" "Sure, Christine, but why don't you catch bugs in your garden?" "Because my daddy sprays and he says you don't. And last night he told Mamma, again, that the big ones are coming from your side." Isn't that precious? And don't you and I need people around us who are as real as that child? They don't play games, no politics, no telling you what you want to hear. Just real, straightforward, positive people with a zest for life. Spend 20 minutes a day around positive, motivated, optimistic people. Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=119 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=119#comments Thu, 12 Apr 2007 10:30:42 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/04/12/episode-113-read-for-10-minutes-every-morning/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=119 1:44 Ever wake up to music? Ever have the first song of the day stick in your head and you can't get it out? You're OK ... Ever wake up to music? Ever have the first song of the day stick in your head and you can't get it out? You're OK if it's a happy, upbeat song. But what if it's one of those depressing heart stoppers? Like baby ducks, our earliest images tend to stick. I say, for 10 minutes every morning, it's a smart idea to go read. Fill you head with something beneficial. Grab something to read that is inspirational, motivational or "how to." For me, I love to read biographies -- how did other people fight the lions, tigers and bears? I'll grab a computer magazine. I'm not particularly computer literate so I'll read an article to learn something new and maybe risk trying it out during the day. Or I'll grab a seed catalog. I love to garden, and it's spring in my house any morning I choose. Seed catalogs are packed with optimism and the empowering message, "You can grow this, too!" What I'm saying is it's smart to put wholesome brain groceries in your head for a fresh start. Start your day strong. Ignore the TV, radio and newspaper until later -- all you'll miss is a diet that might be setting you up for feeling down. And avoid getting dependent on outside media to jumpstart your feelings anyhow. Instead, take charge and go read for 10 minutes every morning. It's a smart start to a terrific day every day. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=118 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=118#comments Tue, 10 Apr 2007 10:30:45 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/04/10/episode-112-enjoy-life%e2%80%99s-precious-little-moments/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=118 1:46 When I got to my aisle seat on the plane, two young boys were already buckled into the seats next to me. I smiled and ... When I got to my aisle seat on the plane, two young boys were already buckled into the seats next to me. I smiled and thought, ldquo;OK, Irsquo;ll just read my newspaper.rdquo; But as I settled in, I heard a little voice say, ldquo;Hi.rdquo; Well, how could I resist? 8 and 6 years old, they were so excited about flying to visit their Aunt Sue in Las Vegas they could hardly contain themselves! We chatted about everything. I learned the hotel they were going to had 5 swimming pools and they intended to splash in each one. They educated me about dinosaur movies, books on tape, video games and Brittany Spears. They couldnrsquo;t remember the name of the last movie they saw but the 8 year old said it was about a young athlete who helped an old lady by donating his kidney stone. Cute, huh? When the conversation flagged, I picked up my newspaper, which prompted the 6 year old to toss out a great conversation starter. He said, ldquo;Irsquo;ve been told meat has protein.rdquo; Well, of course, that gave us new things to talk about. As we prepared to land, I congratulated their parents on a terrific job raising two fine young men and how refreshing it was to get out of my world for a couple of hours and enjoy the childrenrsquo;s. It energized me for the rest of the day. And you know what? I recommend to you -- itrsquo;s smart to re-energize yourself by enjoying lifersquo;s precious moments, such as real conversation with children. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=117 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=117#comments Thu, 29 Mar 2007 10:30:09 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/03/29/episode-111-how-to-work-smart-with-change-avoiders/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=117 1:50 When it comes to change, psychologists tell us that about 30% of people instinctively dig in and fight to avoid the change. It's as if ... When it comes to change, psychologists tell us that about 30% of people instinctively dig in and fight to avoid the change. It's as if wiring inside of them sets off a warning alarm that clamors, "Something is about to be taken away from me!" How can you work best with these Change Avoiders? Here are 12 smart ideas: Try to pinpoint specific reasons for resistance to a particular change. Listen and try to understand their concerns ndash; their pessimism in this case may be well founded. Respect that their resistance can be based on both feelings and past experiences. Provide training and opportunities for new positive experiences. Keep your word. Partner them with people who have embraced the new change. Avoid giving them a high visibility position assuming the change will "bring them around" faster. Avoid the trap of devoting more energy to this group than to the Embracers and Acceptors. Accept that it's unlikely you'll gain the support of everyone. Don't back them into a corner that forces them to "prove" your idea won't work. Never tolerate insubordination or sabotage that undermines the organization. Smile more. If you would like a list of these 12 smart tips for working with Change Avoiders, be sure to copy it from the Smarter by the Minute web site at DAER.com. And for a copy of all 3 sets of smart tips, just e-mail us at Doug@DougSmart.com. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=116 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=116#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:36:06 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/03/27/episode-110-how-to-work-smart-with-change-acceptors/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=116 1:35 To cope with the stress of change, about 50% of people are willing to change but they are extra cautious. They want to feel comfortable ... To cope with the stress of change, about 50% of people are willing to change but they are extra cautious. They want to feel comfortable with a new idea before committing to it, that is, before they accept it. How can you work best with these cautious Change Acceptors? Here are 10 smart ideas: Respect their reluctance and do not attempt intimidating them into accepting change. If appropriate, propose the change as a 5 week experiment. Offer encouragement, reassurance and training. Offer evidence and endorsements that support the rationale for the change. Be honest in your communication; yet err on the side of optimism. Give them something to believe in. Show genuine appreciation for their efforts to make the change work. Don't penalize for "failure." Share success stories and evidence that the change is working as expected (or better). For "Change Acceptors" who enjoy the spotlight, publicly endorse their personal successes. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=115 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=115#comments Thu, 15 Mar 2007 10:30:49 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/03/15/episode-109-how-to-work-smart-with-change-embracers/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=115 00:01:01 Change can be stressful to everyone. However, psychologists tell us about 20% of people generally enjoy change. If a new idea sounds solid to them, ... Change can be stressful to everyone. However, psychologists tell us about 20% of people generally enjoy change. If a new idea sounds solid to them, they can quickly make peace with their comfort zones and get on board. OK, so when you have a terrific idea that you want the team to accept, how can you work best with these Change Embracers? Here are 10 smart ideas: Talk with them before a meeting and get their support before you "go public." Enlist their aid in winning over others. Let their enthusiasm be a guiding light for others. Specifically ask for their input to improve your new idea. If qualified, give them lead roles. NEVER take them for granted. Reward their willingness to risk. Stay loyal to them. Talk in terms of benefits ndash; both personally and professionally. Publicly celebrate the successes of the Change Embracers, as this tends to demonstrate to others that change is not as scary as it feels. If you would like a list of these 10 smart tips for working with Change Embracers, be sure to copy it from the Smarter by the Minute web site. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=114 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=114#comments Tue, 13 Mar 2007 16:24:34 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/03/13/episode-108-timesmart-training-starts-at-home/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=114 1:40 One of the seminars I lead is called TimeSmart: What to Do When You Have More to Do Than There is Time to Do It ... One of the seminars I lead is called TimeSmart: What to Do When You Have More to Do Than There is Time to Do It In and typically I ask audience members to share with us time management tips that help them succeed in today's hyper world. Surprisingly, a lot of the tips offered are for time management at home! My wife and I collected them into a book titled, TimeSmart. I have a neat one to share with you today. Teri Maun of Tulsa ahs a delightful way of teaching her children how to be ready in the morning in a relaxed unrushed way. Terri says friends call it the Maun Method. She says, fifteen minutes before bedtime each night, as a family they do the following: Each child's school clothes are hung on the closet door. Mom does, too. And the rule is, they may not change their minds in the morning ndash; including Mom. Backpacks are filled and put by the front door. Lunches and snacks are made and put in the refrigerator. The table is set with bowls and cereal boxes for breakfast. Than a short list of anything special needed for school ndash; with those items ndash; is set on the table by the bowls. You cannot come down to breakfast until completely dressed Once you walk out the door to the car, there is no going back in. That includes Mom, too, That's it. Isn't more civilized than the morning madness many of us face? Teri is a smart Mom. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=113 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=113#comments Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:25:01 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/03/01/episode-107-how-healthy-is-it-to-compare-ourselves-to-each-other/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=113 1:43 Recently I did a segment on our natural, human tendency to compare ourselves with others. Listeners in Calgary and Cleveland e-mailed that we just should ... Recently I did a segment on our natural, human tendency to compare ourselves with others. Listeners in Calgary and Cleveland e-mailed that we just should never make comparisons at all because each of us is unique. To that I say, I agree with the unique part, but let's not get crazy here. It's human nature to compare ourselves to other people. It's one way we quickly discover what we are capable of without having to make every mistake possible. Queen Elizabeth II said about her family, "We learned the way a monkey learns ndash; by watching its parents." Observing others is also healthy for developing careers, much like it's healthy for organizations to benchmark the best practices of companies who do similar work. However, I caution my listeners to not make comparisons that bring them down, such as: "Larry is great at presenting ideas and getting managers to agree with him. I'm not. I'll never be as good as Larry. Why waste my time trying?" That unhealthy thinking stops a person cold. I think it's smarter to take control: "I'm not Larry, but I like the professional way he presents ideas. I'm going to speak up more often until I learn how to present ideas just as well ndash; or better!" Here's something else, if you want to motivate someone to improve, especially a child, never tell him he should be like someone else. He'll resent it just as much as you do. Instead, talk about developing the talents you recognize in him. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=112 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=112#comments Tue, 27 Feb 2007 17:06:10 +0000 Doug 139062390 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=112 1:34 A teenager was boasting to a police officer how he bought a car with an awesome engine that could powerfully out run any patrol car. ... A teenager was boasting to a police officer how he bought a car with an awesome engine that could powerfully out run any patrol car. The boy had done his homework. He cited remarkable statistics about engine size, configuration and horsepower. The policeman listened intently, even nodded his head a few times. When the young man finished, the officer calmly informed him, "Impressive. But I've never seen one yet that could out run a radio." Ooops! The teen got so focused on getting something big he forgot to look ahead. Business professionals sometimes do that, too. We concentrate on getting the promotion or landing an account and sometimes we forget to look ahead. Maybe the tradeoff for the promotion is that now you'll work 10 hours a week more. Maybe the tradeoff for the big account is that you'll have to let go of a smaller account you love working on. Dr. Wayne Dyer wrote, "There are no right or wrong business decisions, only ones with different potential outcomes." When you have your sights set on something big, it's smart to look ahead to the potential outcomes that'll start clicking in the right after you succeed. I have a gift for you. For a free subscription to my monthly e-newsletter, SMART IDEAS for Leaders, click on Smarter by the Minute at DougSmart.com. The newsletter is free. I look forward to hearing from you! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=111 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=111#comments Thu, 22 Feb 2007 10:30:47 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/02/22/episode-105-unfair-comparisons-are-unreasonable/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=111 1:40 I bet you hated it when your mother asked, "Why can't you be more like your sister?" That's a good line for seeding an ulcer ... I bet you hated it when your mother asked, "Why can't you be more like your sister?" That's a good line for seeding an ulcer in a young stomach. But you know what? Many professionals twist their stomachs into perpetual pretzels by constantly reminding themselves they are not as good as other people at work. They make unfair comparisons that are unreasonable. Here are some examples: "I don't have patience like Susan for training new employees." "I can't think fast like Tony when it comes to working with customer complaints." "I wish I had money like Pat, then I wouldn't be stuck here." The challenge is you're comparing their peak to your valley, their fantastic to your okay, their Ferrari to your Ford, and, of course, you come across as the perpetual second runner up. How's that for ulcer food? I think it's smarter to see them as proof that what you want is obtainable and that, if you really want it, you need to figure out how to get it, too. For example, reframe the comparisons like this: "I admire Susan's patience. I'm going to practice having patience like Susan." "If Tony can train himself to think fast, then I can, too, because I'm good at solving challenges. I'm going to get more experience in public speaking." "Pat knows some things about making money that I don't. I'm going to ask her what books and magazines she reads about investing." I say it's smart to use comparisons when they light your path. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=110 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=110#comments Tue, 20 Feb 2007 10:30:03 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/02/20/episode-104-i-wish-i-knew-then-what-i-know-now/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=110 1:36 Sometimes it takes years, but eventually we all learn valuable lessons. Here are some things I wish I had known years ago. Now ... Sometimes it takes years, but eventually we all learn valuable lessons. Here are some things I wish I had known years ago. Now I know that no matter how hard I try to please others, some people will refuse to be pleased. And at that point it's their problem, not mine. Now I know that I am 50% of every relationship, no matter how powerful the other person is. I can never be more, but I can pretend to be less. Now I know it's up to me to teach people how I want to be treated and that people will never give me any more respect than I am willing to give myself. Now I know that if somebody offers me something, and I want it, instead of politely saying, "No," it's smart to say, "Yes, I'll take it. Thank you." Now I know that whenever I propose a positive change, I'll get 3 responses. Some will embrace it, others will cautiously accept it, and the rest will instantly resist it. It's smart for me to first win over the embracers and acceptors and then together we will work on the resisters. I want to pass along some other smart ideas to you. For a free subscription to SMART IDEAS for Leaders monthly e-newsletter, click on Smarter by the Minute at the DAER site and then click on "Talk Back to Doug." The newsletter is free. I look forward to hearing from you! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=109 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=109#comments Thu, 15 Feb 2007 10:30:57 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/02/15/episode-103-people-will-pay-well-for-anything-you-do-above-average/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=109 1:46 Erica Jong wrote, "Everyone has a talent. What is rare is the courage to nurture it." And here was a teenager who asked earnestly how ... Erica Jong wrote, "Everyone has a talent. What is rare is the courage to nurture it." And here was a teenager who asked earnestly how she could become a success because she believed she was talent-less. I replied, "I know you have talents." She frowned, said, "No," and got ready to defend her position, so I cut her off by asking, "What is something you love to do? It could be dancing, swimming, drawing, singing, problem solving, writing news for the school paper, organizing food drives at church, coordinating fashions, caring for animals or any of hundreds of things. What ever it is, keep doing it until you are better than most people in your school. You don't have to be the best, but you have to be above average. Later, when you are out of school, keep doing it until you are better than most people in your business. You don't have to be the best, but you have to be above average. People will pay well for anything you can do that's above average." That was my advice to her. I hope it resonated. I believe that where a person's heart is where her moneymaking talent is. And that most people dismiss their talents as insignificant because they see a few people who are better skilled. I like the advice of Henry van Dyke, who wrote, "Use what talent you possess. The woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best." Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=108 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=108#comments Tue, 06 Feb 2007 10:30:50 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/02/06/episode-102-e-mail-savvy-how-to-get-your-e-mails-read/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=108 1:45 Millions of e-mails are clicked into cyberspace every day. So what can you do to help ensure that your e-mails get read and responded to? ... Millions of e-mails are clicked into cyberspace every day. So what can you do to help ensure that your e-mails get read and responded to? Get ready, because in hyper speed, here come eight smart ideas for teaching others that your e-mails are important. Include your name ndash; not just your e-mail address ndash; on the sender line. If they don't recognize whom it's from, busy people might consider it junk mail. Tag your outgoing messages "urgent" only you mean it. Ever hear the one about the boy who cried "wolf?" Put a title on the subject line that describes what's in your message. And update the title every time you respond. As the message evolves, let the title grow up, too. Be brief. Like any good business writing, get to the point right away. Use facts and examples to strengthen your points. Never forward trash, chain letters, or offers about how Microsoft will pay money just for reading e-mails. All that stuff makes you look like a fool. Pay attention to grammar. Some people think that skipping capitalization, commas and periods is cute. I think it's stupid and unprofessional. Favor a positive tone of voice in your writing. A negative slant is just as dreary in e-mail as it is over a cup of coffee. In your e-mail, always make clear what you want the reader to do as the next step. It's smart to be a spotlight of clarity on an Information Highway that got congested too fast. Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=107 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=107#comments Thu, 01 Feb 2007 10:30:54 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/02/01/episode-101-fostering-the-respect-you-deserve/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=107 1:49 For some people, respect is something they hope happens. But smart leaders know, respect is something that is carefully nurtured like a fragile seedling, and ... For some people, respect is something they hope happens. But smart leaders know, respect is something that is carefully nurtured like a fragile seedling, and that even when it's roots are established, respect still needs regular care and feeding so that it stays strong and healthy. How do you encourage seeds of mutual respect to mature into strong oaks? Here are 4 necessary ingredients. If you are missing any or let some go unrepaired, you risk missing out on satisfying relationships based on healthy respect. To get respect you have to give respect. Be willing to really trust the other person. People respect and appreciate when you take a risk on them. Be a good listener. It's universal: people want to feel that they are heard. I'll tell you right now, you have little patience and even less respect for people who refuse to listen to you. So being a great listener is important. To earn respect you also have to be above average in something. Think of the people you have high respect for. They are ordinary people who have a few above average qualities. For example, a respected mother demonstrates sky-high loyalty for her child. A respected boss has earned recognition for sales, productivity or dedication. A respected co-worker keeps her word. We all respect those who work hard at becoming better than average in a few things. Practice all 4 of these and you'll find the effort you invest will grow great results of strong mutual respect. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=106 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=106#comments Tue, 30 Jan 2007 10:30:09 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/01/30/episode-100-emergency-911/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=106 1:43 Oh, the things people put up with to make a living! If you've been in business long, I know you hear some crazy requests. The ... Oh, the things people put up with to make a living! If you've been in business long, I know you hear some crazy requests. The 911 operators do. I was hired to lead a creativity seminar for city workers in Charlotte, North Carolina, including 911 operators. They told me some funny stories that I'll share with you. (For our listeners outside of the United States, 911 is the direct phone number for emergency help, including police.) Caller: "Please call my house at 5 a.m." 911: "Why?" Caller: "I need a wake up call." 911: "We don't do that." Caller: "Since you're up all night anyhow, I thought you could give me a wake-up call." Caller: "I need to take milk with my medicine. Send a patrolman over with some milk." 911: "Ma'am, do you have family who can bring the milk to you?" Caller: "Yes, but I don't want to bother them at this time of night." A frightened security guard at a store coaxed rowdy kids out of the store, locked the door and reported them. The 911 operator asked, "Will you be there to let the officer in?" "No," he whispered, "I'm going to hide." You have had some strange calls from customers, too. I'd love to hear and share them. E-mail me with your stories, Doug@SmarterbytheMinute.com Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=105 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=105#comments Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:30:41 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/01/25/episode-99-is-direct-eye-contact-impolite/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=105 00:01:01 Recently, I recommended that if you don't look people in the eye when talking, you could unconsciously send subtle signals that you are devious, untrustworthy, ... Recently, I recommended that if you don't look people in the eye when talking, you could unconsciously send subtle signals that you are devious, untrustworthy, or lack confidence. Sharon in Seattle wrote, "In some cultures direct eye contact is considered impolite. Sometimes it's disrespectful to look into people's eyes." Thanks for your e-mail, Sharon. It brought back something that happened to me years ago and taught me an unforgettable lesson. Trying extra hard to be polite, I used to avoid looking in the eyes of Asian people, that is, until an acquaintance of Asian ancestry clobbered me with, "Doug, you are a racist." She said, "You won't look at me when you talk to me and I don't like it. You're assuming all Asian people are the same. We are not. When you refuse to look Asians in the eyes you are making judgments based on race. That's not right. We are not all the same." That was an eye-opener. Here's how I handle it now. When I travel, I demonstrate respect by following local customs. But when I'm home in America, I treat everyone the same. In American business, we expect honest, caring people to make eye contact. The custom here is to look people in the eyes. So that's what I do. If the other person shows signs of being uncomfortable with that, than I choose to tone down the direct eye contact. But it's a conscious decision, not a knee-jerk reaction based on a person's ancestry. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=104 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=104#comments Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:30:54 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/01/23/episode-98-create-your-own-think-tank/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=104 1:39 Greg Vetter, a productivity consultant in Atlanta, whose client list includes Cocoa-Cola, recommends, "To learn lsquo;best practices' fast without having to make a lot of ... Greg Vetter, a productivity consultant in Atlanta, whose client list includes Cocoa-Cola, recommends, "To learn lsquo;best practices' fast without having to make a lot of frustrating mistakes along the way, start a lsquo;Mastermind Group.'" Greg has started a think tank of professionals who do work similar to him, some are even his competitors. "It's smart to start a think tank," says Greg, "to germinate new ideas, freshen up old ideas and to learn success secrets others have stumbled on the hard way." His group meets once a month for two hours and the members take turns as chairperson. Every meeting has a theme, an agenda and each person contributes at least one idea that they have personally found works or doesn't work. The gatherings are up-beat, fast-paced and fluff is not tolerated. People are expected to bring handouts for each other if the topic is something visual, such as critiquing marketing materials or designing web pages. And every meeting includes 35 minutes of open forum for asking for solutions to challenges, such as how to find a great printer at a reasonable cost or draw more traffic to a web site. And what about competitors working together? Greg says, "We may occasionally compete for an account but the bottom line is, the higher we raise the level of professionalism amongst ourselves, the better it is for all clients and us." Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=103 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=103#comments Thu, 18 Jan 2007 10:30:08 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/01/18/episode-97-choosing-positivity/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=103 00:01:01 Negativity is everywhere and most people don't even realize they are contributing. For example, when co-workers get together for a coffee break, it's considered normal ... Negativity is everywhere and most people don't even realize they are contributing. For example, when co-workers get together for a coffee break, it's considered normal to complain, "I didn't even want to get out of bed this morning!" But let someone join the group saying, "Good Morning, everyone! My life is wonderful!" and people start muttering, "what's the matter with her?" Jack Canfield, who co-authored Chicken Soup for the Soul, says you and I talk to ourselves 70,000 times a day! Dr. Shad Helmstetter says as much as 80% of that personal, private self-talk is negative. Too quickly, we box ourselves in with, "Oh no, I couldn't. That never works for me. I'm not smart enough, talented enough or good looking enough." I say, choose to substitute positivity for negativity. For instance, instead of grumbling about the weather (something you can't do anything about), talk positively and appreciatively about your good health and best opportunities (both of which you impact daily). Talk about the good in others, not the bad. Focus more of your energy on accomplishing positive results in business and invest less energy in tolerating negative shortcomings. Think about finding ways to get more of what makes you happy and spend less time thinking about how things make you unhappy. This positions you in a positive, pro-active mode instead of a being cramped in a reactive defensive box. I say, when negativity is everywhere, choosing positivity is smart for you. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=102 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=102#comments Tue, 16 Jan 2007 10:30:09 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/01/16/episode-96-n-is-for-nod/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=102 00:01:01 The N in S.O.F.T.E.N. is for nod. When I speak, sometimes my head bobs up and down enthusiastically. It's automatic. Only a neck brace could ... The N in S.O.F.T.E.N. is for nod. When I speak, sometimes my head bobs up and down enthusiastically. It's automatic. Only a neck brace could stop it. Occasionally I've pointed out to audiences that after a few minutes with me, many of them start to do -- guess what? Nod! Their heads bob up and down. What does their mimicking signify to me? They are listening. They are into the moment. They might not be agreeing with me but they are willing to listen, absorb and consider what I am saying. How do you think that makes me feel? Great! In business, when you are in the presence of a disagreeable person, such as a jerk, one way to soften him up is to gently mimic his body posture. For example, if the person is leaning back and his hands are on the table, it's smart for you to lean back slightly and place your hands on the table. If she is standing with hands on hips, you do the same thing. If you are subtle about this, it will subconsciously feel good to the other person and take some tension out of the moment. Now here's a smart idea: If you'd like an e-mailed copy of all 5 segments on how to S.O.F.T.E.N. disagreeable people, such as jerks, just e-mail me. You'll find my e-address on the DAER web page. Just click on Smarter by the Minute to find it. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=101 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=101#comments Thu, 11 Jan 2007 10:30:24 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/01/11/episode-95-e-is-for-eye-contact/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=101 1:50 E is for eye contact. In one of my seminars, a policewoman told us that in her police academy training they teach that people who ... E is for eye contact. In one of my seminars, a policewoman told us that in her police academy training they teach that people who won't look you in the eye are hiding something and to be suspicious of them. I have asked business executives and sales people all across America to tell me what it means when a person refuses to look you in the eye. The lists always include: lying, devious, untrustworthy, shifty, distrusting, uncaring, low self-esteem, shy, scared, intimidated. OK, well, what if someone acting like a jerk comes into your workspace and you have to listen but you choose to not look at him or her? Say, for instance, you decide to be efficient by listening while you sort through your messages, check e-mails, and hunt for a document on your desk. "Hey, I hear you. Keep talking. I'm just looking for something." What signal might you be sending about yourself? That you are lying, devious and all those negative things! Couldn't that make the jerk jerkier ndash; louder, more obnoxious to get your attention? And then you wonder why they don't settle down? I say, if you are going to be there, be there. 2 minutes of eye-to-eye contact is more effective than 15 minutes of being efficient. Martin Buxbaum said, "It is just as important to listen to someone with your eyes as it is with your ears." You can S.O.F.T.E.N. disagreeable people by looking them in the eyes. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=100 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=100#comments Tue, 09 Jan 2007 10:30:46 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/01/09/episode-94-t-is-for-touch/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=100 1:51 In order to S.O.F.T.E.N. people who are resisting you, it's smart to remember the T is for touch. Human touch is basic for bonding, even ... In order to S.O.F.T.E.N. people who are resisting you, it's smart to remember the T is for touch. Human touch is basic for bonding, even in business. I learned this many years ago when I was selling real estate. I met a family of 5 in the office. I shook hands with the mother, father, and 2 children. But when I extended my hand to Grandma, she looked down and took a tiny step backward. The subtle message to me was: "don't touch the old lady." Fine. We piled into my car and spent the next few hours exploring houses. As it got dark we found a perfect one ndash; right size, right price, right condition, right schools, right everything. Being late, we agreed to get together in the morning to do business. But the next morning the mother called to say they couldn't buy the house because Grandma didn't approve. Now Grandma hadn't said anything negative in the car. Actually, she hadn't said anything! We had laughed, joked, swapped stories, and gotten excited in the car ndash; all except Grandma. She didn't participate. Now, guess who had the down payment money? Guess who was the real decision maker? Grandma! What did I learn from this? The failure to connect at the start with a touch could signal there are hidden issues and it would be smart to spend more time in the office talking about what is to be accomplished and less time flailing around for solutions. Touch is important for bonding, even in business. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=99 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=99#comments Thu, 04 Jan 2007 10:30:29 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2007/01/02/episode-93-o-is-for-open-posture-and-f-is-for-forward-lean/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=99 1:44 The S in S.O.F.T.E.N. is for smile. The O is for open posture. If you are in the presence of someone acting like a jerk ... The S in S.O.F.T.E.N. is for smile. The O is for open posture. If you are in the presence of someone acting like a jerk ndash; like an upset customer who intends to bully you to get his way, I recommend you maintain an open posture. Why? Well, if you do the opposite, say you fold your arms defensively, slouch and stare at the ceiling, you will plainly signal your disinterest. Expect this to energize the jerk to increase his offensive behavior against you. He will do what he has to do to get you to hear him, including heightened sarcasm, ugly words or screaming. It's smart to put yourself into an open posture, such as standing or sitting tall and leaning slightly forward to signal that you are open and receptive to understanding his feelings. This demonstrates that you are probably listening ndash; not that you are agreeing ndash; but that you are willing to process his message. The F in S.O.F.T.E.N. is for forward lean. Don't you love it when you meet a new business contact and feel like you've known her forever? She is doing something you don't notice. She leans forward when you speak and it feels good. Politicians know this. Why does this soften people? I think it's because you and I have experienced enough rejection that when someone leans forward when we speak the sensation is exceedingly pleasant. It's like a symphony heard by the soul. You can S.O.F.T.E.N. disagreeable people by maintaining an open posture and leaning forward. Try it! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=98 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=98#comments Tue, 02 Jan 2007 10:30:14 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/01/02/episode-92-putting-the-s-in-how-to-soften-a-jerk/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=98 1:37 Jerks happen. You can spot them instantly. You can see someone enter the room ndash; someone you have never laid eyes on before ndash; and ... Jerks happen. You can spot them instantly. You can see someone enter the room ndash; someone you have never laid eyes on before ndash; and your inner sensors tell you, Jerk-alert! It's like he or she has a blazing neon sign flashing overhead: JERKhellip;JERKhellip;JERK! Let's say you're at work and this person is about to enter your life. What can you do to quickly S.O.F.T.E.N. them up, without caving in or getting into a therapy session? The S in S.O.F.T.E.N is for smile. I'm from the South and I've seen Southern ladies in action: a simple smile packs the power of an airbag in a Toyota. A smile is disarming, especially when it happens unexpectedly. If someone smiles at you, without even thinking about it, what do you do back? Smile. It's instinctive. And it can instantly take the edge off of a tense moment. Whether you're a man or a woman, the best thing about a smile is you already have all the skill you need to make one. Figure this, if you do the opposite and dig in with a defensive look that says, "I'm ready for battle, jerk. Come at me!" -- it would be like throwing lighter fluid on a bar-be-que. No matter how good you are at dishing it out, the jerk probably has more practice. Don't play his game because he'll win. Instead, it's smart to use a smile to help establish the business tone you want. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=97 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=97#comments Thu, 28 Dec 2006 10:30:11 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/12/28/episode-91-smart-pov-your-diversity-perspective/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=97 1:34 When it comes to diversity, it's smart to keep in mind diversity is not just about people's culture. If you have brothers and sisters, then ... When it comes to diversity, it's smart to keep in mind diversity is not just about people's culture. If you have brothers and sisters, then you know the people who grew up in the same house are diverse. Each is unique. They shared the same environment but different experiences. Now they each have different perspectives on what is happening. On your work team in the office and your family team at home, it's smart to anticipate that at crucial times your teammates will see things differently than you. And that's not right or wrong ndash; it's just different. Here's one of my favorite stories about diverse thinking. A six year old's mom fretted about taking her son to his grandmother's wake because she didn't want this to create a traumatic memory. To prepare him, on the way to the funeral parlor they had a long talk about death as a natural part of the process of life and nothing to be feared. Holding his small hand, they slowly approached the open casket. She knelt to pray. He stood and peered into the coffin silently processing this new scene. Solemnly he leaned toward his mother and whispered into her ear, "She sure is taking it well." Isn't that a cute story? Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "People only see what they are prepared to see." I say it's smart to keep in mind that different perspectives keep us diverse, too. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=96 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=96#comments Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:30:44 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/12/21/episode-90-important-words-from-your-lips-to-their-souls-in-business-too/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=96 1:41 Several years ago, in a seminar, I did an exercise in which I had people partner with a stranger and say one thing they admired ... Several years ago, in a seminar, I did an exercise in which I had people partner with a stranger and say one thing they admired in the stranger. After a moment of awkward silence, the room burst into excited chatter about smiles, teeth, clothes, attitudes, confidence, enthusiasm, etc. Later, as everyone left, Ken, the 35 year old manager of a plumbing supply store, felt compelled to tell me that in his old job, his boss of 6 years never once complimented him and never once said "thank you" for anything that was work related. Ken did not strike me as the sensitive type but he did strike me as being human. Appreciate that what you say or don't say impacts other's lives. Here's what I call Important Words for Strengthening Respect in Any Relationship: 1 most important word: Thanks 2 most important words: I care. 3 most important words: You are important. 4 most important words: What do you think? 5 most important words: I am proud of you. "I am proud of you" is especially important. Likely, there is someone to whom your opinion of him or her secretly matters a great deal -- it might be your kids, spouse or parents -- and that someone may be starving to hear those words from you. It's unhealthy to withhold nourishment. If your compliments can re-energize a stranger like Ken, how much more powerful they can be with people connected to you! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=95 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=95#comments Tue, 19 Dec 2006 10:30:55 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/12/19/episode-89-they-jump-all-over-your-mistakes-so/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=95 1:40 To make mistakes is to be human. Be proud of your blunders! Robert Kennedy said, "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve ... To make mistakes is to be human. Be proud of your blunders! Robert Kennedy said, "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." Greatness is in you. Thoreau noted, "Men are born to succeed, not fail." But what about the people who criticize when you make mistakes? Smile and think of Bill Cosby who said, "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is to try to please everyone." One successful person who didn't try to please everyone was Roughrider Teddy Roosevelt, who was a war hero, President, and initiator of the National Park System. He wrote, "It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes up short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at best, knows the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." Do you remember Nike took that same message and squished it down into 3 words? "Just do it." Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=94 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=94#comments Thu, 14 Dec 2006 10:30:06 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/12/14/episode-88-identify-what-is-right/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=94 1:40 In seminars, I sometimes flash onto the screen 3 simple additions, including 5 + 5 = 11. I ask the audience, ldquo;What do you see ... In seminars, I sometimes flash onto the screen 3 simple additions, including 5 + 5 = 11. I ask the audience, ldquo;What do you see here?rdquo; Most people holler back, ldquo;One is wrong!rdquo; Only twice has someone stated ndash; and I remember because it is so rare -- ldquo;Two are right!rdquo; My point is that in American culture, it is normal to focus on what is wrong instead of right. Irsquo;m not saying itrsquo;s healthy to celebrate a 66% success rate, but maybe we are too hasty to point out mistakes, because in a fast changing world, pounding the mistakes stifles creativity. And it can kill enthusiasm. I presented a seminar for the U.S. Navy and sure enough, the audience was fast to tell me one was wrong. We discussed it, then a young officer shared with us that his son was so thrilled to be going to first grade that for days he kept asking, ldquo;Is tomorrow when I start school?rdquo; The first few days of school were great. With excitement he told his parents about the teacher and kids and cool stuff they learned. Then he came home dejected and didnrsquo;t want to talk about it. Crumpled up in his lunchbox his mother found a quiz; in red the teacher had written ldquo;-3.rdquo; The boyrsquo;s enthusiasm was never as bright. The young officer said to us, ldquo;For the love of God, why couldnrsquo;t she have written +7?rdquo; Anyone can find fault. Be smart. Look for opportunities to praise their successes! Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=93 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=93#comments Tue, 12 Dec 2006 10:30:33 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/12/12/episode-87-4-smart-tips-for-quickly-increasing-your-influence/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=93 1:42 It may seem that the people who get the most respect and best treatment are the noisy show-off ones. Actually, nowadays, the ones who have ... It may seem that the people who get the most respect and best treatment are the noisy show-off ones. Actually, nowadays, the ones who have the influence are the doers not the talkers. Here are 4 Smart Tips for Quickly Increasing Your Influence. These will help you get noticed, and more importantly, they will get the powerful people -- whose opinions matter most in business -- to accept you as one of their own. Do a few things that other people can't or won't do. You donrsquo;t have to be superman. Embrace a couple of things that other people know they should do but chicken out ndash; like do deep research before a meeting, make a few more client calls each day, volunteer for a risky assignment. Let your contagious enthusiasm and passion shine through. Get excited! William Rosenberg, founder of Dunkin' Donuts said, "Colonel Sanders didn't invent fried chicken. I didn't invent coffee and doughnuts. We just did it better, and we had a passion for building a concept." Ask someone in your organization to mentor you. You know, no one succeeds alone. Think big. Wersquo;re in a time when big thinking is king and small thinking is viewed as pathetic. Thanks to the arrival of the Information Age, your business is in a revolution right now! It needs big thinkers with big ideas. In these hyper-changing times, these 4 smart tips can quickly increase your influence and open doors for taking your career to the next level. Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=92 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=92#comments Thu, 07 Dec 2006 10:30:27 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/12/07/episode-86-what-to-do-with-clutter/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=92 1:34 All my life I used to accumulate piles of stuff around me ndash; heaps of papers on my desk and tools piled all over the ... All my life I used to accumulate piles of stuff around me ndash; heaps of papers on my desk and tools piled all over the workbench. I wasnrsquo;t lazy, I was visual. It was comforting to see where I could find stuff when I needed it. Now I realize clutter is an open air filing system. Irsquo;m pretty good at putting stuff away, but Irsquo;m not perfect. When clutter gets out of hand herersquo;s how I reclaim my desk space. I block out an hour or so. I take EVERYTHING (except the computer) off of the desk and put it on the floor. Then I clean the desktop until it shines. Next, I sit on the floor with a recycling can next to me and a stack of file folders. As I pick up each piece I decide whether to throw it away or file it in one of 4 files: reading, regular, future projects, or priority. Priority is what Irsquo;m going to act on within the next 24 hours. 50% of it gets thrown away. I figure, if Irsquo;ve had something for over a month and I have not used it or been moved to take action on it, than itrsquo;s safe to assume I can live a good, productive life without it. Magazines get 3 months -- after that the information is stale; Irsquo;d rather embrace the latest. Itrsquo;s smart to put away clutter. Remember, clutter is nothing but an open air filing system. Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=91 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=91#comments Tue, 05 Dec 2006 10:30:18 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/12/05/episode-85-clutter-is-nothing-but-an-open-air-filing-system/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=91 1:34 Does the top of your desk look like the Rocky Mountains? If yoursquo;re a visual person like me, you have a tendency to set things ... Does the top of your desk look like the Rocky Mountains? If yoursquo;re a visual person like me, you have a tendency to set things down where you can get back to them easily and quickly in case you need them. My desk used to be piled high with a mountain of stuff. And I secretly enjoyed the signal it sent out, rdquo;Look at me! Irsquo;m so busy I must really be important around here!rdquo; One day my boss came to see me for something I knew I had on my desk. He stood there impatiently while I fished, poked and prodded the stuff on my desk like a bird hunting a worm under fallen leaves. ldquo;IF you find it,rdquo; he said, ldquo;come to my office.rdquo; Yikes! That hurt. I learned my lesson. I didnrsquo;t really know where everything was because if I did I wouldnrsquo;t spend 20 minutes looking frantically for, say, an envelope that I had written a phone number on. Those piles were hurting not helping. I got rid of them. I say, ldquo;Clutter is nothing more than open-air filing system.rdquo; Since you are ldquo;filingrdquo; it anyhow, file it out of sight. Herersquo;s something else. It's estimated the average messy desk holds 45 hours worth of unfinished business. No wonder so many people feel as bogged down as slogging through waist-deep water. Why stifle your creativity with the oppressive, suffocating presence of a negative visual? Put the stuff away. The result will be yoursquo;ll feel refreshed and re-energized. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=90 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=90#comments Thu, 30 Nov 2006 14:29:13 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/11/30/episode-84-what-does-your-outgoing-voice-mail-message-say-about-you/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=90 1:40 How do you feel when you hear a voice mail message that starts with, ldquo;Today is Monday,rdquo; but you are calling on Wednesday?! If yoursquo;re ... How do you feel when you hear a voice mail message that starts with, ldquo;Today is Monday,rdquo; but you are calling on Wednesday?! If yoursquo;re like me, you laugh and think she is a couple of days behind. No big deal. Or is it? Yes. We have the power to teach others how to treat us. That Monday message on Wednesday could teach others the person isnrsquo;t so good with details. Herersquo;s another example, if your voice mail message says, ldquo;Irsquo;m either on another call or away from my desk right now. Please leave a message and Irsquo;ll call you back as soon as possible,rdquo; do you really call back as soon as possible? Or do you wait until the end of the day? Or do you never call them back? I suggest you eliminate the insincere part about ldquo;Irsquo;ll call you back as soon as possible.rdquo; Not fulfilling your pledge sends a subconscious message that your words cannot be trusted. Is this a little thing? Yes, itrsquo;s microscopic. But big reputations are built by lots of little things. For example, in one of my customer service seminars, an executive with Nordstromrsquo;s Department Stores said, ldquo;Doug, may I share something with everyone? We are so focused on quality customer experiences that in my department we update our outgoing messages 3 to 5 times every day.rdquo; As many of you know, Nordstromrsquo;s has been consistently rated number 1 in the U.S. for customer service. They sound like smart people to me. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=89 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=89#comments Thu, 23 Nov 2006 10:30:07 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/11/23/episode-83-how-to-delegate/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=89 00:01:01 In business, delegating is easy if you follow the formula of who, what, when, where, and why. Occasionally yoursquo;ll want to add how. And be ... In business, delegating is easy if you follow the formula of who, what, when, where, and why. Occasionally yoursquo;ll want to add how. And be sure to give authority along with responsibility. If you are comfortable with delegating, you know this already. But what if you are not comfortable with delegating? Then, here are three smart business rules to make delegating trouble-free for everyone: 1. Explain why. I believe that adults deserve to know why something is happening. Briefly explain why the change. Itrsquo;ll made it easier for them to adapt more smoothly. For example, you might say, ldquo;Robin, we need updated information on sales trends. So that you gain more experience on using the Internet for research, I want you to prepare a report.rdquo; 2. Donrsquo;t use the tone of voice that asks, ldquo;Will you do me a favor?rdquo; 3. What you are delegating is open for discussion but not for voting. Robin might not feel like doing the new project because maybe she thinks she wonrsquo;t be good at it or maybe she feels swamped with her present work and doesnrsquo;t know how to fit this in. In that case, itrsquo;s smart to discuss her concerns. But remember, this is not a vote. You are asking Robin to do the project because it is important and you trust her skills. By delegating, you help make the people around you stronger, skillful and smarter. Thatrsquo;s good business for everyone. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=88 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=88#comments Tue, 21 Nov 2006 10:30:11 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/11/21/episode-82-delegating-is-smart-for-you/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=88 1:37 Itrsquo;s healthy for everyone when the boss delegates. The number one reason managers fail is because they donrsquo;t delegate. They try to do all the ... Itrsquo;s healthy for everyone when the boss delegates. The number one reason managers fail is because they donrsquo;t delegate. They try to do all the important things themselves. Let me out it this way: Parents who do everything for their children raise them to be spoiled, selfish, dependent, and afraid to make commitments. Psychologists know ndash; and you do, too ndash; that to raise strong, confident, success-oriented kids, the parents have to let them grow by doing for themselves. Itrsquo;s the same dynamic in your workplace. To raise strong, confident, success-oriented employees, you have to let them grow by doing for themselves. Carole Black, the first woman president and CEO of Lifetime, the popular cable TV network was quoted in Town and Country magazine as saying, ldquo;The biggest realization Irsquo;ve had is that you cannot do everything, and delegating a lot to other people who are tremendously capable gives them an opportunity to grow. I call other people and say, lsquo;Herersquo;s the situation. What do you think?rsquo; Basically, you have to realize that almost everythingrsquo;s solvable except death and illnesshellip;rdquo; End quote. The truth is, if yoursquo;ve been at your job for a long time, no one knows how to do it exactly like you do. If they know how to do it better than you, then get them to teach you. If they donrsquo;t know how to do it as well as you, then educate them. And the smartest way to do either is to delegate. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=87 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=87#comments Thu, 16 Nov 2006 10:30:06 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/11/14/episode-81-fast-track-your-career/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=87 1:34 Do you think of your boss as your customer? Try it, because like a conventional customer, she has choices. For example, if the quality of ... Do you think of your boss as your customer? Try it, because like a conventional customer, she has choices. For example, if the quality of your work delights her, she can choose to brag on you to other people who can impact your career. She can choose to give you meatier assignments, nice perks, and worthwhile benefits worthy of keeping top talent like yourself from going over to the competition. I always recommend that in order to get important people to take your ideas seriously, you want to build a reputation for under-committing and over-performing. You want to be known as someone who delights his customers by doing more than expected. It doesnrsquo;t have to be dramatic, either. For example, if your reports are due on Friday afternoon, turn them in on Friday morning ndash; or better, Thursday afternoon. I suspect some of you might be thinking that doing more than boss expects is, to phrase it in that tired old American expression, ldquo;sucking up.rdquo; In high school, thatrsquo;s what the slower boys and girls called it. But you know, if your career is important to you and you are responsible for providing for your family, yoursquo;re not playing with the kids anymore. You are in the majors now. And when the stakes are high, itrsquo;s smart to provide quality customer service to your boss. High quality is always viewed as more valuable than low quality. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=86 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=86#comments Tue, 14 Nov 2006 10:30:34 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/11/14/episode-80-remarkable-customer-service-causes-people-to-remark/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=86 1:39 Great customer service is remarkable. Last week we scheduled a repairman to work on our house. His company called the day before the appointment to ... Great customer service is remarkable. Last week we scheduled a repairman to work on our house. His company called the day before the appointment to reconfirm and then the repairman himself called as he was on his way to our house to get directions and to again confirm that he'd be there soon. My wife was surprised enough to tell me about it. Thatrsquo;s what I call remarkable customer service. It so delighted the customer that she felt compelled to remark about it. How do you create delighted customers? Simple: do more than they expect. The good news is, it doesn't have to be big I mean, the repairman didn't promise to be there in 30 seconds but it has to be something more than expected. Some examples: return ALL calls with-in 90 minutes, routinely call or e-mail your customers to tell them the progress of the work youre doing for them, finish before the deadline, stop assuming and ask more questions to find out what a particular customer really wants and how she wants it done. Everyone wants love; the business equivalent of love is appreciation, so give a small gift of appreciation such as a flower, card, note, or phone call. Our daughter buys gasoline every Friday afternoon at a certain gas station because on Friday afternoons they give a carnation to each customer. Several times a year a man I do a lot of business with sends me articles and books he has recently read that he feels I might find interesting. Every year on my birthday my Jaguar salesman calls me to wish me well. Notice all of these things go above and beyond the service and products they sell. They build relationships. They are remarkable. As a business person, it is smart for you to provide remarkable customer service. And I do mean the kind that gets them remarking about how terrific it is to do business with you! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=85 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=85#comments Thu, 09 Nov 2006 10:30:53 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/11/09/episode-79-2-great-day-files-will-give-your-self-confidence-a-booster-shot/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=85 1:41 Herersquo;s a smart idea for giving your self-confidence a booster shot. And itrsquo;s fun, too. Start two files called "Great Dayrdquo; files. They can nourish ... Herersquo;s a smart idea for giving your self-confidence a booster shot. And itrsquo;s fun, too. Start two files called "Great Dayrdquo; files. They can nourish your strength and resiliency when stressful events threaten to sap you. One ldquo;Great Dayrdquo; file is for personal recognition, and gets loaded with birthday cards, personal letters to you, handmade "I love you" drawings from your children or grandchildren and other personal stuff that confirms: Your presence makes a positive difference in the lives of others. When life threatens to knock you down, leaf through these to restore your perspective, to renew your confidence and to regain your balance. The other ldquo;Great Dayrdquo; file is for professional recognition -- it's your repository for awards, training certificates, complimentary customer notes, great yellow-stickies from the boss, pat-on-the-back e-mails, newsletters that quote you, photos with co-workers and other business stuff that confirms you are valuable, visionary and talented. What if you donrsquo;t have enough stuff to stuff a file? I bet that over the course of a year yoursquo;ll easily gather lots of items. But what if you donrsquo;t? Then I say, ldquo;Wake up call!rdquo; It could be time to change your style or even change your job. When you put your natural talents to their best use, yoursquo;ll definitely create a flow of positive responses to the work you do. And that will help you shape every day into a great day! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=84 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=84#comments Tue, 07 Nov 2006 10:30:56 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/11/07/9-smart-tips-to-help-you-remember-names/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=84 00:01:01 Irsquo;m often asked, "How do you remember so many names?" Here's my strategy. 1. Never tell yourself you have a poor memory ndash; one day ... Irsquo;m often asked, "How do you remember so many names?" Here's my strategy. 1. Never tell yourself you have a poor memory ndash; one day your brain might believe it. Instead itrsquo;s smart to play a little game: Before you go to a party, tell yourself, "I'm going to remember 5 names." When you get good at this you can up it. Irsquo;m at 35 now. Plan to listen intently for each name and plan to remember it. 2. If there is a roster for the meeting or event you are going to, look it over before you get there. 3. When you meet someone, state your name first -- confidently and clearly. 4. If you didnrsquo;t catch his or her name, smile and ask again. 5. Look into the eyes and picture the name written on his/her forehead -- in color -- as you say the name aloud. 6. Look and listen for something "different" to serve as a memory jogger -- curly hair, winning smile, deep voice -- and combine name and characteristic, i.e., "curly Charlie," "smiling Sharon,rdquo; or "baritone Barney." Alliteration helps. 7. Try combining the name with the individual's aura, such as playful, loud, reserved, shy, quiet -- i.e., "loud Larry" or "quiet Katherine." 8. Say the name quickly to lock it in your memory, such as, "Dr. Holmes, we were just talking about..." 9. Be sure to repeat the names several times during the event, such as, Thank you for complimenting my ability to remember names, Sharon. I appreciate it!rdquo; Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=83 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=83#comments Thu, 02 Nov 2006 10:19:22 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/11/02/episode-77-smart-sayings-and-wise-words-about-your-most-priceless-possession/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=83 1:44 Dr. Norman Vincent Peale wasnrsquo;t the only person to figure out the power of positive thinking. Shakespeare wrote, "It is not in the stars to ... Dr. Norman Vincent Peale wasnrsquo;t the only person to figure out the power of positive thinking. Shakespeare wrote, "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves." My mom was no Shakespeare so she simply told us, ldquo;Life is what you make it.rdquo; She was right. Les Brown says, ldquo;Good things happen to positive people.rdquo; I know hersquo;s right, too, but canrsquo;t bad things happen to positive people? Sure. Larry Wingate says, ldquo;Your positive attitude wonrsquo;t keep bad things from happening, but itrsquo;ll help you recover quicker.rdquo; Winston Churchill observed, ldquo;Success is the ability to go from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.rdquo; And what about enthusiasm? Everette Harp says it is good stuff. He wrote, ldquo;As you put out positive energy, it comes back to you. And if you put out negative energy, it'll come back to you, too.rdquo; But what about the negative, pessimistic people who tell you, ldquo;Expect the worst and yoursquo;ll never be disappointedrdquo;? Just smile and refuse to let them burst your balloon. Know that Helen Keller said, "No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit." And I say, ldquo;Helen, you go, girl.rdquo; For a fantastic book guaranteed to make your positive attitude shine as bright as a star, go to Amazon.com and order ldquo;Attitude is Everythingrdquo; by Keith Harrell. Yoursquo;ll positively glow. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=82 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=82#comments Tue, 31 Oct 2006 10:30:13 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/10/31/episode-76-need-great-business-mentors-just-ask/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=82 1:37 If you donrsquo;t already have a successful mentor relationship now, how do you start one? It may be easier than you think. Just ask. ... If you donrsquo;t already have a successful mentor relationship now, how do you start one? It may be easier than you think. Just ask. My experience has been that successful people are grateful that others helped them along the way, and they enjoy the opportunity to give back. Some of them enjoy seeing their hard-learned wisdom put to use to quickly steer a proteacute;geacute;e ndash; like you -- to higher levels of success. For either reason, you both win. To find a mentor, look up. If your company is big, look to the management team. If itrsquo;s small, then look to people you admire who belong to your trade organization. Keith Harrell, a popular author and motivational speaker with a thriving business is one of my mentors. When I barely knew him, I called Keith and said, ldquo;I admire what yoursquo;ve accomplished. I am going to do it, too. Would you be interested in mentoring me?rdquo; He thought about it a moment and asked, ldquo;Are you coachable?rdquo; I said, ldquo;Yesrdquo; and he said, ldquo;Letrsquo;s start.rdquo; My other mentor, Ken Davis, works for one of the top computer software companies. His analytical personality is the opposite of my intuitive approach, plus he has zero experience in my business. Yet, every month we meet for a two-hour lunch and I thoroughly enjoy swapping stories and bouncing ideas around with him because his fresh perspective opens my mind to original possibilities. Yoursquo;ll find many successful people are willing to mentor you if you are willing to ask. My Odeo Channel (odeo/3ca87aa36f826365) Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=81 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=81#comments Thu, 26 Oct 2006 10:30:31 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/10/26/episode-75-it%e2%80%99s-smart-to-have-two-mentors-to-guide-you/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=81 1:35 OK, itrsquo;s true that men have an instinctive distaste for asking for directions. And Irsquo;m guilty of having driven for hours looking for places that ... OK, itrsquo;s true that men have an instinctive distaste for asking for directions. And Irsquo;m guilty of having driven for hours looking for places that werenrsquo;t where I thought they should be. However, I have observed that smart men and women do not hesitate to ask for directions in getting to where they want to go in business. They develop mentor relationships to make their journey easier, faster and more direct. Itrsquo;s smart to get two mentors. One should be in your organization or at least in your industry so she can guide you through things only an experienced insider would know about. This person should already be successful in things you want to become more accomplished in. Your other mentor should be outside of your line of work so that your field of vision stays wide for finding solutions others in your industry are too close to the forest to see. This person will be someone you consider a success and someone you can get excited talking with. Your conversations will soar in every direction as the two of you relate your experiences. And when you ask him for business advice, his fresh perspective, like the wisdom of a child, might give you just the insight you need to develop fresh new solutions to your challenges. In todayrsquo;s super complex world, no one succeeds alone. Itrsquo;s smart to have two mentors to give you direction. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=80 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=80#comments Tue, 24 Oct 2006 10:30:28 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/10/24/episode-74-never-too-old-to-make-a-meaningful-change-for-the-better/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=80 1:39 Arnold Bennett said, ldquo;Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.rdquo; Hersquo;s right -- change causes discomfort. And ... Arnold Bennett said, ldquo;Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.rdquo; Hersquo;s right -- change causes discomfort. And some avoid discomfort and find comfort by hiding behind that tired old American proverb, ldquo;You canrsquo;t teach an old dog new tricks.rdquo; But the reality is, that saying isnrsquo;t true. Smart dogs -- and smart people -- continuously adapt to new opportunities. To reach for what you want means risking falling off the mountain yoursquo;ve built for yourself over the years. Herersquo;s some good news ndash; age canrsquo;t stop you from getting what you want. Sam Walton owned a small store in remote Bentonville, Arkansas, when, at age 44, he rocked his world (and everyone elsersquo;s!) by taking a risk and opening the first Wal-mart. Mary Kay Ashe embarked on the scary adventure of starting her cosmetics company at age 45. Ray Krock was a milk shake machine salesman of limited success when, at age 54, he gambled on his first McDonalds. However, my favorite success story is Eugenia Garside of Cape Cod, who said at her high school graduation, ldquo;Itrsquo;s kind of late but Irsquo;m glad to have it.rdquo; That was in 1998 when she was 98 years old! Isnrsquo;t it great to live in a time thatrsquo;s smart enough to not let age be a barrier to success? Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=79 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=79#comments Thu, 19 Oct 2006 10:30:23 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/10/19/episode-73-10-smart-ways-leaders-can-bring-out-the-best-in-others/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=79 1:32 You are a leader. It doesnrsquo;t matter if your title is Chairman of the Board or 3rd Assistant to the Supply Room Manager, you must ... You are a leader. It doesnrsquo;t matter if your title is Chairman of the Board or 3rd Assistant to the Supply Room Manager, you must use your natural leadership skills if you want others to do what you want. Today, I have for you a list of 10 smart ways leaders can bring out the best in others. See how well developed your leadership skills are. Give yourself 1 point for each of these that you already do. Here they are: 1. Instead of saying you care, show them. 2. Have a vision and inspire people by staying true to your vision. 3. Be passionate when talking about your vision. 4. Clearly communicate how you expect them to fulfill that vision. 5. Listen to their concerns. 6. Communicate how following your vision benefits THEM. 7. Surround yourself with people who are "wind beneath your wings"; eliminate or minimize contact with the rest as best you can. 8. Delegate tasks that help others maximize their talents. 9. Show appreciation -- a sincere, written "thank you" can be a major (and no cost) motivator. 10. Keep your word. I hope yoursquo;re a perfect 10. These are 10 smart ways leaders can bring out the BEST in others! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=78 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=78#comments Tue, 17 Oct 2006 10:30:04 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/10/17/it%e2%80%99s-smart-to-stay-receptive-to-change/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=78 1:35 To stay successful in business, itrsquo;s a smart idea to stay receptive to change. Sometimes this means a change in attitude is the first step. ... To stay successful in business, itrsquo;s a smart idea to stay receptive to change. Sometimes this means a change in attitude is the first step. A gentleman in his 50s told me he eats the same thing for lunch every workday ndash; hamburger and fries. I asked why and he looked at me as if I was particularly dumb: ldquo;Because, thatrsquo;s what I like.rdquo; I had to know if he ever broke the comfortable pattern. He said coworkers were always teasing and scheming to get him to eat new foods and occasionally he joined them for lunch. He tried new things but never enjoyed them because, as he said, ldquo;I donrsquo;t go for all that strange food like chili and gumbo. And besides, Irsquo;m too old to change now.rdquo; My mom said people like that were rdquo;set in their ways.rdquo; I say theyrsquo;re ldquo;set in their graves.rdquo; Sure, there is comfort in routine, and what you eat doesnrsquo;t matter much in business. But your attitude for staying comfortable can cause perpetual discomfort. For example, a salesman can damage his client base if he sticks with mailing information to his clients while his competitors are e-mailing their information and posting to their web sites in real time. This same salesman who defends himself by saying, ldquo;but it worked in the pastrdquo; is going to go broke in the present if he doesnrsquo;t realize itrsquo;s smart to stay receptive to change. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=77 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=77#comments Thu, 12 Oct 2006 10:30:57 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/10/12/clear-up-%e2%80%9cblurry-communication%e2%80%9d/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=77 1:39 Irsquo;m happy to say one of the top brewing companies in America is a client of mine. However, during a seminar for the management team ... Irsquo;m happy to say one of the top brewing companies in America is a client of mine. However, during a seminar for the management team of one brewery, we had a ldquo;communication wake-up call.rdquo; I asked people to write a list of simple words, such as often, sometimes, never, and usually. Then I asked them to put a percentage value next to each. For example, if I say, ldquo;He is often late for meetingsrdquo; then what does often mean? 10%? 50%? 75%? Etc. The range of answers was astounding! Often went from 5 to 97%! Sometimes was 20 to 80%. Even never was 0 to 100%, with a fourth of the people saying it was somewhere in-between! We were all amazed because we assumed everyone in the room put about the same meaning on these simple words. After all, this was the management team and everyone worked together closely. Irsquo;ve done this same exercise with over 200 groups in offices, factories, sales, hospitals, education, even government. Incredibly, the results are always about the same, even among people who communicate regularly with each other. What does this mean to you? Keep this phenomenon in mind when you write e-mails, memos, reports, instructions, or ask for a pay raise. Itrsquo;s smart to use numbers in place of words, use specific examples, and ask clarifying questions. You know that different people attach different meanings to your words. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=76 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=76#comments Tue, 10 Oct 2006 10:30:10 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/10/10/episode-70-the-first-step-to-getting-agreement-is-get-their-attention/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=76 1:32 If you want people to agree with your new ideas, first you have to get noticed. For example, my friend, D.J. Harrington, a customer service ... If you want people to agree with your new ideas, first you have to get noticed. For example, my friend, D.J. Harrington, a customer service trainer, felt frustrated because a company president wouldnrsquo;t return his calls, so he mailed a package that contained a single baby shoe and a handwritten note, "I just wanted to get my foot in the door with you..." It worked. He got an appointment to present his ideas. When I used to work for a sales organization, I had a great idea for a sales contest so I typed it out in a memo and made 800 copies. But busy salespeople donrsquo;t always read memos so I went to the bank and asked the teller for 800 brand new pennies. And I glued a shinny penny to each one. They got noticed, got talked about, and the promotion was a hit. What if you want the people who are around you every day to pay special attention to your new ideas? You still have to get their attention in above average ways. Here are some smart suggestions: volunteer for a high-profile assignment, make extra customer calls every day this month, invest in your self-development, risk being untraditional -- in short, earn a reputation as someone who is above average. The bottom line is, to earn special attention, do special things, because if you settle for being average, your new ideas will get an average response. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=75 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=75#comments Thu, 05 Oct 2006 10:30:48 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/10/05/do-you-seek-pleasure-or-do-you-avoid-pain/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=75 00:01:01 Motivational expert, Tony Robbins, identifies 2 basic drivers: seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. Seeking pleasure is working hard now so yoursquo;ll feel happier later ndash; ... Motivational expert, Tony Robbins, identifies 2 basic drivers: seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. Seeking pleasure is working hard now so yoursquo;ll feel happier later ndash; such as voluntarily working on your project at 2 in the morning because your extra effort will help you rise above the competition, which will lead to more income, which will make your life more pleasurable. Avoiding pain is working on your project at 2 in the morning because itrsquo;s due at 9 a.m. and you donrsquo;t want to make excuses to your client, which could cause you to lose future business, which could cause you pain. Avoiding pain, says Robbins, drives most people in the workplace. How can you identify what drives you? I believe pleasure-seeking people in business are pro-active. To shape their future, they choose to do things others avoid: making client calls, learning new skills, and dreaming aloud. Pain avoiders are identified by their language, too, especially the way they over-use the phrase, I have to, as in, I have to call this client, I have to finish this letter, I have to attend this meeting. Pain avoiders can be optimistic, positive people, but they are reactive and let life dictate where they are going. How can someone switch his or her driver from pain to pleasure? I believe the way to do it is to shift your thinking from reactive (I have to) to pro-active (I choose to) ndash; which sounds like a smart choice to me. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=74 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=74#comments Thu, 28 Sep 2006 10:30:49 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/09/28/smart-flight-attendants-avert-a-food-disaster/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=74 1:38 We had not taken off yet because someone miscalculated. The jumbo jet was packed for the four and a half hour flight from Atlanta to ... We had not taken off yet because someone miscalculated. The jumbo jet was packed for the four and a half hour flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles but the pantry wasn't. I overheard the buzz in the galley: not enough meals were delivered. It was suppertime and the hungry passengers were sounding cranky. How to creatively handle this challenge? Delay the flight while more meals were prepared? Hold a lottery to see who ate and who starved? Feed the women and children first? The Delta flight attendants huddled. The leader of the pack emerged, took the microphone and in an upbeat voice announced, "Supper tonight is tortellini. Unfortunately we donrsquo;t have enough tortellini for everybody, so, for those who do not like tortellini, I have an alternative -- a free movie, free open bar, and all the free peanuts you care to eat. We're hoping A LOT of you will find this appealing." The passengers laughed. So did the flight attendant. "Please raise your hand if you'd like the alternative." Lots of hands shot up and flight attendants stuck masking tape X's on the tops of the seat backs. The passengers got to make choices, a crisis was skillfully averted and we took off on time. The flight attendantsrsquo; creative thinking created the atmosphere for a happy flight -- a VERY happy flight! The moral of this story is: by using creativity, problems become opportunities to shine. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=73 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=73#comments Tue, 26 Sep 2006 10:30:32 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/09/26/smart-crisis-formula/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=73 1:44 Remember the bumper sticker, ldquo;Stuff Happensrdquo;? OK, it wasn't exactly worded that way but the thought is correct. Stuff happens. In your life you have ... Remember the bumper sticker, ldquo;Stuff Happensrdquo;? OK, it wasn't exactly worded that way but the thought is correct. Stuff happens. In your life you have probably experienced some awful things like the unexpected death of a family member, losing your job, a robbery, a fire, or going broke. I can raise my hand to a few of these. Here's my personal plan for dealing with a crisis. I tell myself "I can. I will." And then I do these 5 smart things that happen to spell out the word S.M.A.R.T. S...Stay calm. I'm not wasting my vital energy by acting crazy. I know this will pass. M...Make a comparison to a similar situation in which I (or someone I admire) succeeded. A...Assess. I ask myself, ldquo;Whatrsquo;s the worst and the best that can happen?rdquo; Then I put my energy into making the best happen. Irsquo;m proactive. R...Remind myself I've triumphed over worse. And I see this as an opportunity to learn how to reach the tops of higher mountains. T...Think of teachers, friends, family, allies, and my God who can help me through. I acknowledge the universal truth -- no one succeeds alone. If yoursquo;d like a free card with these 5 S.M.A.R.T. tips for successfully handling personal crisis, please e-mail me at Doug@DAER.com. Be sure to include your mailing address. This crisis card is free. I hope you make smart use of it. Doug,Smart,,business,,advice,,motivational,,speaker Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=72 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=72#comments Thu, 21 Sep 2006 10:30:44 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/09/21/if-you-were-born-before-1970/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=72 1:42 How old are you? If you were born before 1970, you were born before space shuttles, cell phones, fax machines, digital beepers, satellite TV, Dolly ... How old are you? If you were born before 1970, you were born before space shuttles, cell phones, fax machines, digital beepers, satellite TV, Dolly the sheep, and earrings on businessmen. You didn't have Nintendo, police radar, video rentals, microwave popcorn, VISA/MasterCard, nor cruise control. You came along before adult day care, FedEx, caller ID, ATMs, VCRs, MTV and Chicken McNuggets. New in your life are Palm Pilots, grocery scanners, computer viruses, Monday Night Football, sport utility vehicles, anti-lock brakes, air bags and Wonder Bras. Amazingly, you lived in a world devoid of e-commerce, lite beer, disposable contact lenses, decoded genes, in-vitro fertilization, in-line skates and 'N Sync boys. You probably remember a time before computer monitors, Post-it notes, and Post-it notes stuck all over your computer monitor. For you "gigabytes" and "modems" were outerspace talk. Living together meant roommates. Smoking was cool, nobody fretted about cholesterol, and the phrase, "Mom, Dad, I'm getting married!" implied to a member of the opposite sex. Oh my, how the world has changed! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=71 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=71#comments Tue, 19 Sep 2006 10:30:33 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/09/19/even-people-who-love-you-will-oppose-your-new-ideas/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=71 1:43 Change is scary for everyone, but not equally. Some people will hear your new idea and think hard for a moment before they tell you, ... Change is scary for everyone, but not equally. Some people will hear your new idea and think hard for a moment before they tell you, "I like it! Let's do it!" Others will say. "I don't think so. I mean, I don't think that's what I want to do." And still others will blurt out, "No. That'll never work," even before they hear you out. Oh, come on, is it really normal for people to automatically oppose a new idea? YES! Here's an example you've experienced. Let's say that tonight, when you get home, your Significant Other meets you at the door and says, "I had a really rough day. I'm tired. Let's go out to eat." You like the idea and you ask, "Where do you want to go?" Significant says, "I don't care. Wherever you want to go." So you say, "OK, I want to go eat Chinese food." And Significant says.....[I'm pausing here so you can fill in the blank yourself with that familiar phrase]..."No, I don't feel like going there." (!) On the first hearing of a brand new idea, expect that approximately 80% of the people who hear you will oppose you -- even people who love you! What's this mean to you? It's smarter to expect resistance, not run from it. Plan what you'll say after the opposition, such as, "The place got great reviews. How about we give it a try?" Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=70 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=70#comments Thu, 14 Sep 2006 10:30:27 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/09/14/we-teach-people-how-to-treat-us/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=70 1:39 I believe you and I teach people how to treat us. We do this constantly by the silent signals we send out. For example: Let's ... I believe you and I teach people how to treat us. We do this constantly by the silent signals we send out. For example: Let's say you have a terrific boss but his fatal flaw is that he loves to talk. You know the type. You give Boss 3 minutes and he takes 30. Let's also say he has pictures of his sister's wedding. Doesn't conventional wisdom stay, "To get ahead, it never hurts to schmooze with the boss!"? Let's take a look at this. What if you give Boss 30 minutes to look at pictures, what signal are you sending about how valuable you believe your time is? That's it not particularly valuable. What signal could you be sending about your commitment to your work? That you'd rather play than work. Let's turn this around. Let's say you are 5 minutes into Picture Fest when your success voice says, "Get out!" What if you say, "Boss, excuse me, but you don't have a good audience right now. My mind is on my project. I've got a noon deadline that I have to meet." What if you politely walk out on Boss? What signals are you sending about how valuable you believe your time is? Very valuable. What signal are you sending about your commitment to your work? That you're a keeper! I believe we subtly signal people how to treat us, not by words, but by our actions. Doug,Smart,,business,,advice,,motivational,,speaker Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=69 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=69#comments Tue, 12 Sep 2006 10:30:38 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/09/12/breaking-barriers-roger-banisters-story/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=69 1:31 In 1903, Harry Andrews, a British Olympic coach, stated, ldquo;The mile record is 4 minutes 12.75 seconds. This record will never be broken.rdquo; There was ... In 1903, Harry Andrews, a British Olympic coach, stated, ldquo;The mile record is 4 minutes 12.75 seconds. This record will never be broken.rdquo; There was a fierce intellectual debate that the human body had reached its full potential. Proof was offered -- because of the length of bones, the nature of muscles, and the construction of joints, it was proven that a human being could not run a mile any faster than 4 minutes and 12 and three quarters seconds. I think you know where this story is going. In 1954, Roger Banister because the first person to break the 4 minute mile barrier. What you may not remember is that that same year, 2 other people ran 4 minute miles, too, right after him. And the next year, a phenomenal 236 people also did what was considered impossible! Why do we remember Roger Banister? Because he took what was accepted as a brick wall limit and pushed it in the ditch. His proof that it could be done mentally cleared the way for others to also "do the impossible." He is a hero. In your business, I bet there are some brick walls that everyone accepts as limits. Might you be the hero that topples them? You know, brick walls, like most problems, are made of pieces. Keep working on removing pieces and don't be surprised when you push the barrier into the ditch, too, and accomplish the impossible. Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=68 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=68#comments Thu, 07 Sep 2006 10:30:17 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/09/07/schedule-your-top-3-priorities/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=68 1:32 Here's a smart tip for doubling or tripling your daily productivity -- without working longer hours. This smart advice works for business professionals in lots ... Here's a smart tip for doubling or tripling your daily productivity -- without working longer hours. This smart advice works for business professionals in lots of different industries: sales, manufacturing, office work, education, health care, and politics. Every day, schedule your top 3 priorities with yourself -- just as if they were appointments with you. If you work in a very hectic place, you might think that's impossible to do. It's not, because if your boss or top customer called you in the morning and said, "I need to talk with you about something big. Let's talk this afternoon at 2." You and I both know you'd make the time. Most people in business do not even get their number one priority for the day accomplished, much less their top 3. When you consistently do your top 3 priorities five days a week, 52 weeks a year, year after year, you are miles ahead of the pack. You will be recognized as a master of your profession. While most people have themselves spread thin like flood water trying to cover everything, you are like the Colorado River steadily pushing away rock to create the Grand Canyon. When you schedule your top 3 priorities, are you guaranteed to get them done? No. But it'll be a lot easier to say "Not now" to lessor things that want to pull you off course. And over time, your laser approach will bring you more positive results than a flashlight approach ever can. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=67 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=67#comments Tue, 05 Sep 2006 10:30:27 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/09/05/learn-from-the-paradigm-mistakes-of-others/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=67 1:47 What if the rules in your business change? Would you be able to shift your thinking? Here are some examples of paradigm mistakes made by ... What if the rules in your business change? Would you be able to shift your thinking? Here are some examples of paradigm mistakes made by brilliant people. Ken Olsen, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp. said in 1977, "There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." 1977 was the start of the PC revolution. He missed that one. A banker turning down a loan request wrote, "A cookie store is a bad idea. The market research reports say America likes crispy cookies, not soft and chewy cookies like you make." That letter went to Debbie Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields' Cookies! In 1962 a music executive said, "We don't like their sound. And besides, guitar music is on the way out." He was talking about The Beatles. And here is my favorite. Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, US Office of Patents said, "Everything that can be invented has already been invented." Can you guess what year he spoke those wise words? Incredibly, it was in 1899, when most people still relied on horses to get to work! The point of all this is that even very intelligent people, like you, are sometimes trapped in their paradigms. Be receptive to questioning old ways of doing things -- especially in today's incredibly fast changing world! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=66 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=66#comments Thu, 31 Aug 2006 10:30:14 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/08/31/13-smart-ways-to-re-energize-your-imagination/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=66 1:48 Oscar Wilde said, "Consistency is the last resort of the unimaginative." In your challenging and fast changing work place, you never want the label "unimaginative" ... Oscar Wilde said, "Consistency is the last resort of the unimaginative." In your challenging and fast changing work place, you never want the label "unimaginative" stuck to your reputation. So how do you keep your mind open and your imagination bubbling? Here are 13 smart ideas you can put to work immediately: 1. Read for pleasure for at least 10 minutes every day. 2. Rent a movie that's different from your norm. 3. Record your thoughts on a mini-recorder while walking early in the morning or late in the evening. 4. Brainstorm a business situation with a friend who is not in your business. 5. Play "what if' and write down all your answers. 6. Volunteer for a job that requires more muscle than mind. 7. Spend a day alone in a motel room or at the beach with a pad of paper or computer. 8. Paint, draw, dance, sing play or write music that no one will ever know about 9. Spend an hour talking with a five year old. 10. Write a letter that's at least a year over due. 11. Indulge in a hobby. 12. Make a gift for someone. 13. Take action today -- right now! -- on something that gives you stress to even think about. There you have it, 13 smart suggestions for feeding your imagination so that you can stay smart, valuable, and have more fun solving tricky challenges. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=65 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=65#comments Tue, 29 Aug 2006 10:30:11 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/08/29/5-smart-ways-to-get-people-to-follow-up-after-a-meeting/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=65 1:44 When a meeting is really excellent, the energy levels are high, lots of clever ideas get thrown on the table and people get excited about ... When a meeting is really excellent, the energy levels are high, lots of clever ideas get thrown on the table and people get excited about possibilities. Promises get made to investigate wonderful new opportunities or to start fantastic new projects. But in the days and weeks after the meeting, all that adrenaline evaporates and next to nothing actually gets done. How frustrating! Well, here come some solutions. Lyle Sussman and Sam Deep shoot from the hip in their book, Smart Moves. One of their targets is people who don't follow through after a business meeting. Here are five of their smart suggestions: 1. End the meeting with a summary of agreed upon suggestions.. Recap who has agreed to do what and by when. 2. Record promises made. Name names and put them into the minutes. 3. Send notes a few days after the meeting to remind people what they've committed to doing. 4. If they are not taking action, either ask if you may help -- this is a gentle way of nudging them to take responsibility --or, if your rank allows you, give them a deadline to report their results to you. 5. Be sure the agenda at the next meeting asks for briefings on progress on each of the assignments. Aren't those some smart, sensible ideas? I hope you put them to work for you so that your high energy meetings produce high energy results. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=64 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=64#comments Thu, 24 Aug 2006 10:30:21 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/08/24/putting-them-down-is-putting-yourself-down/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=64 1:41 My first office-type job wasn't supposed to be an office job at all. I was a real estate agent. But since I didn't take rejection ... My first office-type job wasn't supposed to be an office job at all. I was a real estate agent. But since I didn't take rejection from customers too well, I used to drink a lot of coffee in the back room with a small group of other agents. I got laughs complaining with them about how dim-witted certain co-workers were, how management made stupid changes, and how disloyal customers were. "Buyers are liars." -- at least that's what we used to say. I didn't feel particularly good about myself, but I thought it was what I was supposed to do to fit in. One of the hardest-working agents in the office was Angelo. He was always on the phone talking to customers or showing houses. He liked me and sometimes gave me advice on how to build my business. One day I asked Angelo for help and he said, "I don't have time for you." That hurt because I took it to mean he didn't have time for people like me. Angelo had given up on me. In his eyes, I was hopeless. It didn't take me long to get smart and realize a guiding principle I still believe in today: Putting down my co-workers, company and customers is the same as putting down myself. I'm there by choice. So, if I'm going to stay I'm going to make it work. That was a turning point for me. I changed my attitude -- which helped me to later win sales awards and to eventually own one of the biggest real estate companies in my city. People who know me well will tell you that to this day, I rarely complain. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=63 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=63#comments Tue, 22 Aug 2006 10:30:11 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/08/22/6-drivers-of-inovation-from-3m/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=63 1:51 Too often fresh new thinking is doused with a bucket of ice water words like, "It'll never work." or "Oh, we tried something like that ... Too often fresh new thinking is doused with a bucket of ice water words like, "It'll never work." or "Oh, we tried something like that already." But how do you encourage people to come up with new ways of thinking? William Coyne, senior vice president of research and development for the 3M company says his comapnay has identified 6 smart "drivers of innovation:" vision, foresight, stretch objectives, empowerment, networking, and peer recognition. Vision is staying focused on a big goal. Bill Gates, for example, said many years ago his vision was a pc on every desk -- which has just about come true. Foresight means looking ahead to how a new idea might fill a need in the marketplace. Stretch objectives keep people pushing their limitations a little farther than they believed they could go. Empowerment is giving people the freedom to let their minds soar. At 3M, employees may use 15% of their job time to explore their own ideas for new products. Networking is merging concepts from smart people in different departments to generate new solutions. For example, putting together a focus team from accounting, marketing and production can produce innovative solutions to challenges in shipping. Peer recognition for innovation means awards for excellence and innovation. At 3M, only 1 to 3 scientists a year are inducted into the prestigious Carleton Society. That's an honor many strive for. Can this work for you? You bet. Just as greenhouses and incubators nurture little things into big successes, your work environment can nurture human creativity. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=62 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=62#comments Thu, 17 Aug 2006 10:30:49 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/08/17/the-6-concerns-about-change/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=62 1:45 A study done by the University of Texas demonstrated there are 6 concerns people have when they're going through change. These concerns occur in order, ... A study done by the University of Texas demonstrated there are 6 concerns people have when they're going through change. These concerns occur in order, so if you mix up the order you'll get people confused and defensive. And they may decide to oppose your change before you have a fair chance to present it. The 6 concerns are: 1. Informational concerns. People want to know what the change is and what is prompting it. They want to be told, not sold. 2. Personal concerns. People what to know how the change will impact them personally. They want to know if they will be better or worse for the change and what's in it for them. 3. Implementation concerns. People want to know, "What do I have to do first? What experiences have other had who faced something similar?" The focus is on the details of the change. 4. Impact concerns. People start to analyze whether the change is good. They want to know the benefits. At this stage, according to Dr. Ken Blanchard in his book, The 3 Keys to Empowerment, people sell themselves on the benefits of the change. 5. Collaboration concerns. People ask themselves, "Who else should be involved?" When they are convinced the change is beneficial they want to convince others the change is valuable. 6. Refinement concerns. People want to know how they can take the successful new change and improve on it -- that is, change the change to make it even better! Follow these 6 concerns in order and your new changes will have a great chance for success! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=61 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=61#comments Tue, 15 Aug 2006 10:30:17 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/08/15/schedule-half-days-for-fire-fighting-at-work/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=61 1:45 Jonathan Krug of Columbus, Ohio, a logical thinker who is happiest when the world is orderly, wrote the following to me: "Being an engineer in ... Jonathan Krug of Columbus, Ohio, a logical thinker who is happiest when the world is orderly, wrote the following to me: "Being an engineer in a manufacturing facility, no two days are the same. It is rare that a project or task is completed without numerous interruptions or 'fires' to put out; and since the production floor is really where a company makes money, the interruptions are important and in most cases must be addressed immediately. All this can be very frustrating when attempting to complete a project. To deal with this dilemma I have found a way to maintain my sanity and complete projects on time. "When scheduling my day, I allot a half day to projects and the other half day to 'fire fighting.' It's simple and it really works. If one day is heavily loaded with 'fire fighting,' the next is generally slower and more time can be given to projects. The secret is to constantly prioritize and adjust to the demands placed upon your time. This allows your mind to remain focused. When you are focused and know what has to be done you can relax and reduce your stress level because you are in control of your workload. Most importantly, always, always, always communicate to your customers (internal or external) any changes in previously approved plans." Thanks, Jonathan, for that very smart advice. I'd rather learn what works for you than have to re-invent time management for myself! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=60 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=60#comments Thu, 10 Aug 2006 10:30:14 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/08/10/shift-your-drive-time-for-higher-productivity/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=60 1:35 Have you ever thought that shifting your schedule a little can free up a lot of valuable, productive time for yourself? For example, I have ... Have you ever thought that shifting your schedule a little can free up a lot of valuable, productive time for yourself? For example, I have discovered that if I leave my house at 6:45 a.m. it takes me 30 minutes to drive to downtown Atlanta, but if I leave 15 minutes later it takes me an extra 30 minutes because of the glut of drivers who also leave at 7 a.m. When I asked for her smartest time management idea, Linda Rice Chapman, an assistant city attorney in Miami, shared this with me: "I am a single mom with a 25 mile commute to work on an extremely busy highway. I go to work very early to avoid traffic. I'm at my desk at 6:30 a.m. I cut my drive time in half and also get 80% of my daily work done by the time the phones start ringing. I'm an attorney with a lot of research and writing to do. I realize this approach would not work for everyone, but I'm managing to save about five hours of driving time a week -- and in working uninterrupted for hours at a time, I'm consistently the most (I believe) productive attorney in every office in which I have worked." Linda, I bet you are. Thanks for sharing your smart example with us. Listeners, I invite you to e-me with your smart tips, tools and techniques for how you boost your productivity. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=59 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=59#comments Tue, 08 Aug 2006 14:04:07 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/08/08/how-do-you-use-your-in-between-time/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=59 1:33 We can enjoy the luxury of getting valuable little things done by clustering them with other activities. For example, Roger Castle of Kingsport, Tennessee, wrote ... We can enjoy the luxury of getting valuable little things done by clustering them with other activities. For example, Roger Castle of Kingsport, Tennessee, wrote me, "As a minister, my time is a precious commodity. I like to use the time in the early morning as I eat cereal before work to read some scripture and mark them for more thorough scrutiny." Jim Scicchitano of Woodstock, Georgia, also enjoys the luxury of in-between time. "In my business," said Jim, " I always have to adapt to everyone else's schedule, so I take advantage of down time to do paperwork, research, or to take time out to relieve stress." Glenn Boyce, with a San Francisco engineering firm, doesn't fume when others are late for meetings. He fully utilizes the "extra" time. Glenn says, "I make every effort to be on time for meetings. Others do not. Knowing this, I grab the mail from my in-box before going to the meeting. In the meeting room I start going through my mail. This generally takes me five minutes. This technique provides two advantages: 1. I'm seen as being on time. 2. I get work done while waiting on others." Thanks, Roger, Jim and Glenn for those smart examples of how we can enjoy the luxury of getting valuable little things done by clustering them with other activities. Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=58 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=58#comments Thu, 03 Aug 2006 14:34:19 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/08/03/what-are-your-golden-hours/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=58 1:40 Do you find yourself looking for a little peace and quiet at work so you can get your work accomplished? Then listen to this smart ... Do you find yourself looking for a little peace and quiet at work so you can get your work accomplished? Then listen to this smart idea from Judy McClintock of Shebonier, IL. She writes, "Every morning from 10 to 11 a.m., and every afternoon from 2 to 3 p.m., we in the sales department, have our Golden Hours. There are no incoming phone calls. Without sales our company would be defunct, and without the time to process the sales orders our department would be dysfunctional. Our two hours of relief from the phones is a Godsend. We accomplish so much during our quiet time, the rest of the day does not seem so hectic." Isn't that an interesting idea? Wouldn't it be Heaven on Earth to enjoy two meaty hours when you can totally concentrate on your work? When you try it, I suggest you choose two hours a day that work best for you and then stick to those same hours every day. You'll find that people who call you regularly will switch their time of calling to before or after your Golden Hours. I also recommend you to tell your customers and co-workers from other departments what you are doing to boost your productivity. They'll understand -- and probably want to try it, too. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=57 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=57#comments Tue, 01 Aug 2006 07:30:12 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/08/01/telephone-free-time-is-time-smart/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=57 1:35 Your telephone is either the second greatest business tool ever invented (after the computer) or, like the computer, it is a confounded piece of equipment ... Your telephone is either the second greatest business tool ever invented (after the computer) or, like the computer, it is a confounded piece of equipment that often distracts you from concentrating on your work. Do you find that when you successfully get your brain racing along in a thinking zone, the phone usually rings and the interruption throws you off track? Then check out this simple and smart idea. Alexia Brown of Indianapolis works in the human resources department of an international company. She and her co-workers enjoy a sensible and simple method for boosting productivity while escaping the intrusion of the phone. "Our office closes," reports Alexia, "for two hours every day so we can focus on the big projects and to get our [outgoing] calls done. We will not take any outside calls or visitors during this time." Thanks, Alexia. I have met lots of business people who create a couple of hours of uninterrupted time for themselves when they need it -- but it's usually at the end of the day after everyone else has gone home to their families. Wouldn't it be cool to enjoy the same luxury during normal business hours? Try it. Try blocking out one or two hours a day of quiet time by having messages taken. I'm positive you'll experience a boost in productivity and a decline in stress. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=56 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=56#comments Thu, 27 Jul 2006 14:41:45 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/07/27/do-strangers-think-bad-of-you-who-cares/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=56 1:36 The doctor had already signed the release so Amanda could go home from the hospital. At 8 A.M. we let the nurse in charge know ... The doctor had already signed the release so Amanda could go home from the hospital. At 8 A.M. we let the nurse in charge know that we'd like to leave between 11 and 12. She said she'd prepare the discharge papers. By 11:45, no one had shown up and Gayle, my wife, decided to get it sped up. Amanda, 22 years old, bandaged from jaw surgery, mumbled, "Don't do that. Give her another 15 minutes." Gayle took off any way. Later, in the car, when we talked about it, Amanda rolled her eyes and muttered, "You always embarrass me." She was joking, because in our family, we like to get things moving. She does, too. When it comes to handling potentially awkward situations, our family motto is a question, "What are you afraid of, that some stranger's going to think bad of you?" Years ago I read an anonymous quote in Ann Landers' column that made a huge impact on me and helped me get ahead when other people felt they should hold back. It goes like this: When I was in my 20's I was concerned what other people thought about me. When I was in my 40's I didn't care what other people thought about me. In my 60's I realized other people were so busy in their own lives they never were thinking about me. I say it's smart to be strong and do what you know you have to do. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=55 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=55#comments Tue, 25 Jul 2006 15:42:24 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/07/25/aspirin-approach-to-making-interruptions-go-away/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=55 1:36 If you are interrupted too often by a complaining co-worker, the solution is in 3 little words: Appreciation Situation Action The first letters are ASA, which my medical ... If you are interrupted too often by a complaining co-worker, the solution is in 3 little words: Appreciation Situation Action The first letters are ASA, which my medical friends tell me is the medical abbreviation for acetylsalicylic acid, which is aspirin. Appreciation sounds like this: "Fred, I hear what you're saying. It sounds important." Stating your situation sounds like this: "Fred, I'm up to my ear lobes in this project. I have a noon deadline. Now is not a good time to talk. Action sounds like this, "Write down 3 possible solutions and meet me at 3pm today or would 4 be better for you?" In a gentle way you just told the interrupter, "Get lost." Rarely will the chronic interrupter won't show up at 3 because they'll solve the problem themselves, it'll go away, or they'll go bug someone else. The key to being able to do this and not hurt the relationship is the word "action." People are not too bothered by being told, "No." What gets them bent out of shape can be your apparent lack of interest as evidenced by your lack of action. Saying, "Go away" is harsh. Saying, "Let's talk at 3 or 4," is caring. Here's a smart side note, if you say this to the same person a dozen times, what'll he think the next time he's cursing the cubicles looking for someone to complain to? "You're no fun." That'll make your headache go away! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=54 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=54#comments Thu, 20 Jul 2006 15:46:00 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/07/20/are-you-inadvertently-stifling-new-ideas/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=54 1:45 Our comfort zones instinctively dislike change (because change is the opposite of comfort) so in knee-jerk style, it's not unusual for us to reject new ... Our comfort zones instinctively dislike change (because change is the opposite of comfort) so in knee-jerk style, it's not unusual for us to reject new ideas within 3 seconds of hearing them (10 seconds if we're polite). It's natural. We say things -- and hear them --all the time. Here's a list of 12 "Idea Killers" that you want to try to stifle, at least initially, so that people open up to you. 1. We did that already. 2. It costs too much. 3. We don't have the resources. 4. You'll never get approval. 5. It's not in the budget. 6. Boss will never go for it. 7. That's not the way things are done around here. 8. Put it in writing. 9. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. 10. You can't fight city hall. 11. I don't think anybody here knows how to do that. 12. We don't have the time. When someone else says one of these expressions, recognize it as a comfort zone burp and either ignore it (as you would someone else's burp) or pause, ask them a question that'll park their objection, and continue. The easiest question to ask is simply to restate their own words with a question mark on the end -- "We don't have the time?". You'll find it's smart not to stifle other people's ideas -- or let them dump ice water on yours. After all, this is the Idea Age. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=53 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=53#comments Tue, 18 Jul 2006 12:31:24 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/07/18/increase-productivity-and-reduce-stress/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=53 1:27 In one of my seminars, a physician told me the primary reason her profitable practice runs smoothly is because she has a scheduled sit-down meeting ... In one of my seminars, a physician told me the primary reason her profitable practice runs smoothly is because she has a scheduled sit-down meeting every Friday from 5:00 to 5:30 with her office manager. They meet for 30 minutes. During this time they do not schedule patients, take phone calls or make hospital rounds -- as best as they can help it. Of course, emergencies come up, but they really try to block out that 30 minutes so just the two of them can meet. They discuss the events of the week that just finished up. They go over the schedule for the week coming up. Do you think these two understand each other well and work together as a team? Do you think they have a mature working relationship? Do you think it might be more emotionally satisfying than a regular boss administrator relationship? Here's a smart idea. No matter what your job title is, get with the person you rely on most closely and schedule time when the two of you can block out the world, sit down and discuss what's going on. Set this up as a regular appointment. You'll boost productivity for both of you. And don't be surprised if you hear stress drop like a rock when the two of you are more attuned to each other. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=52 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=52#comments Thu, 13 Jul 2006 13:03:07 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/07/13/how-i-got-started-in-professional-speaking/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=52 1:37 I owned a real estate brokerage in New Orleans. But many of the agents I hired became discouraged from the slow hard work it took ... I owned a real estate brokerage in New Orleans. But many of the agents I hired became discouraged from the slow hard work it took to build a solid client base. So, I led weekly sales meetings that were fun and motivational. They were popular, we were successful, and I had a lot of fun. I sold the company and worked for a corporation for a few years when I happened to come across a book on starting a speaking business. It was packed with practical ideas, such as, to get your first clients, offer a free seminar so they can test drive you. Boldly, I sent letters to 50 of the largest employers in New Orleans offering a free 1 hour class on "How to Handle Difficult People." The big Hilton Hotel said, "Yes." I bungled through the seminar but my heart was in the right place so when I asked for a testimonial letter, she wrote a gushy one on beautiful Hilton letterhead that said, "Everyone was talking about you in the hallways." (Yeah, I bet they were!) "You said things to us that no one has ever said before." (I'm afraid I did!) I proudly flashed that letter around to potential clients and said, "Look what I did for the Hilton! I can do this for you, too!" It caught the attention of a national training company and they hired me to lead 150 seminars in 1992. That was my start. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=51 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=51#comments Tue, 11 Jul 2006 12:55:17 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/07/11/prioritize/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=51 1:27 I used to play Zorro with my red pen. I'd make a good long to do list -- which always gives me a sense of ... I used to play Zorro with my red pen. I'd make a good long to do list -- which always gives me a sense of control -- and I'd slash it up like this: "Aha! This will only take 10 minutes! [swoosh]. I can knock out these 2 right now! [swoosh, swoosh]. This one will make me look good to my boss! Can't go wrong looking good! [swoosh]. I got a lot done -- but how much of that really amounted to anything? Stressfully, very little. And how come I had to stay late to finish the big things? Have you heard of the 80/20 Rule? It implies that 80% of your to do list combined will give you only 20% of the results you want; that's the bad news. The good is, 20% of the list will give you 80% of what you want. I recommend you prioritize your to do list. I now start with my top priority items first and bulldoze through my list. I break ranks only if I'm filling time, such as when waiting for a piece of information to be e-mailed to me. In my Zorro days I thought it was efficient to blindly attack the list. Now I know it's smarter to prioritize the list first. Try this little tip and you'll be amazed at how effective you are. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=50 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=50#comments Thu, 06 Jul 2006 14:08:02 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/07/06/become-a-professional-speaker/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=50 1:36 A survey of Americans indicates that the number one fear is public speaking. You wouldn't know it by the requests I get for information on ... A survey of Americans indicates that the number one fear is public speaking. You wouldn't know it by the requests I get for information on how to become a professional speaker. Apparently a lot of people have things they feel compelled to say! A couple of years ago I heard 4 keys to making it as a professional speaker. These impressed me and I've never forgotten them. They're from Jim Pancero, a professional speaker in Loveland, Ohio. 1. You have to have a unique message. Audiences want to hear your stories because your life is unique. For example, if you are going to talk about customer service, people want to hear your research peppered with examples of your glorious triumphs AND humbling defeats. Your bumpy journey will smooth the road for them. 2. You have to have a message that's marketable. A topic like "How to Improve Customer Service" is marketable everywhere. A topic like "How to Raise Goats" is not. 3. You have to have a unique message that adds value. People want information that is fresh, practical and immediately usable. 4. You have to have superb delivery. That means you have to put your ego aside and ask family, friends and co-workers what you need to polish to be more professional. I hope you find this insider information useful. These 4 smart keys sure have helped me. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=49 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=49#comments Tue, 04 Jul 2006 14:45:01 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/07/04/what-are-you-afraid-of/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=49 1:34 If I asked you to sit down and make a lit of the stuff that scares you, you probably couldn't think of much -- if ... If I asked you to sit down and make a lit of the stuff that scares you, you probably couldn't think of much -- if anything. But if I could get you to slowly build a list all week while you are going about your business, then you'd probably have multiple pages of stuff that frightens you. Stuff like, "I don't like to volunteer. I'm uncomfortable speaking at the managers' meeting. I could never seriously think about starting a Web business." You and I have lots of little fears that are like protective walls that keep us from acting crazy or getting too far off our path in life. Where do these fears come from? I think Mark Twain had it figured out when he wrote, "People are more afraid of their neighbor's opinion than they are of death or wolves." OK, he wrote it a long time ago. But I think he's right. Most of our day-to-day fears are based on other people's opinion's of us. They might laugh at us, make fun and think bad of us. In the opposite direction, they might think too highly of us or grow to expect too much from us. Either way, their opinions influence our actions. Here's a smart tip. The next time you are hesitant to do something you know you should do, ask yourself, "What am I afraid of?" Don't be surprised if it's merely someone else's opinion. That might give you the courage you need to push forward. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=48 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=48#comments Thu, 29 Jun 2006 04:42:04 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/06/28/whose-running-your-life/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=48 1:35 Our college-age daughter was getting ready to go to New York City for a weekend trip with her room-mate. My wife, who grew up in ... Our college-age daughter was getting ready to go to New York City for a weekend trip with her room-mate. My wife, who grew up in New York, automatically blurted out this advice, "Don't ever ride the subway!" She sounded like her father when she said it. We all laughed. She did, too. She involuntarily repeated the advice her father gave her when she was very young. Many of the basic opinions you and I carry were shaped when we were small children. These opinions feel right so we just accept that they must be right. The reality is some of the opinions can now be unhealthy. They might be holding you back and keeping you from living the kind of life you want. Some harmful opinions might be, "You can't trust those people." "I never get anything good from change." Or, "It's not smart to take a risk with your money." Even though we grow up and get new information, few people ever go back and question themselves. I say it's smart to ask yourself: "Why do I believe that?" And, "Is that belief helping or hurting me?" I also believe that if you are agonizing over something, it's smart to ask yourself, "Who's running the show here? A 10 year old or me?" You'll probably be amazed that you get a fresh new perspective on things. Trust that the adult in you is one smart cookie. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=47 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=47#comments Tue, 27 Jun 2006 17:04:57 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/06/27/is-casual-clothing-costing-you-money/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=47 1:41 Our friend, Ken Davis, sent this story about a technician who worked for him who argued people should be judged by their actions, not their ... Our friend, Ken Davis, sent this story about a technician who worked for him who argued people should be judged by their actions, not their clothes. Ken wrote, "I totally agreed with him that it wasn't fair -- but people judge by appearance and since there was nothing the two of us could do to change that he was simply going to have to wear a suit. Period. End of discussion. "Six months later Mark showed up at a company meeting wearing a T-shirt with a coat tie printed on it. Cute. He thought he'd get a rise out of me. Well, all the other techs showed up dressed to the hilt. They looked good. Unbeknownst to them, the VP of our company was a surprise guest. She took one look at Mark and told me, 'If you so much as think about requesting a bonus spot check for that smart aleck with the T-shirt you can forget it!' Mark was a darn good tech and I'd intended to give him a spot bonus. "Later, Mark said, 'I guess I got you with this T-shirt joke, eh?' "I said, 'that little joke of yours just cost you a bonus spot check worth $2,000.' His face turned white, then red and he blurted out, 'That's not fair!' I said, 'Mark. I told you months ago this dress code thing was not about being fair it was about perception.' Years later Mark and I laughed about it, and then he said, 'Ken you were the best boss I've ever had a chance to work for.' I was elated with that comment coming from a difficult employee." Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=46 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=46#comments Thu, 22 Jun 2006 13:14:40 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/06/22/pop-quiz-time/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=46 1:35 Are you a great listener? Here's a easy quiz. There'll be 7 statements about you. Choose yes if the statement describes you. Choose no if ... Are you a great listener? Here's a easy quiz. There'll be 7 statements about you. Choose yes if the statement describes you. Choose no if it's not like you. Since we only have a minute together, you know these are going to come pretty fast. Remember, choose either yes or no. 1. There are certain types of personalities you just donrsquo;t care to listen to. 2. When listening, you canrsquo;t help but wonder whether you're making a good impression. 3. You will complete other peoplersquo;s sentences to help them out or speed them up. 4. You have a short attention span. 5. While listening, you find it efficient to do other little tasks, like go through papers or read your phone messages. 6. You often find it hard to listen to othersrsquo; problems because, frankly, you have your own problems mdash; deadlines, health, financial, kids, supper, etc. 7. You know people that you have to interrupt their stories otherwise you wonrsquo;t get a chance to speak. If you answered no to all of these, be extra proud of yourself, you're a fantastic listener. 1 or 2 yeses says you're good to excellent. But if you answered yes to 4 or more, it's time to read a book or take a class on listening skills! You're not getting as much message as you think you are! Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=45 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=45#comments Tue, 20 Jun 2006 12:34:46 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/06/20/are-you-a-doer-or-a-hoper/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=45 1:36 I heard this on the TV show, "Stark Raving Mad": A man opened his door to a stranger and with disappointment said, "Oh, I was ... I heard this on the TV show, "Stark Raving Mad": A man opened his door to a stranger and with disappointment said, "Oh, I was hoping you were the pizza delivery guy." The other asked, "You ordered a pizza, huh?" "No, I was just hoping." Could this be you? Are you eternally stuck hoping for the BIG PIZZA OF LIFE to present itself? I've met lots of frustrated people who have a good idea of what they want -- a better relationship with their kids, a better job, more money (you've heard your friends say this before) -- but they hardly do anything about it except hope and feel pain. It's time for action. You want to be a DOer not a HOPEr. Here's a smart idea and you can quickly do this right now. Write down something that you'd love to get accomplished in a month -- for example: take the kids on a hike, ask for a promotion, or sell 10% more than last month. After you identify what you want, then write down the answers to 3 questions: - What is a skill of yours you need to improve? - What are 3 action steps you'll need to take? - Name 3 people who can help you. Investing just 5 minutes in these activities will get your creative juices flowing and smart new possibilities are guaranteed to pop into your head. Get started right now and make this your smartest month yet! Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=44 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=44#comments Thu, 15 Jun 2006 14:21:29 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/06/15/are-you-a-walker/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=44 1:39 Are you a walker? Some people go for a walk before they go to work in order to get energized. Some walk when they get ... Are you a walker? Some people go for a walk before they go to work in order to get energized. Some walk when they get home so they can relax. And some people are like Kurt Graber of Oviedo, Florida, they get out of their offices and walk during the day when they want to think or talk through their challenges. Kurt has people walk with him so that they can discuss things. He writes, "Running a middle school and an "at risk" prevention program [for students in danger of dropping out of school], I usually have several things going on at any given time. I walk a lot -- talking and walking with people everywhere, especially if [the matter being discussed is of] a personal or sensitive issue, or if the student, parent or I need a little fresh air...I think better on my feet and I do not hesitate to capture needed resources -- such as other minds -- to help me problem solve or plan something while walking." Isn't that a refreshing tip? Give it a try. Next time you meet with someone who is tense (such as an upset coworker) consider discussing the situation while walking. Or if you want to heighten creativity on the team so that together you can find new solutions to old problems, it might be time for a group talk and walk. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=43 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=43#comments Tue, 13 Jun 2006 16:28:58 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/06/13/chase-off-the-monday-blahs/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=43 1:31 Do Mondays give you the "blahs?" One reason might be because your mind knows you have so much to do that week you don't know ... Do Mondays give you the "blahs?" One reason might be because your mind knows you have so much to do that week you don't know where to start. We all know how overwhelming that can feel. Here's a smart idea from Rachel Durham of Charleston, South Carolina that'll put the zip back into your Monday's. She's a fund-raising coordinator for a non-profit agency, so her days can get hectic. Rachel wrote that she looks forward to Fridays for a special reason. I'm going to quote Rachel now, "Instead of cramming in the last bit of work possible, I spend the last two hours [of Friday] organizing for the upcoming week. [Now] my Monday mornings are energized and efficient, and it reflects on the rest of the week. Taking the time to prepare has doubled my productivity." Thanks, Rachel, for that simple and very smart idea. I now do it, too. And you know what, I also feel more "in control" of my week and better able to prioritize when surprises pop up that used to throw me off track. Listeners, I'd love to know your best ideas for getting things done. E-mail me. Tell me what you do to be effective in your job. I'll share the best ones with my smart listeners. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=42 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=42#comments Fri, 09 Jun 2006 02:08:28 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/06/08/dont-try-so-hard-to-impress/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=42 1:37 Brian Flourney in Boston wrote, "Doug, I've gone on 7 job interviews in a month and nothing. Do you have any tips?" Hi Brian, You didn't ... Brian Flourney in Boston wrote, "Doug, I've gone on 7 job interviews in a month and nothing. Do you have any tips?" Hi Brian, You didn't give me many details but it's obvious that something is misfiring for you. Statistically, you should of landed a job. For 3 years I was director of recruiting for a mammoth real estate company. I interviewed hundreds of people. Eventually, I found one area that messed up most interviewees: People tried too hard to impress me. Hey, you know how when you hear bad acting, like in an amateur play, it's because people use phony voices? It happens in job interviews, too, especially when someone tries to present himself as perfect. I had one man go on and on about his accomplishments and how he had fantastic people skills but the people he worked for didn't appreciate him, so they fired him. Snow job! His words said one thing but his tone of voice said he was faking. Your best bet, Brian, is always be yourself. You've got skills, experiences and strengths to be proud of, no matter who you are. And, frankly, there are areas you're not strong in. That's ok. Because you know what? -- if they don't want the real you then you'd be unlucky if they hired you! Eventually a smart interviewer will be looking for what you are outstanding in. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=41 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=41#comments Tue, 06 Jun 2006 06:48:24 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/06/06/customer-service-is-alive-well-in-america/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=41 1:37 While waiting for my supper at the Holiday Inn in Wichita Falls, I fought the loneliness of eating by myself by writing funny messages on ... While waiting for my supper at the Holiday Inn in Wichita Falls, I fought the loneliness of eating by myself by writing funny messages on postcards to our two kids. I had a stack from the different cities I'd been in all week. I addressed most of the cards and told myself, "I've got to buy stamps in the morning." When the meal arrived, the waitress and I joked about who had the more tiring day. And I totally forgot about my postcards -- I even left them on the table! Three days later, when my daughter went to get the mail, it dawned on me, "Oh no! I lost all those postcards!" I felt ill. Amanda came in laughing. She had 3 cards for her and 3 for her brother. I was amazed! "Dad," she asked, "who's addressing your cards for you?" In beautiful handwriting, a couple of them had our home address. The waitress must have noticed an unaddressed one was written, "Dear Amanda, yada, yada,...Love, Dad," and another, "Dear Jim...Love, Dad." She copied our address from the cards to Amanda and Jim that I had already addressed! Incredible, isn't it? It got better. I had left a $2 tip for my hamburger, but she bought $1.20 worth of stamps! Fantastic! So you see, you can feel confident that as long as there are people who care, customer service is alive and well in America! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=40 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=40#comments Thu, 01 Jun 2006 13:17:56 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/06/01/the-13th-month/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=40 1:34 I found a smart way for you to get a 13th month out of every year so that you can get done the stuff you ... I found a smart way for you to get a 13th month out of every year so that you can get done the stuff you really want to get done. This only works for ambitious people. Do this and you'll experience super high achievement in a short time. Ok, accessing your 13th month involves some math. Please listen closely. When you better utilize 1 hour a day, 5 days a week for 50 weeks a year you get 250 hours of super high productivity a year. Divide those 250 hours by 8 -- to break them into typical 8 hour work days -- and the result is 31. 31 is the number of days in a month. So intensely utilizing just 1 hour a day will reward you with an extra 31 day month of super high productivity. What is super high productivity? It's getting accomplished anything that really deep in your gut you want to get done. It might be setting up your own Web business, grooming yourself for a major promotion, or studying for your PhD at night. It's the stuff you do above and beyond your regular job because of an inner driving force. People who want to experience super high achievement devote at least one hour a day to accomplishing their goals. And they enjoy a 13th month that most other people miss out on. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=39 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=39#comments Tue, 30 May 2006 12:19:50 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/05/30/good-manners-good-body-language/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=39 1:30 When people ask me what body language they should use to enhance their communication, I tell them to practice good manners. But wait a minute ... When people ask me what body language they should use to enhance their communication, I tell them to practice good manners. But wait a minute -- are good manners good body language? I say yes. Good manners still convey quality. For example, all that old-fashioned advice about "let people finish their sentences, keep your shoes off the furniture, and don't talk with food in your mouth" -- that stuff is still valid. It says you are a quality person. And in modern business it's easier to drop the defenses and trust quality people and their opinions. For example, in my business life, I have walked away from real estate deals because the salespeople didn't have good manners. That might sound wimpy but deep inside I didn't trust the quality of their advice to me because I didn't feel they were quality people. They turned me off. Face it, weak manners scream uneducated, unrefined and uncaring. 3 strikes like that and the person's out. Several years ago I read in Judith Giest's "Miss Manners" column, that good manners are not stuffy out dated-rules but that good manners are a civilized way of showing respect for other people, their feelings, and their possessions. To me, practicing good manners is smart body language. Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=38 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=38#comments Thu, 25 May 2006 13:55:21 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/05/25/smile-at-opposition/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=38 00:01:01 You've probably heard me say that a new idea gets it's first negative response in 3 seconds and if you're dealing with polite people, 10 ... You've probably heard me say that a new idea gets it's first negative response in 3 seconds and if you're dealing with polite people, 10 seconds. Let me share an example of how some people can have a knee-jerk reaction against change. I was in Montgomery, Alabama, recently and read a story on the front page of the Montgomery Advertiser. It seems there was a proposal to merge two technical colleges that were across town from each other. The two would stay where they were and their names would stay the same except that there would now be one administration, not two, running both. The newspaper reported, and I'm reading this now, "A group calling itself the Montgomery Concerned Citizens Coalition is arguing that Trenholm should stay independent...A coalition leader said..."We don't really know (what our concerns are) because we don't have enough information to know what is planned. We just really want the school to remain as is without the merger." Unquote. Now, I don't know if this merger is a good idea or not but I do know that when it comes to change, no matter what the idea is or who has it, you can always expect people to oppose it -- even before they hear the details. My advice to you, when you hear opposition to your great ideas, just smile and know it's a natural part of the process of getting people to change. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=37 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=37#comments Tue, 23 May 2006 15:06:16 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/05/23/are-you-listening/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=37 00:01:01 A number of years ago, our marriage hit a really bumpy spot with a lot of yelling, screaming and distrust. To help sort things out ... A number of years ago, our marriage hit a really bumpy spot with a lot of yelling, screaming and distrust. To help sort things out we went to a marriage counselor. I remember the first time we went, it was awkward because neither of us wanted to speak. So Gayle broke the ice by saying, "You want to know the reason we are here? I'll tell you the REAL reason we are here. It's because Doug doesn't listen!" Now when I heard that, I smiled inside, because I knew she was wrong! I tried not to sound smug -- which wasn't easy because I knew I was right. I said, "I listen. I hear every word. I can repeat conversations word for word.." I'll never forget, the marriage counselor was so wise. He slowly turned his head to me, looked me right in the eyes and said in a soft Southern drawl, "Doug, you may hear every word, but you are not hearing what's being said." Bam! That hurt! I worked hard to hear people's words. Now I was being told that I missed something -- namely the meaning of the communication. That counselor taught me a valuable lesson that improved our marriage -- and helped me make a lot of money in business, too. He taught me that there's more to communication than just words and that feelings are part of communication, too. Doug,Smart,,business,,advice,,motivational,,speaker Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=36 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=36#comments Thu, 18 May 2006 12:48:14 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/05/18/will-you-choose-terror-or-trust/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=36 00:01:01 I was in Cairo to deliver a speech. My taxi driver shocked me by stepping on the gas and dashing into a tiny opening in ... I was in Cairo to deliver a speech. My taxi driver shocked me by stepping on the gas and dashing into a tiny opening in heavy traffic. The little voice in my head screamed, "I got in a cab with a lunatic!" Other cars dashed and zipped around us like a school of tropical fish. Then I experienced a phenomena of Cairo driving I hope I never see in America: a 4 lane city street with 6 cars abreast, all moving fast. My heart pounded. I could have reached out and tapped on the window of the car next to me. Like honking geese, the car horns squawked to each other to ward off danger. I tensed up. I readied for a crash. But my conscious brain said, "Doug, you can choose to vote for either terror or trust. You can get panicked or you can find some sense." I thought, "OK, the driver is a seasoned veteran. The other drivers have the refined coordination of Gameboy players. I hate it, but this works for them." I voted for trust and I relaxed a lot. I actually came to appreciate the insane sport of it all. My driver didn't speak much English but he knew exactly how to translate, "Wow! That one was close!" and "Sharp move there!" Remember you have the choice of terror or trust when life throws you in crazy situations. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=35 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=35#comments Tue, 16 May 2006 05:02:34 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/05/16/what/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=35 00:01:01 Listening skills, like the interstate highway system, is something that's always being worked on. For example, just yesterday, I answered the phone in my office, ... Listening skills, like the interstate highway system, is something that's always being worked on. For example, just yesterday, I answered the phone in my office, "Hello, Doug Smart Seminars, may I help you?." A very nice sounding female voice asked, "Is Wayne there?" "There's no one by that name here," I replied. "Oh, is this the real estate office?" "No this is Doug Smart Seminars." And then she asked, "This is not the real estate office?" and I couldn't resist. The devil got in me. "No,rdquo; I said, ldquo;this is still the same place I said when I answered the phone - Doug Smart Seminars." Now it'd be easy to blow her off as a ditz or stupid. But the truth is she sounded foolish because she did what nearly all of us do: She was so focused on her needs, what was said went right over her head twice and she almost missed reality. Good thing I was just a guy answering the phone and not an 18 wheeler speeding down the wrong side of the road. I have a smart suggestion for all of us, me too -- listen to what's said before responding. I like Dr. Stephen Covey's advice from the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: "Seek first to understand and then to be understood." I doubt Covey was referring to placing phone calls, but it's a smart place to apply his wisdom. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=34 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=34#comments Thu, 11 May 2006 16:24:19 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/05/11/details-details-details/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=34 00:01:01 Do you find yourself writing notes on yellow stickies and scraps of paper fished from the trash can? Do you have flashes of brilliance while ... Do you find yourself writing notes on yellow stickies and scraps of paper fished from the trash can? Do you have flashes of brilliance while in the shower or driving? Do you tell yourself "don't let me forget. Don't let me forget." But stuff falls through the cracks anyway? Then here's a great way to drop aggravation and stress and boost your accomplishment. Set up a Great Ideas folder. It's beautifully simple. Label a file folder "Great Ideas." And when you have something you want to do but now's NOT the time to do it, simply write it down and drop it in your folder. Your Great Ideas folder is your central repository for details you'll want to remember for the future. The way to make it work for you is to take a look through it every day just before you make your daily To Do list. Stuff whose time has come gets transferred out of the folder and onto your to do list. Personally, I keep a paper folder, but if you want to do this on the computer, that works, too. Be sure to date your ideas and don't be hesitant to throw out old ones. Not every idea is worth your time and energy. You'll find the Great Ideas folder is a smart way to stay in control of your ideas. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=33 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=33#comments Tue, 09 May 2006 13:47:49 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/05/09/own-the-stage/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=33 00:01:01 People who want to become better at public speaking often ask me for tips on how to get over the fear of speaking. Here are ... People who want to become better at public speaking often ask me for tips on how to get over the fear of speaking. Here are my 3 smart strategies. 1. Unknot your stomach by changing your label from nervous to excited. Both are your body's way of getting you ready for something big, only one is a downer and the other is fun. Choose the fun one. The great motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar, says he's trained the butterflies in his gut to fly in formation. 2. Sweep aside nervousness by shifting your focus away from "what will they think of me." Instead, tell yourself, "I'm going to say things that are useful to the people who hear me." You won't feel scared if you're there to help other people. Remember the Good Samaritan did an extraordinary thing because he had a good heart, not because he was hoping to look good. 3. When it comes to being funny, don't force it. Be yourself. If you can tell a story to 3 people and they laugh, you can tell the same story to 300 people and they'll laugh. But if you tell a story to 3 people and they don't laugh, then don't try to tell funny stories in your presentation. Instead, be warm. Warm is good because you'll still get through to people's hearts and minds. Be excited, care about your audience and be yourself and I guarantee you'll be a huge success. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=32 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=32#comments Thu, 04 May 2006 05:00:25 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/05/04/public-speaking-really-isnt-worse-than-death/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=32 00:01:01 I've had the privilege of delivering over a thousand speeches world-wide over the last eight years. I've addressed rocket scientists to high school students. One ... I've had the privilege of delivering over a thousand speeches world-wide over the last eight years. I've addressed rocket scientists to high school students. One thing I've learned is nervousness and excitement are the identical thing. Let me explain. Way back in high school I gave a clumsy speech that had everyone laughing loud and long at me. I vowed to never put myself in that humiliating position again. It was 17 years later when I was so racked with nerves over my ineptness at public speaking that I decided I had to do something about it. I joined a Toastmasters Club. (They help people get rid of their fear of public speaking. Check them out at Toastmasters.org.) I trembled through my first Toastmasters speech. I'll always remember John Weeks came up to me and said, "Doug, you seem nervous. You don't have to be. The audience really wants to see you succeed." I said, "John, that has not been my experience." He told me to trust the audience and to rename my nervousness "Energy and Excitement." It took a lot of positive affirmations to internalize his words as truth. But to squish a long story into a minute, let me just say that when I feel the jitters now I say a prayer of thanks for the energy, excitement and opportunity. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=31 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=31#comments Tue, 02 May 2006 14:47:08 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/05/02/be-heard-clearly-when-you-write/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=31 00:01:01 Your tone of voice can signal what you really mean. these 2 sentences are similar but they are not the same. "I never promised ... Your tone of voice can signal what you really mean. these 2 sentences are similar but they are not the same. "I never promised to promote John." "I never promised to promote John." So how do you keep your tone of voice in your memos, reports, grant requests, depositions and e-mails? 3 key ingredients are: Grammar, job title, and reputation. Grammar is not dead, despite what you see in your e-mails and letters. It amazes me when e-mailers blow-off capitalization and commas. That's ditzy not cool. It's now ok to use bold, italics and underlines in your writing. I think that's cool. If your grammar skills need updating, go buy a style manual. Your job title makes a difference. When many of us read a misspelling in a memo from the VP of Finance we tend to think, "She's human." But let the new kid in the mailroom do the same thing and we think, "What a dummy." And your reputation counts. When people read what you write, they guess what you sound like and what your tone of voice would be. If you have a reputation as intelligent, dedicated and professional they will read it that way. If you are seen as careless, unprofessional or you get drunk at every office party, then you'll have to pack in more examples to demonstrate you know what you're writing about. It's smart to remember your tone of voice when you write. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=30 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=30#comments Thu, 27 Apr 2006 14:27:47 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/04/27/the-30-second-rule-of-mini-presentations/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=30 00:01:01 When you have something really important to say and very limited time to say it in, remember the 30 second rule. It goes like this: ... When you have something really important to say and very limited time to say it in, remember the 30 second rule. It goes like this: "People will tend to remember your first and last 30 seconds and forget most of whatrsquo;s in the middle." It works like this. When you start a presentation, come out with a bang for the first 30 seconds. Memorize it. Tell them what you're going to tell them, such as, "I have a way to boost sales by 25% while dropping expenses 10%." That'll get their attention. You don't want a wimpy start like, "Thanks for giving me your valuable time. I owe a lot of thanks to the people in my department. They are great people." Yeah, yeah, yeah. Thanks and credit are good, but tuck them in later. Then, at the end, plan the last 30 seconds to summarize your key points and include a call for action. Memorize that, too. What is it you want people to do? Do you want them to get started on the project? Do you want to start a study? Do you want people to make a commitment? Just tell 'em what you want. Denis Waitley wrote, "People tend to remember first what they heard last. And they tend to remember best what they heard first." So your smart strategy for a great mini-presentation includes planning your first 30 seconds and your last 30 seconds. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=29 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=29#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2006 14:11:34 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/04/25/do-you-have-annoying-speaking-habits/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=29 00:01:01 I like to ask in my seminars, "What do people do while talking that really bothers you?" They tell me things like: she puts ... I like to ask in my seminars, "What do people do while talking that really bothers you?" They tell me things like: she puts her hand over her mouth, smiles insincerely, avoids eye contact, always looks anxious, stares into the distance, he won't take off sunglasses when he talks with me, fidgets, wanders around when talking, won't complete a sentence, says the same thing 4 times before she moves on to something else, uses the same old boring tone of voice, etcetera. Have you ever thought how you come across to them? How do you know if you have an annoying habit that interferes with your communication ability? Actually, nearly everyone does and doesn't realize it! Here are 5 smart ways to find out: Tape yourself -- either video or audio Ask a good friend or a bad enemy for feedback Ask a child to imitate you Join or start a Master Mind Group of 5 people who coach and mentor each other Take an acting class. Your ability to communicate well has a lot in common with your attitude. The more energy you put into polishing it, the more doors will open to you and the higher your quality of life will rise. Sounds smart to me. Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=28 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=28#comments Tue, 18 Apr 2006 13:40:22 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/04/18/does-your-voice-sound-credible/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=28 00:01:01 When you hear yourself on tape, do you think, "That's not me! I don't sound like that!" Oh, yes you do. You're not accustomed to ... When you hear yourself on tape, do you think, "That's not me! I don't sound like that!" Oh, yes you do. You're not accustomed to hearing yourself from mouth to ear. You hear yourself from the inside, starting with vibrations in your larynx. Here are 3 smart tips for improving your voice quality so that people hear and remember more of what you say. Add credibility to your voice by lowering it. For some reason, people with deeper voices are taken more seriously than higher voices. For example, in the United States all of the big TV newscasters have low voices, such as Dan Rather and even Diane Sawyer. Not a one of them has a high voice like Richard Simons. A good time to lower your voice is when you want to enhance your credibility, such as in business meetings and sales presentations. Speak clearly and distinctly. If your listener has to struggle to understand you she will soon get tired of the effort and just ignore you. Practice enunciation by reading the newspaper aloud to yourself or your kids. Vary your voice tone to display your feelings. If you want other people to get excited, you have to get excited first! If you want them to reflect on what you say, you should sound reflective. They'll take their cues from you. Practice using these 3 smart ideas and they'll hear you and remember more. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=27 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=27#comments Thu, 13 Apr 2006 12:12:25 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/04/13/i-never-said-you-stole-the-money/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=27 00:01:01 In Dr. Albert Marahbia's book, Silent Messages, his research indicates that in some circumstances your words are only 7% of your message -- but your ... In Dr. Albert Marahbia's book, Silent Messages, his research indicates that in some circumstances your words are only 7% of your message -- but your tone of voice can be 5x more powerful! Check out this example. I never said you stole the money. Implies someone else did. I never said you stole the money. Implies I don't care about you. I'm looking out for me and I may be lying. I never said you stole the money. "Remember those anonymous notes?" I never said you stole the money. "I told them BRIAN did." I never said you stole the money. "I told them you borrowed it and you'd have it back by Friday." I never said you stole the money. "I told them you took other funds." I never said you stole the money." I explained it was a crazy moment. You got office equipment." 7 words. Same sentence. 7 different meanings based on tone of voice. It's a smart idea to remember this example when you're delivering an oral report or talking up your project. When you're positive and excited about something let it show in your tone of voice so people know exactly what you mean. Too many people fall into a business-voice that's flat and monotone. Don't do that. Because if you do, I promise, they won't be hearing what you think you're saying. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=26 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=26#comments Tue, 11 Apr 2006 15:07:39 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/04/11/whats-your-first-impression/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=26 00:01:01 15 seconds isn't much time. But 15 seconds is all it takes to make an impression. Is 15 seconds long enough to start the judging ... 15 seconds isn't much time. But 15 seconds is all it takes to make an impression. Is 15 seconds long enough to start the judging process? Yes no. Consider this: Did you know that a 500 megahertz Pentium III processor has a clock speed of approximately 500 million instructions/second? In 15 seconds it can read 7 1/2 BILLION pieces of information! Your brain is no slouch, either. You process at lightening speed, too. Two weeks ago I put this to the test. I lead a seminar for over 400 business people. I asked them to each partner with a stranger. Then I said, "Stare into the other person's eyes until I say stop!" The hotel ballroom fell silent. The staring began. Then people started to squirm make faces. Then laughter started. I called time at 15 seconds. To most, it felt like an eternity! 15 seconds was way more time than they were comfortable taking to process basic information and form opinions about the other individual. Next, I asked them to tell their partner what kind of work they thought the partner did. They felt they had a reasonable chance to guess correctly. Many were right! And the room erupted into laughter again. It's smart to remember that when you meet someone, use your first 15 seconds to make a solid first impression. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=25 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=25#comments Thu, 06 Apr 2006 14:39:05 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/04/06/do-people-trust-you/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=25 00:01:01 Anthropologists say hand shaking originated in primitive times when it was vital to know if the stranger was concealing a weapon. Fast forward to today. ... Anthropologists say hand shaking originated in primitive times when it was vital to know if the stranger was concealing a weapon. Fast forward to today. You're wired with survival skills. At a first meeting, you have 2 questions that demand instant answers: Will you hurt me? Can I trust you? These flash so quickly you don't even realize you're processing the information. "Will you hurt me" covers hitting intimidation. But in business that also means, "Will you rip me off?" which makes people extra cautious in sales situations. For example, if you're like most, you initially feel defensive when you buy insurance, a new car or house. "Can I trust you" tells you how much filtering you'll have to do. For example, when a new co-worker says, "I'm happy to meet you," you instantly know if he's puffing you with a pleasantry or if he's sincere. How can you instantly signal others that you're a wonderful trustworthy person they can be comfortable with? Here's what NOT to do: don't mumble, look at the floor, or give a wimpy handshake. Don't say anything you don't mean. Some smart things to do are: Smile. State your name clearly and confidently. Speak clearly and distinctly. Let your positive attitude show. You'll find that people judge your character to be a winner right from the moment they meet you! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=24 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=24#comments Tue, 04 Apr 2006 14:07:44 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/04/04/are-you-tired-of-others-rejecting-your-new-ideas/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=24 00:01:01 The comfort zone wants only one thing out of life -- to be comfortable! People protect their comfort by ignoring or shooting down your new ... The comfort zone wants only one thing out of life -- to be comfortable! People protect their comfort by ignoring or shooting down your new ideas. It's automatic. A new idea gets it's first negative response within 3 seconds. If you're dealing with extra polite people -- 10 seconds! What's happening is, when someone hears your new idea, his comfort zone suddenly feels besieged. It's more comfortable to repel your idea than to become vulnerable by welcoming in your new idea. Here are 4 smart suggestions that can help get your ideas accepted easier: If the person is bottom line oriented -- business, business, business -- let her know the benefits to the organization and customers. She'll feel more comfortable considering your idea. If the person kind of has an ego, let him know the benefit to him personally. If the person is warm and loving, let her know the benefits to other people, especially co-workers. And if the person is detail oriented, then give her a stack of supporting evidence. I mean physically give her books, reports, computer downloads, web sites, and printed statistics! She probably won't read them but her comfort zone will feel comfortable having it. It's smart to remember: take care of others' comfort zones and they won't be so quick to dismiss or ignore your ideas. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=23 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=23#comments Thu, 30 Mar 2006 14:44:32 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/03/30/23/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=23 00:01:01 Last Fall, the weather here in Atlanta was incredibly warm. So I started my spring chores early. Here are some things I learned while painting ... Last Fall, the weather here in Atlanta was incredibly warm. So I started my spring chores early. Here are some things I learned while painting the outside of my house while balancing on a tall ladder: - Don't cradle a gallon of paint in your arm under your nose. - Don't paint too close to your face. - New clothes attract more paint than old clothes. - It IS possible for a weekend project to expand to two months. - Preparation work --you know, scrapping, sanding, caulking, priming-- isn't near as much fun as painting. But in areas where I skipped the prep work and went right to the good stuff, I repeatedly had to go back and do it over, which wasn't fun, either. And I spent so much time redoing around the bay window in the front that my neighbor, Paul, hollered across the street: "You can't make a career on one window." But I really wanted the results to look professional so I labored mightily. From all of this I learned 2 smart ideas: 1. If you call professional painters to finish up, they won't make fun of you. And 2. Peace and world order are somehow restored when you do what you're good at and you let others do what they're good at. It's smart to recognize each person has his talents. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=22 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=22#comments Tue, 28 Mar 2006 18:45:34 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/03/28/are-you-dressed-for-the-office-or-the-playground/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=22 00:01:01 One of the cool things about working in a home office is that you can do business in torn jeans and a T-shirt because no ... One of the cool things about working in a home office is that you can do business in torn jeans and a T-shirt because no one sees you but the dog. And Sparky believes in you no matter what you wear. Some people, though, are getting TOO casual in how they dress for work and it could be holding them back. I believe we teach people how to treat us. So when someone shows up for work in old, tired, sloppy, unprofessional clothes that teaches me to question what he has to say. C'mon. Does it really matter? If he's not worth $5 million dollars or more, the answer is YES! Remember that for centuries clothes have been symbols of status, credibility and worthiness. Some people want to brush these aside as irrelevant. But there's a reason royalty wears robes and priests wear collars. These symbols send us information. Today you can see it in TV newscasters, too. All they have to sell to customers is credibility. If they don't look credible to you, you'll change the channel and get your news from a different supplier. The same dynamic happens when you have new ideas to share with your co-workers, bosses, and stock holders. People want you to dress the part. If you find your ideas are dismissed as childish, maybe you'd better look in the mirror to see whether you're dressed for the office -- or the playground. Don't let casual Friday backfire on you. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=21 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=21#comments Thu, 23 Mar 2006 13:59:43 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/03/23/people-treat-you-based-on-what-youre-wearing/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=21 00:01:01 I believe you and I teach people how to treat us. Clothes aren't everything, however clean, neat, stylish clothes signal how you would like to ... I believe you and I teach people how to treat us. Clothes aren't everything, however clean, neat, stylish clothes signal how you would like to be treated. I learned this lesson when I was 16 years. My mamma would not let me leave the house to go shopping with my friends until I agreed to wear nicer clothes. She said the salespeople would show me more respect. She was right. I've watched smiling salespeople walk right past my friends in jeans so they could offer me top service -- like holding something or calling another store to find my size. I was reminded of this a couple of years ago -- in an airport. I happened to have on a brand new suit and bright silk tie. The ticket agent looked at me, smiled and said, "Sir, you look like you belong in first class." And she upgraded my ticket. Now I always dress up when I travel and I believe it makes a difference when I ask for upgrades to first class airline seats, bigger hotel rooms, nicer rental cars, and better restaurant tables. My friend Stephen Gower wrote a book entitled, "What Do They See When They See You Coming?" It's a great one packed with tips on how to project who you are so that you get the treatment and respect you want. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=20 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=20#comments Tue, 21 Mar 2006 15:40:54 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/03/21/what-impression-does-your-desk-give-about-you/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=20 00:01:01 Imagine you are a set decorator in Hollywood and your job is to create a workplace that tells people the character is so bogged down ... Imagine you are a set decorator in Hollywood and your job is to create a workplace that tells people the character is so bogged down in work he can barely keep up. What would you make it look like? Would there be stacks of files everywhere? Would there be sticky notes all over the monitor? Would the extra chairs be holding so much paper that no one can sit in them? Now think, what if the over-worked person was also a slob? Would you add food wrappers, coffee cups, and tissues on top of the mess? Would the plants be dying? Would there be dust and un-read magazines? But on the other hand, what would you make the desk look like if you wanted the person to project that she was hard working, conscientious and moving up in her career? Would the workspace be neat and orderly? Would unused files be kept out of sight? Would she use scheduling software? Now think -- if a new client, co-worker, or the BIG BOSS saw your workspace, what would they think about you? They say first impressions are lasting impressions. What impression is your workspace giving people about you? Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=19 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=19#comments Fri, 17 Mar 2006 03:32:57 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/03/16/are-you-ashamed-of-where-you-work/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=19 00:01:01 Two months ago, my office received an e-mailed inquiry about hiring me to speak at an upper-level management meeting for the U.S. Treasury Department. I ... Two months ago, my office received an e-mailed inquiry about hiring me to speak at an upper-level management meeting for the U.S. Treasury Department. I personally called to follow-up and in the conversation the potential client stated again that she worked for Treasury. It's a huge organization so I asked, "Which agency in Treasury?" With hesitation and in a lowered voice she said, "it's the IRS." "Oh! I've done programs for the IRS before, which division?" There was a pause. It was obvious she was uncomfortable telling me and then she said, "Tax collections? Some people are uncomfortable with them -- you know, because of their reputation." Later she told me she had worked there for years and she kept saying "they". She said things like "they are having problems with morale." instead of choosing to say "we are having problems with morale." And I thought, "You don't sound too smart. You're ashamed of where you work and you're distancing yourself from it. You can't be contributing much. Do the agency and yourself a favor and change or get out." Was I being harsh? All I did was instinctively react to the "silent message" she sent to me. When I hear someone knocking where they work, I hear them down-grading themselves. Saying "they" when talking about the organization implies the talker is not a team player, not a leader, not committed, not willing to shoulder responsibility for improvement, and not particularly valuable in the grand scheme of things. And to me, that doesn't sound smart. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=18 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=18#comments Tue, 14 Mar 2006 14:06:15 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/03/14/18/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=18 00:01:01 According to a recent report, just before people die, if they have any regrets at all, they tend to fall into 2 categories. The bigger, ... According to a recent report, just before people die, if they have any regrets at all, they tend to fall into 2 categories. The bigger, by far, is regret that they didn't do better by other people. Such as: they didn't spend time with their kids. Or they didn't end the feud with their sister. Or they didn't say "I love you" often enough. The second area that triggers regrets is: people are sorry they didn't try. They regret they chickened out and didn't try to open a restaurant, they didn't try to write a book, or they didn't try studying theater more and business less. Starting today you can keep it from happening to you. Call someone you have been avoiding. Make a date with your kids -- no matter how old they are -- to do something special with them. If you've been thinking about changing careers or starting your own business, then today, on your way home, drop into a bookstore and buy two books on the subject that's making your heart beat a little faster. Because of the miracles of modern medicine, the fastest growing demographic right now is people over 80. The odds are you'll live a long life. Make it a rich and fulfilling life. Starting today, do better by other people and be willing to try more new things. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=17 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=17#comments Thu, 09 Mar 2006 14:32:56 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/03/09/dont-be-defeated-by-self-talk/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=17 00:01:01 I've found that in business there's victim thinking that says I have to. And there's a Winner thinking that says I choose to. Let me ... I've found that in business there's victim thinking that says I have to. And there's a Winner thinking that says I choose to. Let me tell you what I mean. On the plane, the executive next to me revealed how exhausting her work is. She said things like: "I have to leave home at 6:30 every morning to beat the traffic. I have to attend a daily meeting with the VP of marketing. I have to go to Germany next month." I laughed, "No wonder you're exhausted! Your motor's running but the parking break is on! I suggested she quit using the powerless phrase "I have to." She can empower herself by saying "I choose to," "I get to" or by just stating the facts. For example: saying "I choose to leave at 6:30 to avoid the traffic" means she's making a quality choice that'll make the commute easier. Saying "I get to go to Germany" affirms the company appreciates her special skills -- plus she gets to go on an adventure most people will never experience. Stating "I meet with the VP of marketing" clarifies her duties. It signals she's in control of where her time and energy go. It's smart to not use the phrase I have to unless you want to tell the listener you're being forced to do something against your will. Victims say I have to. Smart winners say I choose to. This is Doug Smart w/ Smarter by the Minute. CHOOSE to make today a great day! Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=16 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=16#comments Tue, 07 Mar 2006 05:51:09 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/03/07/it%e2%80%99s-smarter-to-make-thanksgiving-resolutions/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=16 00:01:01 Have your New Years Resolutions faded away? Well you still have time to make Thanksgiving Resolutions -- but you'd better get started now! It was late ... Have your New Years Resolutions faded away? Well you still have time to make Thanksgiving Resolutions -- but you'd better get started now! It was late December and my friend, Gary Weldon, and I were standing in line to order hot gumbo. Gary is a Habitat for Humanity organizer in Georgia -- he's an activist. He turned to me and advised, "Tell people, 'Don't make New Year's resolutions.' They never work and they get people frustrated." He went on to say, ldquo;Itrsquo;s smarter to make 'Thanksgiving resolutions.'" "What do you mean?" I asked. "When people make New Year's resolutions," he explained, "they focus on the act of changing and not on the results. When they don't change fast, they get discouraged -- and quit. This makes people feel stressed and feel like failures. So I tell people in January to visualize what they want to accomplish by Thanksgiving. I tell them to figure out what they need to do in order to have it come true 10 months from now. They need to give themselves time. And they have to plan on sticking with it. By the time Thanksgiving comes around they can celebrate. At Thanksgiving they'll be glad they stuck with it. It's more deeply satisfying." "Why are you telling me this?" "The food made me think of Thanksgiving." As I drove home I decided I'd skip New Years resolutions this year and instead think about Thanksgiving Resolutions. I also thought of some wisdom written 3000 years ago in the Old Testament, "As a man thinketh, so shall he become." I set my thinking on what I'll be like at Thanksgiving. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=15 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=15#comments Thu, 02 Mar 2006 14:21:49 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/03/02/ask-and-ye-shall-receive-part-2-2/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=15 00:01:01 We're getting e-mail on last week's story on "you don't ask, you don't get." I know you'll enjoy hearing how this lady got a $100 ... We're getting e-mail on last week's story on "you don't ask, you don't get." I know you'll enjoy hearing how this lady got a $100 retro-active rebate on clothes, just for asking! Last week's piece on "You don't ask, you don't get" churned up a flood e-mails to this station. Thanks -- keep 'em coming! Send us your stories! We love them. I'll read the most interesting ones on the air. When it comes to asking, I think of big things in life -- love, respect, loyalty... But apparently, most people are happy if they can just get a discount! Almost every response was about saving money. Here's one we liked a lot: I went with my husband to this exclusive men's shop he likes. Since his regular salesman was very busy that day, another gentlemen helped him select over $500 in merchandise. Four days later, in a general mailing, we received the store's coupon for $100 off purchases over $500. Since my husband bought these clothes within the time frame specified, I told him to call his regular salesman and ask if he can use the coupon -- because if the regular salesman had waited on him, he would have mentioned the coupon. After much hesitation and lots of excuses why it wouldn't work, my husband called. And guess what -- the salesman said, "Sure, come on in!"...Just for asking we got back $100! Thanks for your inspiration, Doug. You're right -- if you don't ask, you don't get! Thanks to Linda Rasman of Oak Park, IL for this example. Many people believe that good things come to those who wait. I believe that better things come to those who are smart enough to ask! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=12 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=12#comments Wed, 01 Mar 2006 00:15:18 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/02/28/do-good-manners-still-count/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=12 00:01:01 When it comes to customer courtesy in business, not everyone thinks as you do. Here's a story of what happened to me in an airport. ... When it comes to customer courtesy in business, not everyone thinks as you do. Here's a story of what happened to me in an airport. Listen and e-mail me what you think about it. My suitcase was just about to enter the scanning machine. The airport security guard monitoring the screen stopped the conveyor belt, called over another guard, and whispered something. Silently, the new guard changed the sign to "This Position Closed." I looked at him incredulously. I was right there ready for business. And there was only one other person behind me. So I half-asked, half-signaled with my shoulders, "Well, can we go through?" This surprised him. "No," he mumbled. He looked aggravated. As I walked away, the guard muttered under his breath but loud enough for me to hear, "If I was going to let you go through what would I have changed the sign for?" And I thought, "We may breathe the same air, but we don't live on the same planet." I wondered if, when he was a child, his family showed him enough respect. How easy, polite, and respectful it would have been if he'd simply told us what was going on. I guess he didn't know what you know -- that good manners make for good business. I'd love to hear what you think about manners in business. Are manners too old fashioned for the 21st century or do they still count? Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=11 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=11#comments Thu, 23 Feb 2006 23:57:04 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/02/23/stress-doesnt-have-to-make-you-a-meanie/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=11 00:01:01 Does your job stress you out? What if you were on the police force? Stay tuned and learn how smart cops keep from bringing stress ... Does your job stress you out? What if you were on the police force? Stay tuned and learn how smart cops keep from bringing stress home to their families. One young mother told me her 6 year old daughter said, "Mama. I hate work." Why sweetheart? Because it makes you mean! If you take stress home you've taken it too far. What can a you do? Learn from the Central Florida Police Stress Unit. They help cops who are prone to taking stress home. Here are their "Six R's for Stress Management." Responsibility, reflection, relaxation, relationships, refueling and recreation. Responsibility means establish priorities -- you can't do it all. So do what counts first. Reflection means know your personal stress triggers and symptoms. Relaxation is something you get when you postpone worrying. One simple technique is to tell yourself, "I'll worry about that later." When it comes to Relationships, first improve the one with yourself. Refueling means eat more fiber and less junk food; plus, drink more water. Recreation includes laughing more often and doing more fun things with your family. The good news about stress is that it doesn't have to make you a meanie. Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=10 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=10#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2006 16:09:09 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/02/21/put-stress-to-work-for-you/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=10 00:01:01 Do you get stressed out? Workplace stress has some surprisingly good benefits. Stay turned to learn how to put stress to work for you. It's time ... Do you get stressed out? Workplace stress has some surprisingly good benefits. Stay turned to learn how to put stress to work for you. It's time to ask stress to be your crazy buddy. Stress is like salt, fat and cholesterol -- everybody trashes it, but without it, where's the fun in life? People ask me if I get nervous before a big talk. I tell them they can call it nerves or stress if they want to, but I prefer to label it "pure energy." Stress activates your body's resources for strength and agility. In gives you a rush of feel-good. According to a recent article in Newsweek, a jolt of stress sharpens thinking and memory while dulling the pain receptors. Glycogen is converted into glucose for an energy boost. A faster heart rate surges oxygenated red blood cells to ready your muscles for fight or flight. That puts your brain and body in top form for handling finicky bosses, making speeches, and meeting unreasonable deadlines. So, career-wise, that's the good news. The bad -- well you probably know how the post-adrenaline rush leaves you feeling edgy and blue and how chronically stressed people force cardiologists into high tax brackets. I'll give you 6 smart tips for dealing with too much stress on the next show. This is Doug Smart with Smarter by the Minute. Make today a great day! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=9 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=9#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2006 20:38:30 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/02/16/ask-and-ye-shall-receive/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=9 00:01:01 The Bible says, "Ask and ye shall receive." Applying that principle when shopping can pay off in surprising ways! Stay tuned! We received the following e-mail: In ... The Bible says, "Ask and ye shall receive." Applying that principle when shopping can pay off in surprising ways! Stay tuned! We received the following e-mail: In your speech you told the story about the customer who always asks for a discount. You said, "If you don't ask, you don't get." Well! After I arrived home, my high school son and I went shopping for soccer stuff. In the first store, he chose a pair of $80 shoes. I thought of you and what you told us, so I spoke up and asked for a discount. To my surprise the clerk responded with a "yes!" and gave me a 20% discount. I told my son and he couldn't believe I had asked -- and saved $16. We pushed on to the next store for ankle guards. They turned out to be $80 for two. At the check out, I again asked for a discount and again, to our amazement, we got a 20% discount and saved another $16! Now we were at our last stop to buy two ice packs. My son and I were yelling from the aisle, "Can we get a discount?!" To our delight, we were given 50% off a $26 purchase -- saving $13. Our evening ended with an unexpected $45 in my pocket which I used to take my son out to dinner. Now I'm a believer, "If you don't ask, you don't get!" Thanks! Doug for the smart idea! This is Doug Smart with Smarter by the Minute. Make today a great day! Podcast Doug Smart no No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=8 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=8#comments Tue, 14 Feb 2006 16:43:18 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/02/14/drop-stress-and-raise-accomplishment-levels/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=8 00:01:01 Most people feel stressed by their jobs. Stay tuned for a smart tip on how to drop stress and raise accomplishment levels! Do you care so ... Most people feel stressed by their jobs. Stay tuned for a smart tip on how to drop stress and raise accomplishment levels! Do you care so much about your work that it causes you stress pains? For years I suffered stress pains at the back of my neck. I exercised to stretch my tight muscles and I took up a hobby to take my mind off my problems. But not focusing on my work sometimes made me feel guilty. And that made the stress pains worse. How did I get rid of the stress? I heard a speaker say this: "stress is caused by the knowledge that I am not doing what I know I need to be doing in order to be successful." That's important. I'll say it again, "Stress is caused by the knowledge that I am not doing what I know I need to be doing in order to be successful." I changed my thinking. I refocused by writing out my goals. I even put my goals on the wall. Later when I felt stressed I stopped and made a fast list of everything I could be doing that moment. Then I started working on what I decided was the MOST important item -- the one that would get me closer to my goals. It made a difference. I accomplished enough of the important things that the stress pains quickly evaporated. This strategy worked for me. It can work for you, too. This is Doug Smart with Smarter by the Minute. Make today a great day! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=6 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=6#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2006 19:34:49 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/02/09/fell-focused-not-overwhelmed/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=6 00:01:01 Do you sometimes feel exhausted just thinking about work? Are there days when you find it challenging to get started? I've got just the solution ... Do you sometimes feel exhausted just thinking about work? Are there days when you find it challenging to get started? I've got just the solution coming up! You know that energized feeling you get when you and your work have become one? When you're so sharply focused that your mind is clear and you are racing along?! Solutions to your challenges pop into your head! You are so brilliant you impress yourself! "Wow! Where did that come from?!" "I am goooood!" Athletes have a name for it. They call it the "flow state." When you first start your business day, how long does it take you to get your brain clicked into a flow state? 30 minutes? After 2 cups of coffee? Middle of the afternoon?? Here's an easy way to start every day fresh and alert. At the end of each day, just before you leave, use the last 15 minutes to plan the next day. Simply make tomorrow's to do list today. This will help you feel focused not burdened. You'll feel strong not overwhelmed. You'll feel peace not stress because you can safely leave work at work and go home to enjoy your other life. Of course, some of you are asking, "What other life?" We'll talk about that another time! This is Doug Smart with Smarter by the Minute. Make today a great day! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=4 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=4#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2006 16:14:31 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/02/07/being-different-can-earn-big-rewards/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=4 00:01:01 There are so many things that cause us to feel uncomfortable or even embarrassed. But in business the big rewards go to people who are ... There are so many things that cause us to feel uncomfortable or even embarrassed. But in business the big rewards go to people who are willing to be different. There were a dozen places to eat at the food court and the crowd was thin. Behind the counter at the Flaming Wok, a middle aged Oriental woman passionately took action to improve her odds of success. In thickly accented English, she crowed at every potential customer within ten feet, "Hi! Want try some?" as she tempted people with morsels of steaming spicy chicken skewered by neon colored toothpicks. Half deliberately looked away and pretended not to hear. If they looked, she flashed a proud smile. Nearly all of the lookers accepted their reward and about half of them bought something from her. At the other places people waited on customers, cleaned, or leaned on the counter and watched the mall world drift by. No one offered samples nor asked customers to buy. In the 20 minutes I watched, her eatery earned as much business -- including mine -- as all of the competition combined. She alone was passionately willing to do what they would not. I looked at the 15 year old boy behind the counter with her and thought, "I hope you realize how lucky you are to learn early what your Mama knows. Some adults take many years to figure out the way to get ahead is simply to do what other people can't or won't do." This is Doug Smart with Smarter by the Minute. Make today a great day! Podcast Doug Smart clean No http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=3 http://smarterbytheminute.com/?p=3#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2006 14:27:53 +0000 Doug http://smarterbytheminute.com/2006/02/02/persistence-beats-resistance/ http://smarterbytheminute.com/?feed=rss2&p=3 00:01:01 If you're like the rest of us, most of your new ideas get a negative response within 3 seconds. Learn some smart tips about getting ... If you're like the rest of us, most of your new ideas get a negative response within 3 seconds. Learn some smart tips about getting others to accept your fresh ideas. Getting people to accept new ideas can be frustrating. Whether your idea is to convince your friends to try a new place for lunch or to get your colleagues to consider doubling the advertising budget, it can be an uphill battle. Arthur Schopenhauer observed that a new idea goes through three stages in becoming "the norm": First, it's ridiculed. Second, it's violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as self-evident. An example of this is disposable diapers. First test marketed in 1961 in Peoria, IL, people scoffed at the idea of paying 10 cents each for a disposable diaper! Many argued they were environmentally Unfriendly and would clog landfills. But now they are an intricate part of modern life. 90% of parents in N. America prefer to use them. How can you get your great new idea accepted? Well, don't be put off by people making fun of your idea -- it's going to happen. Also, get your facts ready for people who will argue with you that your idea is impractical or doesn't make sense. My friend, Debra Gould, always says, "Persistence beats resistence every time." She's right. Stick with your winning idea and eventually people will agree, "You were right all along!" This is Doug Smart for Smarter by the Minute.....MAKE today a great day! Podcast Doug Smart clean No