Management Tips

In the business world, there are always deadlines, and missing them can often have great consequences, such as losing clients, profits, etc. But even more importantly, deadlines, and whether you make them or miss them, reflect on your reliability. With a few strategies, you can make sure you always make the deadline.

Approach the deadline like the theatre. Theatre productions always have non-negotiable deadlines. No matter what happens, the job gets done and the show must go on.

Take in the whole picture. Assess the details, and give yourself the time and resources to make sure you can accomplish everything to the level of quality needed.

photo credit: time managment for kids via photopin (license)

Continue to original source.

Many working Americans are afraid to ask for time off. Maybe they’re afraid of being replaced or of work piling up in their absence. In fact, 40 percent of Americans leave vacation time unused every year.

But taking a vacation can actually be good for you – and for your boss! A recent study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that taking time off increased productivity, engagement and happiness.

With all the facts swinging your way, there’s no reason not to kick back, relax and enjoy that piña colada!

photo credit: Pointing at button via photopin (license)

Continue to original source.

It can sometimes be a struggle to stay focused at work. With so many distractions around you, such as your co-workers, the Internet and texting, it can seem almost impossible to tackle all of your tasks. But with a few simple behavioral changes, you can get more done and solve your distraction problem.

Start by making to-do lists every day. Break down your tasks into short-term and long-term. Your tasks won’t seem as overwhelming when they’re more organized.

Set a regular routine for yourself. Choose something fun to do every day at one specific time. When you have that activity in mind, you’ll get more done in the time leading up to it.

Image via Wikimedia Commons/pdclipart.org

Continue to original source.

In a recent poll by online collaboration company Clarizen, 46 percent of people said they would rather do anything else than sit in a meeting at work. Seventeen percent said they would even rather watch paint dry.

Whether you call them status meetings, team meetings or check-ins, your employees are bound to hate them. But that doesn’t mean you should eliminate them altogether.

Instead of a meeting, try switching it up with a fun activity. Or try meeting standing up. The change in pace will bring the team together to collaborate, bond and share ideas.

photo credit: Notes from a Meeting via photopin (license)

Continue to original source.

The daily cup of joe is a necessity for most working individuals, but it’s actually hurting your potential for success far more than it’s helping it. Many people drink caffeinated beverages because they help you feel more alert and improve your mood.

Studies show that caffeine intake can even improve cognitive task performance, including memory, attention span and more, in the short-term. However, most of these studies don’t take into account participants’ daily habits.

What is actually happening for a lot of people is that drinking caffeine is not improving performance but actually initiating a caffeine withdrawal reversal.

photo credit: IMGP3324 via photopin (license)

Continue to original source.