Before You Procrastinate – Read This!

We all do it.  Put off those things we don’t want to do, but deep down inside know we should.  It’s easy to understand why we procrastinate, other things can be more fun.  But the price we pay is that we are never free from that inner voice that says “Hey, you better get that done!”.

 

Here’s our Take Five on how to stop procrastinating:

 

 

 

 

1. Keep Your Eyes On The Prize:  Sometimes you procrastinate because you just don’t want to do something. Assuming you have done a pros and cons list and decide this is something that needs to be done, the best way to get started and keep moving forward is to keep your reasons top of mind.  For example, let’s say you want to become a better presenter and there’s a series of workshops that you know would help.  You’ve been putting it off because you’re focusing on all the things that make it a chore:  you’ll have to drive out of your way; they’ll be work involved; you’d rather be watching CSI or doing something else that’s more fun.  Focus on the reasons why you thought you should do it in the first place.  Being a better presenter will give you more of the types of opportunities that are important to you.  By keeping that thought in your head, it will make it easier for you to move forward.   
2. Break It Into Bite-Sized Pieces:  Many people procrastinate because they see the project in its totality and believe it will take too long. A better approach to take is to break down your goal into manageable action items.  Paraphrasing David Allen in “Getting Things Done”, you can’t do a project, you can only do the next action.  By developing an action plan, it will keep you focused on what the next step is and make completing your project seem more doable.
3. Shoot For Good, Not Perfect: Sometimes we set the standards unreasonably high, which prevents us from even wanting to start. The pressure we put on ourselves can result in doing nothing.  Balance your desire for perfection with the need to get things done. Does it really have to be perfect to create value? 
4. Do It In spite Of Your Mood:  Don’t wait until you are “in the mood” to work on your project.  The mood may never come.  Sometimes working on it will help create the right energy and feed your desire to continue.  Even if you are not in the best mood, any effort you make on your project will still result in progress.  As long as you keep working on it, it will get done.
5. Overcome Distractions:  Let people know in advance that you are not available during the time you’re working on your project.  Turn off your cell phone, don’t answer emails and don’t go surfing on Youtube.  When you are doing something that you’ve been putting off, it’s especially easy to get distracted.  Remove all those distractions that will take you off point.           

 

You might have heard of the “termite revolution”.  Just like the biggest building that will topple as a result of termites eating away, so will any project no matter the size.  You know what it feels like to live with the burden of procrastination.  See for yourself how good it feels on the other side.  

 

Copyright 2008 Whelan Stone. All rights reserved.

 

Whelan Stone

Is It Time To Leave Your Company?

Part of managing your career is to keep a close eye on what’s going on in your company.  By keeping current with the health of your organization and industry trends, you will know in advance the things that could potentially affect your job.  

 

There are many people who ignore the indicators that their jobs could be in jeopardy, only to find themselves among the masses looking for work.  In hindsight they wish they had left in the early stages of the warning signs. 

  

Here’s our Take Five on when it may be time to leave a company:

 

1. Downturn in Your Industry – We’ve all seen what’s happened in financial services.  While this is an extreme situation that no one could have foreseen, there are frequently telltale signs when an industry is having problems. Clearly, if a giant in the industry is suffering, it’s only a matter of time before the others follow suit.  Stay informed on the latest news in your industry.  Read Fortune, WSJ, etc., to learn what the analysts are saying and predicting.  If all sources are predicting the same dire future, you may want to consider changing industries.  Long term factors negatively affecting your category will not change any time soon.
2. Company is Acquired – Some people make the mistake of waiting to see how things shake out after the transition has occurred.  The danger is that your role may be eliminated due to duplication.  Once it is imminent that your company will be acquired, it’s smart to be proactive and start exploring your options.
3. Key Customers Leave – Customers are a bellwether for the health of your company.  When key customers start bailing and they are not replaced, it’s easy to do the math.  Losing significant revenue will start having an adverse effect on the company, which will eventually have an impact on your job.
4. Key Initiatives & Budget Cuts – It’s one thing if your company has moved into a different strategic direction, it’s quite another when they pull the plug on  projects that are key to the company’s future growth.  What might seem like stagnation is actually losing ground.  On a smaller scale, you may have just received word that your marketing budget has been cut.  If you are witnessing cuts across all departments, it’s a sign that the company is tightening its belt which may be a precursor to layoffs. 
5. Senior Management Exits – First your CFO resigned, then the CEO took a position in another company and a bunch of VP’s with them.  You would be amazed at how many people will stay in a company with this kind of siren warning.  When senior management starts exiting, the writing is on the wall. 

There are many reasons why people ignore the signs of when they need to look outside their current company.  Some believe things might turn around and hope for the best.  Others are in denial and keep their heads in the sand or feel it may be premature to start looking until the dust has settled.  If you are sensing the company may be changing and that your job may be on the line, take the initiative and start the process of exploring your options.  If it turns out your job is still secure, you will at the very least know more about your options outside the company, even if you don’t need them now.

Copyright 2008 Whelan Stone. All rights reserved.

Whelan Stone

How to Get Your Groove Back at Work

Being bored at work can make a day seem like a week. Even jobs people love can sometimes become “old hat”.  You may be at the point where you don’t want to change jobs but want to regain that “new job” feeling you had when you first started. 

 

Here’s our “Take Five” on how to get your groove back at work:

 

 

 

1. Shake Things Up – Take a look at the various components of your job.  What do you like/dislike?  How much time do you spend on each aspect?  Looking at your job through a new lens will allow you to open up to new possibilities.  For example, you can do things in a new way or new order.  You may decide to delegate things you don’t like or find more enjoyable ways (e.g., on a laptop at Starbucks) of doing them.  The key is to look at your job with a new perspective, with the goal of doing more of what you like.  
2. Add Some Spice – Just like a little spice can make a dish taste better, adding spice to your job can make all the difference.  This could be taking on new responsibilities in an area of interest to you, or getting on a committee for a special project, or working with new people from other groups. 
3. Create New Ideas – Attend conferences, seminars, trade shows, all the events you think you don’t have time for.  These can help energize the way you feel about your job.  Another strategy is to call a colleague in a relevant, non-competitive category and ask “What are you guys doing these days that’s interesting?”  That can help spark new ideas.
4. Meet New People – Make it a point to reach out to new people in your industry or who are in a similar position.  This broadens your network and can help stimulate how you approach your job.  Maybe there are people who you’ve done business with over the phone but have never met.  Some people steer clear of vendors, but they could turn out to be really good resources beyond the extent of your relationship.      
5. Raise Your Game – Focus on a segment of your job that you’d like to get better at.  Maybe you’re a Marketing Director and you want to improve your presentation skills by joining Toastmasters or taking a workshop.  Or you may be a Finance Director and want to know more about SOX, or a Creative Director and want to focus on social media.  Focusing on an aspect of your job that you like and would like to strengthen can serve to energize all the other areas. 

 

Just like the song “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”, you may have lost the love you feel for your job.  It may just need a little jazzing up and you’re just the person to do it!

 

Copyright 2008 Whelan Stone. All rights reserved.

 

Whelan Stone    

 

 

 

The Right Approach to Informational Interviews

Informational interviews have the potential to yield significant benefits, assuming you have the right approach.  Some people make the mistake of approaching them in a very casual manner, sitting back and letting the interviewee do all the work.  Others may prepare for the meeting, but leave without key questions being answered. 

 

If someone is gracious enough to give you their time, it’s critical to utilize that time to your best advantage.

 

Here’s our “Take Five” on how to handle an informational interview:

 

 

1. Treat It Seriously – This is both an opportunity to get information and present yourself for future opportunities.  There are many examples of people who went in for informational interviews and ended up being hired.  Given this, dress appropriately and be on time.  Start off by thanking them for their time and let them know you have a list of questions you would like to ask.  Reassure them that you will stick to the time allotted.  When the time draws near, say “I know I only have 5 minutes left and there’s one more question I have.”  This signals to them that you are respectful of their time and keep to your commitments. If they want to go beyond that, that’s their decision. 
2. Tell Them About Your Interest – Take a few minutes to describe how you became interested and why you sparked to this field.  Showing your enthusiasm for the position will reinforce why they should feel good about taking the time to meet with you.  Briefly tell them what you know about this field so they will have a platform for the discussion.  Obviously, you both share some interests and by explaining yours, you will create the potential for additional bonding. 
3. Have Your Questions Ready – Make it your goal to leave with the three most important questions answered.  Organize them so you get answers to the most important questions first.  Here are a few examples:    How do you spend most of your time?  Can you give me “a day in your life”? What’s the most important skill I need in order to be successful? (Show them your resume) “What do I need to strengthen in order to be ready? How do I break in? What is the normal career path? How did you get to be where you are today?  What do you know now, that you wish you had known when you started? What organizations should I join and what publications should I read? Is there anything I haven’t asked that I should?          
4. Ask For A Referral – You may feel uncomfortable asking for a referral, since the person has just given you some of their time.  However, remember that people are generally happy to help and it also gives them a reason to reach out to one of their contacts.   Asking for a referral is an opportunity for further networking in the industry.  Ask the person who else they would recommend you speak with.  It could be someone inside or outside of the company.  The more people you talk to, the better perspective you will have.  It will also demonstrate to the person that you are driven, which separates you from many others.
5. Follow-Up – Send the person a “thank you” email right away.  First of all, it’s good manners and it may prompt the person to give you additional help.  Importantly, stay in touch afterwards.  Keep the person informed (about 3 times a year) of your progress.  That way they know the time they spent had some impact.  It also keeps you top-of-mind.

 

Before we entered the wonderful world of recruiting and coaching, we both had careers in other industries.  We know first hand the value of informational interviews.   Someone currently doing the job you want can paint a realistic picture.  This information will ultimately help you determine if the job’s right for you and if you are right for the job.  It doesn’t cost anything and can save you a lot of time in the end.  Use it to your best advantage and when you get the chance, “pay it forward”. 

 

 

Whelan Stone

Performance Reviews: Do a 180 On Your Weaknesses

Chances are during your last performance review, your boss highlighted areas for improvement.  While we’d all like to think of ourselves as perfect, the reality is there are always areas that could be strengthened.  Hopefully, your boss positioned your areas for improvement as areas to be strengthened, not major weaknesses.   Regardless of how it was communicated, the fact remains you need to address it. 

 

Some of you will get right on it – start figuring out ways to improve before the next review.  Others might get defensive or minimize the value of the criticism and elect not to do anything.  Still others might just procrastinate and get to it late or not at all. 

 

Performance reviews are the basis for raises, promotions, disciplinary action and in a broader sense, benchmark your standing in the organization.  Whether you are an “up and comer/fast-track employee” or “someone who needs considerable direction”, your performance review is the framework for building on the things you do well and shoring up the areas that you need help with. 

 

So how do you walk into your  next performance review with confidence?

 

Here’s our “Take Five”:

 

1. Start Right Away – Given the importance of performance reviews, start working on those key areas for improvement right away.  Even if your next review is 6 months or 12 months out, start taking action now versus putting it off.  Taking action early builds momentum and gives you more time to make those improvements.  Don’t think you will suddenly sprint to the finish line – 30 days before your next review because that is seldom effective.  In addition, it can create anxiety if you work in ways you know are unacceptable, while you think to yourself “I can turn it around anytime I want”. 
2. Let Your Boss Know – As you diligently work to improve, let your boss know what you are doing and why.  By working to address the issues they have identified, your boss then knows what matters to them, matters to you.  That will set a better tone for your working relationship.  Getting them on your side early on will predispose them to root for you.  Remember to tell your boss what to be looking for when you are engaged on a specific project or activity that is meant to respond to an issue.
3. Address 360 Feedback – In your 360, your peers and subordinates may have commented on an area for you to work on.  Whether it’s consistent or different from what your boss identified, it’s still important to make changes.  Ask people how you are doing.  They will appreciate the fact that you care enough to address their issues and will create stronger bonds and better working relationships.
4. Check-In – Schedule quarterly meetings with your boss to see how you are doing.  This should not be your regular one on one, but a special meeting that is devoted to your progress against your review.  In this meeting, outline the specific actions and results attributable to the changes you’ve made.  This would also be a good time to let your boss know the updated feedback from your subordinates and peers.   These meetings will eliminate the anxiety and surprises that you may have felt in the past at your annual review.  During these meetings let your boss know that while you may not be 100% there, you are making progress.
5. Keep Monitoring – Take the burden off your boss and monitor your own progress.  Whatever you are working on should be measured.  Don’t take two steps forward and one step back after you’ve made some measurable improvement.  People who are successful keep striving to be better. 

  

Just as you treat any other project– with timelines and milestones – do the same for your performance improvement.  This approach will pay significant dividends: improve your relationship with your boss and co-workers, reduce your anxiety, and raise your competitive edge.     

 

 

Whelan Stone

How Can I Leave the Office Behind When I Go On Vacation?

Your vacation plans are set, you’re ready to go and ready to get away from the office. The problem is you don’t ever leave the office behind.  If you’re like most of us, you want to stay connected even though you’re on vacation.  Truth be told, you are more likely to leave your wallet at home than your BlackBerry. 

 

Recently a VP at a Fortune 100 company arrived in Paris to start his honeymoon.  On his first day he lost his BlackBerry, having left it in a cab.  His first reaction was “Oh my God! What am I going to do?”  Then a strange thought occurred to him.  Maybe this was a good thing, after all he was on his honeymoon.  Two weeks later, he was back at work and vowed never to be held hostage to the office during vacation.  Sure, he had to catch up on a backlog of things, but it was still better than having work intrude on his holiday.

 

For those of you thinking “Yeah, but, I have my own business” OR “Yeah, but, I have a lot of responsibility”, this VP was running a $3 billion division.

 

Here’s our “Take Five” on why it’s a good thing to disengage from the office when you’re on vacation:

 

1. Disengaging Can Be Better for Business – When you take the time to clear your mind of business issues, you gain a better perspective on them when you return to the office.  Just like someone who takes a job in a new industry, they bring a fresh perspective which can be incredibly valuable.    Relaxing helps your subconscious come up with creative solutions and by not thinking of work, your mind will have the ability to look at old issues in a new way.
2.  Subordinates Can Step Up – Remember the first time you had to make a decision while your boss was away?  Without your boss as a safety net, you experienced more growth than you would have otherwise.  Whether you have direct reports or are part of a cross functional effort, by not working while you’re on vacation, you’ll let others take the reins.   This benefits everyone.
3. People Will Respect Your Time More – We all do it, take calls from co-workers when we’re on vacation.  After all, it’s just a call.  The problem is that it disrupts your vacation and isn’t fair to you, especially if that issue could have been handled before you left or can wait until you get back.
4. You’ll Have a Better Time – When you go on vacation and you know you won’t be contacted by the office, you’re able to enjoy yourself more.  Have another margarita – no one’s going to pick your brain about anything important today.
5. Your Family Will Appreciate It – Whether it’s your spouse or children, they want and deserve your undivided attention.  They can tell when you’re thinking about the office, which basically means, they’re playing second fiddle to your business.

 

Take note of  the old adage: “No one on their deathbed ever said ‘I wish I’d spent more time in the office.’”  Don’t wait until then to have this revelation. 

A Resolution for 2011

It’s the year 2011, Hillary Clinton is President, the San Francisco 49ers are in the Super Bowl and all cars are getting 35 mpg.  So much has changed in the past three years, but can that be said about your career?  Maybe not and that’s okay with you.  You like what you’ve been doing for the past few years and can see yourself continuing on.  On the other hand, in 2011 if you wish you were doing something different, the best time to address that is now, back here in 2007. 

We all know how quickly time flies.  Before you know it, it will be 2011.  Rather than looking at the past 3 years with regret, wouldn’t it be better to have filled that time with constructive progress towards your ultimate career goal? 

We speak to people every day who are too busy doing their jobs to manage their careers.  They don’t have a plan and are not making headway towards their ultimate career goals. 

In order to get where you want to go, it’s necessary to have a well thought-out career plan.

Here’s our Take Five on how to create one:

1. Be Specific – There’s a saying “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.”  Specifically, what is your ultimate career goal?  Where do you need to be in three years that will strongly position you for that goal?    By making that determination, you will work towards a concrete objective.  Many of you do this on a regular basis for your companies.  Apply the same principles to your own career. 
2. What Skill Sets Will You Need?   Now is the time to make the honest assessment to shore these up. There may be some skills you need to improve and some new skills that you need to incorporate.  Determine what these are so that you can start working on them now.
3. Start Networking Today – Reach out to people who are currently in the position you want.  These people can give you advice on what you need to do in order to prepare for that future role.  They can also serve as mentors along the way and as advocates for your being selected for that new role when the time comes.
4. Establish a Timeline – Make a list of the required skills from #2 and #3 and put together a timeline of how and when these will be accomplished. Be aggressive in your three year timetable so that you are consistently moving forward.  Whatever activities are necessary to accomplish your goal should be scheduled just as you would with any project you work on.  This timeline will be the blueprint for your career goal.
5. Celebrate Milestones – It’s important to acknowledge and celebrate the milestones – those significant achievements you realize along the way.  This will keep your motivation level high.  Set your milestones appropriately so that they truly represent significant progress. 

These steps are very doable and are a good framework for achieving what you want. Having a career plan, like having a financial plan, will give you peace of mind knowing that you are doing what you need to be doing today. We are on the eve of 2008 and now is the time to create a plan for your long term success. 

How to Become Your Boss’s Successor

 If moving up the ladder is important to you, then part of managing your career is preparing yourself to succeed your boss.    Just because you’ve been getting positive performance reviews doesn’t mean you’re a shoe-in for getting your boss’s job.  It’s likely that your co-workers also have designs on that position, even though they may not have said anything. The biggest mistake we see people make is that they assume they are the frontrunner for the job and think it’s only a matter of time before they get it.  When it doesn’t happen they’re in shock and disbelief. 

What went wrong?  Unfortunately, they didn’t do enough to earn their boss’s job.

Here’s our “Take Five” on how to position yourself to be your boss’s successor:

1. Make Your Case:   Approach your boss and tell them why you believe you are the best person to be groomed for the job.  Speak to your accomplishments and qualities that make you a logical choice.  Acknowledge the areas you know you need to improve upon and ask if there are additional ones.  Your boss will appreciate your direct approach and this will separate you from your peers, who may be waiting for something to happen instead of making something happen.
2. Analyze Your Boss’s Job:   From a macro level, what is your boss responsible for?  For example, your boss may be responsible for Sales, Marketing and Manufacturing.  Analyze what the key responsibilities are in each functional area, to see what you could take off your boss’s plate.  Be realistic given your current level and what you are proposing.  It should be a stretch but not an overreaching one.  Be prepared to have a strong rationale for why it makes sense for you to take on these additional responsibilities, and how you can handle more without compromising your current job.
3. Present Your Proposal:  Set up a meeting with your boss to talk specifics.   Communicate that you have identified the key areas in which you can help them, letting them know which ones you are most interested in. While you may have preferences for certain areas,  let them know you are open to any suggestions they have.    Don’t be afraid to state the obvious benefit to your boss – having you do more frees them up to do other things. If you’re met with too much resistance, then offer to take on the responsibility on an interim basis until you’ve proven yourself.
4. Work Closer with Your Boss:  Bosses are usually working on various projects and could very well need extra help.   Look for a situation where the two of you can be involved in every phase of a project.  This will effectively make you the co-pilot.  By working closely with your boss you will learn the nuances of what makes them successful and cement the bond between you.  Working this closely will help your boss see first hand how you can step into their job.  In addition, should your boss be unavailable, you would be the go-to person on this project, enabling others to see you in your boss’s role. 
5. Think Bigger:  People rise within companies because of their ability to contribute at a higher level.  Pay close attention to the key issues within your industry.  The ability to speak intelligently about the factors affecting your industry will separate you from the pack.  Being clued in will increase your chance of coming up with a solution to strengthen your company’s competitive position.   Practice thinking like a CEO and look for ways to grow the company.

One thing that prevents leaders from moving up is that they don’t have a successor in place.  By taking the initiative you are creating a situation in which both you and your boss will benefit greatly. 

www.whelanstone.com

Is a Lateral Move Bad for Your Career?

Many people face the difficult decision of whether or not to make a lateral move. If you are leaving your company to go to one that is much larger, that’s easier to justify. It’s the other scenario that can be troubling. 

An opportunity comes along, you like the people and it feels like a great fit, but it’s at a smaller company and they can’t bring you in at a higher level.  You’re not sure you would feel good about that.  There are some people who wouldn’t even consider it. 

So, are there times when it does make sense to make a lateral move? Even though it may seem counter intuitive, there are times when you should consider it.

Here’s our Take Five:

1. Greater Access to Senior Management:  If the company is smaller there will be fewer people between you and senior management.  That means two things: learning from the very best at the company and positioning yourself for promotion.  You’ll learn a lot more, faster by having frequent access to top management.  Having more access also means greater visibility and that can help, no matter what your level.  If you are already a VP, then fewer people at the top means your odds are better at getting the top job.
2. Broader Scope:  The same title at a smaller company can mean greater responsibility.  By virtue of there being fewer people, it dictates that each person would have a relatively bigger job.  A broader scope usually means making a greater impact.  The greater the impact the greater your overall job satisfaction will be.
3. Different Category:  If you have been wanting to break into a new category, then taking a lateral move can work to your advantage.  While you may be forgoing an immediate promotion, you are learning something new and exciting.  Importantly, this new industry experience can round out your resume and be leveraged into a significant promotion in the future. 
4. Smarter People:  Certain companies (and you know who they are) have reputations for having the “best of the best” when it comes to smart employees. They are more innovative and always seem to be setting the standard of excellence in their category. Working with people like these can inspire you, raise your game and significantly enhance your career.  As an added benefit, being surrounded by smart people can make work more fun. 
5. Quicker Decision Making:  Nothing’s more frustrating than working on a project and having it stalled in bureaucratic layers. If your current company moves painfully slow, taking a lateral move at a smaller company can be energizing.  Smaller companies are usually more nimble.  Better to be in an environment in which things are done quicker, which frees up more of your time to take on the next big project.

The next time you are presented with the opportunity to take a lateral move, be sure to weigh all the pros and cons before making your decision. What might appear on the surface to be an automatic “no”, could in reality be an excellent opportunity to advance your career.

Whelan Stone

Your High Impact Week

It’s Monday and you have high expectations about what you are going to get done this week. 

There are millions of things that need to be done, but we all know that it’s those “high impact” activities that make a difference. They are the ones that get you noticed and rewarded. 

You have the best of intentions, but as the week progresses you get sidetracked by too many meetings, too many emails, and too many of “a lot of things” that don’t add up to a productive week.  You end up falling behind and feeling frustrated. 

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. 

We all have days that get away from us.  Unexpected things can wreak havoc with your goals.  So, how do you go about managing those things and still have a high-impact week? 

Here’s our “Take Five”: 

1.  Plan Next Week This Friday – The best time to plan your week is NOT Monday morning, when you are mentally transitioning from the weekend.  Create your plan on Friday afternoon when you’re still in synch with the work week and are energized by the upcoming weekend.  Friday afternoons tend to be quieter, with people leaving early or working remotely, so it’s a perfect time to plan.  An added bonus is that by planning you free up your mind for the weekend, knowing what’s in store for the following week. 

2.  Front Load Your Week – When you plan your week, “front load” it so that you accomplish 70% of your work by the end of Wednesday. It’s not as hard as it sounds. By pushing a little harder Monday – Wednesday, you can squeeze in an extra half day’s work and make the rest of the week less stressful.  You’ll also feel energized because you’ve done so much early on.  This will spur you on to accomplish even more.

3.  Focus on High Impact Activities – Make sure that you are working on the activities that will have the greatest impact on your career.  We all have “maintenance” things that need to be done.  Whenever possible, delegate as many of these things as you can.  For things you can’t delegate, think of ways to do them more efficiently.  Doing your routine things is expected.  Doing the high-impact activities are where the real rewards are.

4.  Be Highly Accountable to Yourself – Make a realistic schedule and stick to it. Monitor your plan a couple of times a day to see if you’re still on track.   Taking this approach is an effective way to focus on the things that matter.  Do the most important things and try not to get derailed.   

5.  Only Attend Meetings That Make Sense – This had to be its own bullet point because of the “meeting mania” that happens in too many companies.  It may be flattering to be invited to meetings, but you have to pick and choose which ones deserve your time and attention.  For those you have to attend, don’t stay longer than necessary.  Whenever possible, send someone in your place.  This will free you up to do other things and give that designated person a chance to grow.

By planning ahead you can hit the ground running on Monday morning.   Keep focusing your energies on the things that matter most and you’ll have a high-impact week.

  

 

www.whelanstone.com