Get Sorted Now

Get Sorted Now http://markmoore.posterous.com business thinking to steer your career posterous.com Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:38:12 -0700 How to Save Money on Your Next Purchase http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/wOzj3GCacRA/how-to-save-money-on-your-next-purchase http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-save-money-on-your-next-purchase <p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Save_money" height="348" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/Gjs3zHQ7RB1RyjwPl9bipIYbZTW5ETQ6j34D68EwA1mSRPCLyMWrVRHi8BFF/save_money.jpg" width="468" /> </div> <br /></div><p />I came up with this idea a couple of years back in an attempt to simplify my work and life. I use it a lot, it saves me money, and hopefully it will save you money too.<p /><div>You know the way your mind latches on to something that you think you need or just want to buy? And then it starts painting an exciting picture about owning this new thing, and your ideas and feelings start dancing around with each other in your mind. It can become pretty hard to pull yourself out of this. Often, out comes your credit card and you make the purchase. Here's what I do to stop this, and it works at least 50% of the time..</div> <p /><div>I ask myself, "how could I re-organise or rearrange my life (or make better use of the things I already own) such that I don't need to buy this?" This question puts my attention on what I already have and can control to try to meet the needs or purpose of the thing I'm tempted to buy. I often surprise myself that I can meet the needs of the tempting purchase with something I already own. Even if it helps delay the purchase by a few months. Or, I can rearrange my environment or put myself physically in a different position such that wanting that new thing becomes irrelevant or less desirable. This is all about squeezing more value out of the things you already have, and I don't think people do enough of that.</div> <p /><div>For me, that question is worth a lot of money. I hope you find it useful.</div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-save-money-on-your-next-purchase">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-save-money-on-your-next-purchase#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/wOzj3GCacRA" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-save-money-on-your-next-purchase Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:28:10 -0700 Take Charge and Do the Right Thing http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/aeEWSMt3BBk/take-charge-and-do-the-right-thing http://markmoore.posterous.com/take-charge-and-do-the-right-thing <p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="250px-normanschwarzkopf" height="316" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/mAqc7kaCcJlBz4CUoWelKR2HEe5Rehk0W3bPQI8awKVGiqGLNNktsJ8EwSG9/250px-NormanSchwarzkopf.jpg" width="250" /> </div> <br /></div><p />Here's a really useful and simple reminder to help you create value and be productive.<div> <p /><div>General Norman Schwarzkopf laid down his 14 rules on leadership, and it's rules 13 and 14 that seem to get the most attention.</div><p /><div>Rule 13: When placed in command, TAKE CHARGE!</div> <p /><div>Rule 14: Do the right thing!</div><p /><div>Of course, this doesn't just apply to leaders. We are all in command of ourselves and our own work, business or career. At any given moment, we need to consciously <b>take charge, then do the right thing.</b> It's easy to slip up and get caught up when you're busy and under pressure. It's easy to forget to take charge. And it's even easier to do the wrong thing. So maybe you want to tattoo rules 13 and 14 onto your eyeballs (actually, that might not be the right thing to do). OK, here's your first opportunity to try this out. Before closing this post, sit up, take charge, and determine what the <b>right thing</b> to do is right now, and go and do it!</div> <p /><p /></div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/take-charge-and-do-the-right-thing">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/take-charge-and-do-the-right-thing#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/aeEWSMt3BBk" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/take-charge-and-do-the-right-thing Thu, 09 Jun 2011 22:57:33 -0700 When Will You No Longer Be Needed? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/Q3MCCoySXPE/when-will-you-no-longer-be-needed http://markmoore.posterous.com/when-will-you-no-longer-be-needed <p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Best_before" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/bdwy2c8nFIGM25OU094efoDNZFKt3HXOLQc7rL3QkuxjEwCoDthbEePPTFRp/best_before.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <br /></div><p /><div>This post could save you your job. Have you checked the 'use by date' on your current role at work? Did you even know that there was one?</div> <p /><div>There's a date, not too far away and getting closer, when your role in it's current form will no longer exist. You, as you are right now in that role, will no longer be required.</div> <p /><div>Same applies to your business or organisation. A time will come when it's services, products, processes, people and <b>tactics that once worked</b> become obsolete.</div><p /><p /><div><b>What to do About it</b></div> <p /><div>The challenge, I think, is becoming open to the idea that this 'use by date' might be much sooner than you expect. And between now and then there will be a number of waves of change that hit you. One after the other, knocking you back a little each time. Which is why you need to 'add preservatives' to your own value, and to your business. And your organisation needs to do exactly the same. Whatever was responsible for yours or your organisations past success may no longer apply. Even top talent can quickly become irrelevant if it doesn't stay self-aware and self-update - becoming adaptable to new circumstances.</div> <p /><div>Unfortunately, many people and businesses seem to tick along enjoying the current state of the market and not adding any preservatives until it's too late.</div><p /><div>It's easy to cling on too tightly to the idea that what once worked will continue to work. "It worked before, it can work again!" People like to cling on to what they know. It's harder, but more useful to realise that your tactics must continuously be updated. And once you realise that, you need to go out there and find, learn or create and try out new tactics to see what works now.</div> <p /><div>The best way to add preservatives to yourself and your organisation is to keep up to date, and keeping thinking ahead. Keep learning, moving, watching the market, thinking, innovating, and adapting, and most of all change before you have to!</div> <p /><div><a href="http://www.asklearning.com/Dynamic/SmartSeries.aspx">For help with this click here.</a></div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/when-will-you-no-longer-be-needed">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/when-will-you-no-longer-be-needed#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/Q3MCCoySXPE" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/when-will-you-no-longer-be-needed Thu, 02 Jun 2011 23:11:29 -0700 Wunderlist http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/PU2_0CUvJyA/wunderlist http://markmoore.posterous.com/wunderlist <p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Imgres" height="225" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/Xdmd7CJP0sbsGusiYHmMCED0CTRuvVFUzvPhrDpztMdRUmPE15zRn6zgeAEv/imgres.jpeg" width="225" /> </div> <br /></div><p />If you want to get organised and more productive, you might like to check this out..<div><br /><div> Being a fan of <a href="http://www.davidco.com/" target="_blank">GTD (Getting Things Done!) </a> I'm always on the lookout for useful apps/software that use the system. Many aren't worth shouting about, but this fairly new one is:<p /><div> <a href="http://www.wunderlist.com" target="_blank">http://www.wunderlist.com</a></div><p /><div>Here's why:</div><p /><div>1. It's free</div><div>2. You can use it in your web browser, desktop, iphone or ipad</div> <div>3. Your data is in the cloud and syncs between all devices</div><div>4. You can share lists with other people - you can delegate 'to-do's to other people, attack a to-do list between you ticking things off as you go, or contribute live to a shopping list! That last one has earned me some pretty good things from the supermarket that I've snuck onto the shopping list my wife uses ;-)</div> <div>5. It looks good (appealing to use!)</div><p /><div>There are other useful features too. Worth checking out.</div><p /><div>Alternatively, I'm also a fan of this one --> <a href="http://www.seizethedayapp.com">http://www.seizethedayapp.com</a> (for iPhone) which let's you set repeated reminders (something Wunderlist doesn't let you do). Functionally, it's excellent and free.</div> <p /><div>No excuses to be out of control now!</div><p /><p /></div></div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/wunderlist">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/wunderlist#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/PU2_0CUvJyA" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/wunderlist Sat, 28 May 2011 00:15:04 -0700 The No-Nonsense Career Zone http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/95wArIcurko/the-no-nonsense-career-zone http://markmoore.posterous.com/the-no-nonsense-career-zone <p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/ajq778WvqvHD8YfmnJnnpAjohYLH7KQltyWWxdND0IzAAJDpRuGk9zpNJe4S/utopia.jpg"><img alt="Utopia" height="332" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/wD1dOWGGMWHA0lxoAMl6OsVDNZqxpObhkng6Oas8ZbKbOZ9f2DsftrhYEO8Y/utopia.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <br /></div><p />Imagine working in a place where there was no nonsense around you. Where everything said and done appears to have a real purpose. Where people don't seem to be pretending to be anything they're not. Where people are genuinely happy and productive. Where they are well positioned, and well aligned and definitely well engaged.<p /><div>For two days this week, I worked in a place like that! At least that's how it appeared to me. Something very obviously struck me about the entire group I worked with. They were all exceptionally nice and friendly, seemed perfectly happy, were helpful, smart and proud of their company and their work. They were proud to tell me that they don't use acronyms in their company, or other pointless corporate cliches, and they cut all the other usual crap too. And I could see it before they told me. I'm sure it's not perfect there, but what I saw appeared to be. There was no negativity or insecurity it seemed. Everyone working well alongside each other. Everything co-ordinated and apparently running smoothly. You could almost feel the respect, certainty and control flowing around the room between people. Wow.</div> <p /><div>So, who was responsible for creating this no-nonsense zone?</div><p /><div>Was it the employer? Well....partly. They've done well. But it takes two to tango doesn't it? I'd like to give the employees credit too. They got themselves into that position. I talked to them and asked a lot of questions about how they positioned themselves. Turns out they were the sort of characters who were happy to just be themselves. Then apply for a job.</div> <p /><div>Step 1: be yourself</div><div>Step 2: apply in accordance with step 1</div><p /><div>Obviously they <a href="http://www.thegreatcareerescape.com/" target="_blank">did their research, then planned</a> and then actioned their way in. They beat their competition because they <a href="http://www.thegreatcareerescape.com/" target="_blank">applied for the right job</a>. They actively pursued something fun and exciting to them that enabled them to behave authentically and make a living being themselves. They were genuinely the right fit. And it seems they've been well rewarded, spending their working days in the no nonsense zone.</div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/the-no-nonsense-career-zone">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/the-no-nonsense-career-zone#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/95wArIcurko" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/the-no-nonsense-career-zone Thu, 12 May 2011 14:16:49 -0700 Using Email to Easily Solve Your Own Problems http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/0SQ9qd_yAMY/using-email-to-easily-solve-your-own-problems http://markmoore.posterous.com/using-email-to-easily-solve-your-own-problems <p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Ideas" height="587" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/CatEV9UjHH2zRKSlt3vyha2F2HLteENOTRN27g9fLchufqGWFwum1wL974qp/ideas.jpg" width="400" /> </div> <br /></div><p /><div>Recently, I've been pretty chuffed with myself because I've accidentally (and easily) solved some of my own problems <b><i>without even trying</i></b>. I thought I'd share how I did this with you so you can try it too.</div> <p /><div>It's happened quite a few times now. I've had a problem that I felt I needed someone else's help with. I opened an email and began giving them the background on the problem and began discussing my options. And all of a sudden, the solution hit me. Through 'thinking out loud' into an email, and <b>ensuring I articulated it such that it was clear and understood by someone else</b>, I inadvertently got a clearer view of the problem and what was involved and was able to fine tune my thinking, analyse it better and make my decisions. This of course felt great, and I could then discard the email saving the other person's time. The email became redundant, but <i>my</i> time was well spent, and I arrived at my desired result faster. What a clever old sausage!</div> <p /><div>I've decided to use this approach more often and more purposefully. You should try it too. Just open up a document and start writing. It's important, I think, to write as if you're writing to someone else so that you choose your words carefully and explain as clearly and concisely as you can. Get to the point. Focus on the 'must know' facts around the problem before dipping in to the 'nice to know'. Then bash out some thoughts to fix things. Talk around it, pull it apart, look at your options, weight them up. Make a decision. You might impress yourself.</div> <p /><div>I heard someone once say that 'the main problem with thinking, is we don't do enough of it'. I think we get lazy and too quickly ask someone else to do our thinking for us. And then we often blame them if we're not happy with the outcome. Time to take the responsibility back!</div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/using-email-to-easily-solve-your-own-problems">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/using-email-to-easily-solve-your-own-problems#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/0SQ9qd_yAMY" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/using-email-to-easily-solve-your-own-problems Fri, 29 Apr 2011 01:37:00 -0700 How Surfing Can Help Your Career http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/t__BgzOqpv0/how-surfing-can-help-your-career-thinkinglear http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-surfing-can-help-your-career-thinkinglear <p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/vTHNEKtoy4ar0k8jUVJec0uCgmBajmXLG8gQmIJUHdytQrIiGMDqf8Y7WClI/surf.jpg"><img alt="Surf" height="332" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/aPq8gVXb4UFaaeTnaMX1VK2bn9zUyIy5jqzfubRldEvEx3CmciFXnrMbSvrI/surf.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </div> <p /> <p>When I first arrived as a fresh pom in Australia, I felt obliged to learn to surf. It was both fun and challenging of course, but also very rewarding in many ways. Just like your work should be.</p> <p /> <div>In fact, when I think about surfing and the process you have to go through to earn the reward, it's not dis-similar to your career. The simple process of surfing can help you improve how you approach your work.</div> <p /> <div>Here's how they're similar:<br /> <p /> <p /> <div><strong>Find Opportunity</strong></div> <p /> <div>First, you have to work hard (or smart) to get out to the right opportunity - the big wave. You have to know what you're aiming for, why you're doing it, and it doesn't hurt to motivate yourself by picturing what it would feel like to ride a wave. In your work, what big wave would you like to catch, and how would it feel if you rode that wave well?</div> <p /> <p /> <div><strong>Entry Point</strong></div> <p /> <div>So, knowing where you're heading, you next have to choose the right 'entry point' in to the water so that you can get out with a fighting chance against the waves heading towards you. You checkout the surf and choose your entry point. And you know you're going to need some puff and stamina to paddle out. In your work, how will you get from where you are to where the opportunities really are in the fastest, easiest way possible?</div> <p /> <p /> <div><strong>Deep Breath and Focus</strong></div> <p /> <div>In you go, knowing full well that a series of waves are about to challenge your progress and try to push you back. You expect them. So too should you expect them in your work! They can tire you out, but you've got to try to refine your technique to make best progress through them. It's a learning process. Worse still, each wave is not the same. And as time ticks by, the force and size of the waves also change. So you have to keep adapting. Sound familiar in your work?</div> <p /> <p /> <div><strong>Wait for the Right Opportunity</strong></div> <p /> <div>Once you're out deep enough, you could try to grab any wave. But you probably won't get on it. You need to pick the right wave. The one that works for you for your level of competence. It has to be big enough too. The one you feel you can get the highest realistic return on. Again, you have to learn your way through. To conserve energy, it's worth waiting for the right opportunity.</div> <p /> <p /> <div><strong>Go for it!</strong></div> <p /> <div>You see your wave coming. You quickly prepare and do what you can to maximise your chances. And you try to get on it but.....inevitably get thrown off by the big wave. Now you're back nearer to where you started. The sea and the waves have repositioned you. And you have to navigate through another set of waves to get back to where the opportunities are. But this time, you go back having learned a thing or two.</div> <p /> <p /> <div><strong>Repeat</strong></div> <p /> <div>It often takes a number of attempts. I heard once that "you have to be poor at something before you can become good!" So be comfortable when you don't do well. But the point is, certainly with surfing, you feel you're getting nearer to the reward. So you keep going. That's the attitude you need in your work. So long as you are learning, then applying what you learn, then it doesn't matter if you're falling off too. So long as you keep learning and keep trying, you're taking steps closer until eventually you get it, and enjoy the rewards.</div> <p /> <div>You should take this analogy and use it to think around your current work and the challenges you face. A lot of the people I work with seem surprised and often frustrated to keep experiencing changing circumstances, processes and approaches in their work. These are the waves that will continuously head your way. These days, to stay realistic, in control and strong in your approach you must expect these waves and you must be willing to deal with them, so long as you're heading purposefully towards relevant opportunity and reward. You must ensure you are learning as you go through each and every one. And you must get out to a position where you can see opportunities coming your way. Then seize them when you can.</div> <p /> <div>Where are you right now in this analogy? Are you heading out towards opportunity? Are you getting knocked back?</div> <p /> <div> <p> </p> </div> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-surfing-can-help-your-career-thinkinglear">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-surfing-can-help-your-career-thinkinglear#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/t__BgzOqpv0" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-surfing-can-help-your-career-thinkinglear Fri, 15 Apr 2011 01:19:00 -0700 How to Beat Experience and Get Ahead (aka 'The Hare and the Tortoise') http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/5wIowf4GDOs/how-to-beat-experience-and-get-ahead-aka-the http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-beat-experience-and-get-ahead-aka-the <p> <div><strong><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><strong><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Horse" height="400" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/DO51KklTsB5RAqzNaZND9sPWdAabaCh5ZSnIR2ZNlhejJ09WjZ2GYXLxIRCr/horse.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </strong></span></span></strong></div> <p><strong> <div><span style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>Who's better and more valuable to a business? The experienced, or the up to date?</strong></span></div> </strong></p> <p> </p> <p /> <div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">They say 'an ounce of experience is worth a tonne of theory'. But these days, in some critical business areas, is an ounce of being 'up to date' perhaps worth a tonne of experience? </span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><strong>Trouble Ahead for 'The Experienced'?</strong></span></span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">'The experienced' will argue that history repeats itself. And that there are fundamental patterns and principals that will always apply. And maybe they're right, sometimes. </span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Some may argue that the only thing that's certain is change itself. Regardless, m</span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">eanwhile, the 'up to date' will continue to work on being up to date. <strong>And they could outperform the experienced.</strong></span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">The experienced <em>can</em> become complacent and irrelevant in some areas. Rising stars often fall, despite their experience, making way for the 'up to date'.</span></span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">These days it's quick and easy to become out of date in your products, services, and in how you try to achieve things, because you're competing against the NEW (and the unknown!) You're competing against fast change and innovation. Like the hare and the tortoise, despite your past successes, if you slow down and don't keep up to date you may be overtaken. Nokia unfortunately recently experienced this.</span></span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><strong>How 'The Experienced' (and anyone) Can Get Ahead</strong></span></span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">These days, the 'up to date' often sink 'the experienced'. But the experienced have an advantage over the 'up to date' that the up to date just can't compete with:</span></span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><strong>'The experienced' can get up to date much faster than the 'up to date' can gain experience!</strong></span></span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">Unfortunately, many of them don't. Sometimes because they're out playing golf, proud as punch with all their experience. Just like the hare.</span></span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">There are 2 things that come to the top of my mind that 'The Experienced' who want to remain relevant in the marketplace should do:</span></span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">1. Everyone has weaknesses, experienced or not. Peter Drucker said something along the lines of "the purpose of the structure of an organisation is to make weaknesses irrelevant'. A smart experienced person would ensure that all angles are covered and that their products and services are backed by experience and by being up to date (or rather, being ahead!) This means they need to listen to and respect those who are up to date. This might just work and give them the edge.</span></span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">2. They should consider applying this to themselves too. Up to date can trump experience. But experienced + up to date is powerful.</span></span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">My take on it: it's not about one or the other (and if you think it is, you're about to be overtaken).</span></span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><strong>Whoever you are, if you're competing in the marketplace, I'd suggest you develop experience in becoming up to date, fast.</strong></span></span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">My new 'Smart Series' helps you and your employees do that. <a href="http://www.asklearning.com/Dynamic/ssl.aspx">Click here.</a></span></span></div> <p /> <div><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If you think this might be useful to others, I'd be grateful if you share with your network.</span></div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-beat-experience-and-get-ahead-aka-the">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-beat-experience-and-get-ahead-aka-the#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/5wIowf4GDOs" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-beat-experience-and-get-ahead-aka-the Fri, 08 Apr 2011 01:17:11 -0700 Reward Employees Now, or Later? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/W3AtlUt3yBY/reward-employees-now-or-later http://markmoore.posterous.com/reward-employees-now-or-later <p> <div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/lj4pEC9ZAGvA4E0SiN5YuICokG0gmenCorWOLGcFquzDcTEzGq8Dafm3cDOv/4446461866_2a2822cd2d_z.jpg"><img alt="4446461866_2a2822cd2d_z" height="334" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/hbBivo0FyFK4fTPVq6DeFlI3AV7n6MYNxaTm4ioFLgAbQYVzsPL7P8koBqy5/4446461866_2a2822cd2d_z.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <br /> </div></div><div>Which business would win with all else being equal:</div></div><p /><div> <span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">1) The business who puts performance and results first and then rewards its people when it feels it can afford to? (we'll let you have that when you deliver us this)<p /> 2) The business who rewards its people right now by providing the right platform, encouragement and support for their people to create maximum value and as a result earn the emotional and mental rewards that come with that? (what do you need in order to deliver us/our customers this?)<p /> Some organisations lean one way, whilst others lean the other. Both types compete for market share.</span></div><p /><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">What's often overlooked, is it's not just the customers who vote the winner. The first round of voting comes internally from the employees, whether the employer likes it or not. And increasingly these days, employees are aware of other options and opportunities to re-cast their vote. These days, we're all frequently exposed to other possibilities, many of which lean the other way.</span></div> <p /><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I'd like to hear your thoughts, but it seems to me that organisations need to <a href="http://www.asklearning.com/Dynamic/ssl.aspx">win over their good people first</a> (and immediately) - see point 2 above - <i>before</i> trying to win over their customers.</span></div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/reward-employees-now-or-later">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/reward-employees-now-or-later#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/W3AtlUt3yBY" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/reward-employees-now-or-later Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:17:10 -0700 Make Work Fun http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/ZVJORSb2_dE/make-work-fun http://markmoore.posterous.com/make-work-fun <p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/7HVFZrflH4QcJhXhRnQIfJAvFJL6yTScp1GH60rQfe20iqeLvVAreLXZFzkT/waiting.jpg"><img alt="Waiting" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/M9WkpYHsOG09aW9gEHuABO7jqeqRAOw28Lzh2hifUaoxnkcdL5LUUp0iiV9p/waiting.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <br /></div><p />Following reading <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/markmoore3">plenty of articles and surveys</a> showing how disengaged and unsatisfied so many people apparently are in their work these days, I was excited to watch an episode of 'Grumpy Old Men' the other night called '<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006x0mr">The Grumpy Guide to Work'.</a><p /><div>The thing is...</div><p /><div>...I laughed lots at the start as they talked about office life and the routine in their deadpan way. And then I began to stop laughing and just found myself nodding at what they were saying. I turned to my wife and said 'this is an account of real life, marketed as a comedy!'</div> <p /><div>If you've not seen it (and you like that sort of thing) I recommend watching it. And if you do, just ask yourself if <i>you</i> are in the right position or role. Because when you're in the right role, what the guys on the show said, doesn't apply. And if you think you probably are in the right role but a few things need changing, then start working on a plan to steer things towards what you want. Work on your<a href="http://www.epi-learning.com/"> learning and performance </a>in the right areas, and get some leverage to negotiate a better deal with those who pay you.</div> <p /><div>What really struck me after watching it was just how many people are prepared to put up with being unhappy in their work for as many years as they do. You might not be able to make a big change fast (although you might!) but nothing can stop you beginning work on <a href="http://thegreatcareerescape.com">digging your escape tunnel now.</a></div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/make-work-fun">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/make-work-fun#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/ZVJORSb2_dE" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/make-work-fun Thu, 24 Mar 2011 19:21:09 -0700 How to Earn More Outside the Box http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/jpRcsljayko/how-to-earn-more-outside-the-box http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-earn-more-outside-the-box <p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Blackbox" height="286" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/9Bq6uFGsyJz4GH8a2Y1zVBoawo2IYYIgs3BaI7zAsMUwtzSdBWn4HB4eMFXi/blackbox.jpg" width="285" /> </div> <br /></div><p /><div>I don't like using cliches like 'think outside of the box'. I'm shuddering as I write. But I've braved my way through writing it because <b>what I'm about to tell you is such high value.</b></div> <p /><div>I want to share with you one of the best but most under-used ways of thinking outside the box <b>that can massively increase your potential value, your enjoyment and the rewards you earn through your work</b>. If you don't believe me, suspend judgement until you try it.</div> <p /><div>The problem I have when I hear the phrase 'think outside the box' is most people say it whilst standing inside 'a box' - their office. Do they have any idea how silly that looks from where I stand? And for years, I've taught that the best ideas and often the highest quality of innovative thinking tend to occur <i>outside of the office</i>. There are a lot of reasons for this.</div> <p /><p /><div><b>The Rewards Outside the Box</b></div><p /><div>In my workshops, for years, people have said they get their best ideas in the shower, or out walking in the countryside or in the park. I read once that the Romans used to solve problems whilst out walking ('solvitas perambulum!') Archimedes famously got his <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archimedes">'Eureka'</a> moment where? In the bath. I've seen executive surveys that ask where people get their innovation and ideas from, and the common answer is along the lines of 'outside of our own 4 walls - from other industries, other companies, other places, other people'. Not in the box.</div> <p /><p /><div><b>Idea Catching</b></div><p /><div>I'm always looking out to 'catch' new ideas. And I use the word 'catch' because I see it like catching fish. Where do you go if you want to catch fish? I guess you head to some water first. You're not going to catch them in your box. Similarly, look out your office window right now. There are thousands, millions of ideas floating around out there waiting for you to go out and catch them. You can't see them from where you're sitting - you're going to have to go outside to get them.</div> <p /><div>In times of fast change and fast moving competition, most organisations are sold on the idea of continuously innovating. Nice one. But who's still trying to innovate around the same daily stimulus (or lack of) in their office? Who's paying lip service to thinking outside the box and actually, in reality, thinking <b><i>inside</i></b> the box that they spend most of their life in? (Before ending up in the ultimate box underground..sorry, that's depressing, where did that come from? I think I'm trying to say GET OUTSIDE and CREATE SOME VALUE because life is short.)</div> <p /><p /><div><b>Use Your Feet to Improve Your Mind - Get Out of the Box</b></div><p /><div>So here's my advice. If you really are interested in thinking outside the box, then use your feet to help you. Get outside the box you're in, hold a team meeting elsewhere, with new stimulus around you. Talk to different people OUTSIDE of your box, read and learn about different things going on in different industries. If you do, you'll begin to surprise yourself with your exciting innovative ideas, and if you can execute your best ideas, you'll be on your way to earning yourself some exciting new rewards.</div> <p /><div>P.S. If you're a manager or team leader, are you keeping your team trapped inside the box and expecting them to innovate? Maybe you need to let them out to collect some new ideas?</div><p /> <p /><div><b>The Smart Series</b></div><p /><div>P.P.S. I am running a new series of workshops in Australia called 'The Smart Series' in conjunction with <a href="http://www.asklearning.com/">ASK Learning</a>. One of which is 'InnovateSmart'. So if you want more ideas on how to get ideas, <a href="http://www.epi-learning.com/contact-us">get in touch.</a> More on 'The Smart Series' soon - it's good stuff, so let me know if you'd like more info and you can follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/markmoore3">Twitter here.</a></div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-earn-more-outside-the-box">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-earn-more-outside-the-box#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/jpRcsljayko" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-earn-more-outside-the-box Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:37:07 -0700 How to Find a Better Way To Do it http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/jXjad936OQo/how-to-find-a-better-way-to-do-it http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-find-a-better-way-to-do-it <p> <div><b><a href="/"></a><span></span><span></span><a href="/"></a><span></span><span></span><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Question" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/jgnhlfYKprxMHdZqg9caXuz28uIdjOyJ7PBdaoVwNomhLb1clV1t83rRLTHV/question.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <br /> </b></div><p /><div><b>Learn Smarter</b></div><p />As a kid, I stumbled across memory skills and accelerated learning. It didn't take me long to learn how to improve my memory, and the time savings for any future learning were impressive and obvious. Most people can easily learn much smarter, more easily and more enjoyably, if they take the time to learn how.<p /><p /><div><b>Work Smarter</b><br /><p /><div>It's now a quarter of a century later, and I'm still forever coming across better or smarter ways to do things (in particular in the field of learning and productivity). It never fails to amaze me how people just get on with things in the way they know how (at a fraction of their potential productivity) without really questioning if there is a better way. And because things change so fast around us, I think there's nearly always a better way.</div> <p /><div><b>One of my favourite quotes of all time is from Thomas Edison, 'There's a better way to do it - find it!'</b></div><p /><div>So, I've written this post to jolt your thinking. Whatever you're working on right now, ask yourself what the 'better way to do it' might be. And what do you do if you don't know how to do it better?</div> <p /><div>You learn how.</div><p /><div>Explore the topic related to what you're working on, explore work from others who have done it before you, explore alternative ways and ideas. The 'better way' keeps changing, so it pays to keep up to date if you want to make your life easier. </div> <p /><div><b>And remember, all the while you're not on top of 'the better way', your competitors probably are.</b></div><p /><p /><div><b>New Smart Series</b></div><p /><div>I'm running a new series of workshops for organisations in Australia called 'The Smart Series'. I've created 5 inter-linked programs:</div><div><ul><li>CareerSmart - taking charge of your career path, injecting some fun into what you do, and running your career like it's your own business</li> <li>LearnSmart - how to learn what you need to learn twice as fast</li><li>WorkSmart - how to translate what you learn to the job fast, and double your productivity</li><li>ThinkSmart - how to think more effectively, with more purpose, to solve problems, improve circumstances around you and make decisions fast</li> <li>InnovateSmart - how to innovate and create quickly and purposefully to keep ahead</li></ul><div>If you're interested in learning more, <a href="http://www.epi-learning.com/contact-us">give me a shout.</a></div></div> <p /><p /><p /><p /></div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-find-a-better-way-to-do-it">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-find-a-better-way-to-do-it#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/jXjad936OQo" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-find-a-better-way-to-do-it Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:52:59 -0800 The Key to Earning More of Whatever You Want... http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/HqmR2XaKEMQ/the-key-to-earning-more-of-whatever-you-want http://markmoore.posterous.com/the-key-to-earning-more-of-whatever-you-want <p> <p class="p1"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pikerslanefarm/2385719948/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Key" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/J5pyqSPmSVSAyWy8wLOfkMSbQtf9wqv6mCrYeDUTcaYQC2aHEXR9QdaGY7Fa/key.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </a><br /></p><p class="p1"><br /> </p><p class="p1">Position yourself to add value to people you want to add value to using your strengths.</p><p class="p1"><br /></p><p class="p1">Determine what rewards you'd like to earn yourself through your work.</p> <p class="p1"><br /></p><p class="p1">What would you have to do or deliver to earn those rewards?</p><p class="p1"><br /></p><p class="p1">What do your customers want (and need) and how do they want it delivered?</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">What does your employer want (and need) and how do they want it delivered?</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">What does your boss want (and need) and how do they want it delivered?</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">What's the best way to find out?</p><p class="p1"><br /></p><p class="p1">(Ask them!)</p><p class="p1"><br /></p><p class="p1">Then offer some of your own suggestions that they hadn't thought of...</p><p class="p1"> <br /></p><p class="p1">Then get agreement on what 'value' is.</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">Then learn what you need to learn to be able to deliver that effectively. And learn how to learn it fast.</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">Then put what you've learned in to action effectively and get on with creating and delivering that value.</p><p class="p1"><br /></p><p class="p1">Then measure the impact for your customers and yourself.</p> <p class="p1"><br /></p><p class="p1">Improve and repeat!</p><p class="p1"><br /></p><p class="p1">I'm running programs for corporates around this in Sydney right now, they're punchy, practical and easy to apply. If you're interested to learn more, <a href="http://www.epi-learning.com/contact-us">get in touch.</a></p> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/the-key-to-earning-more-of-whatever-you-want">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/the-key-to-earning-more-of-whatever-you-want#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/HqmR2XaKEMQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/the-key-to-earning-more-of-whatever-you-want Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:02:20 -0800 Another Chance to Force Your Efficiency http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/GkTfwPNdbAw/another-chance-to-force-your-efficiency http://markmoore.posterous.com/another-chance-to-force-your-efficiency <p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/WO2LO4ms7SzWL2S1dlvThhs40e8Ud0cxGWzvkJ35pQfeRIeWAr7qYXZDqpBz/time.jpg"><img alt="Time" height="334" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/ArT6fWVw9tXOeyWUuNyav19wZ8MFl3myi3A40YADzUFXT0Cvmqi5jtNpYYfw/time.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <br /></div><p />I've written about <a href="http://finance.ninemsn.com.au/smallbusiness/managingpeople/8125387/the-law-of-forced-efficiency" target="_blank">Forced Efficiency</a> before. It's a great way to shave minutes or even hours off a job.<p /><div>So here's a reminder for you to do it again.</div><p /><div>1. What is the most important job for you to get done by the end of today (or tomorrow)?</div><p /><div>2. If you had only half the time to get it done, how would you do it?</div> <p /><div>Think it through and jot down some quick steps (maybe with time limits) to get it done to an acceptable level in half the time.</div><p /><div>Now, you can either discipline yourself to get it acceptably done in half the time (use an alarm to keep you on track). Or, you can boldly <a href="http://finance.ninemsn.com.au/smallbusiness/managingpeople/8125387/the-law-of-forced-efficiency">force your efficiency</a> (at your own risk) by doing something else (more fun?) and leaving just enough time before the deadline to get it done. Yes, that's leaving it to the last minute and goes against the common advice of doing it proactively well in advance.</div> <p /><div>But, you can learn a lot about productivity and how you use your time by playing around with the idea every so often. Use it wisely! (Test it out on some lower risk jobs first...)</div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/another-chance-to-force-your-efficiency">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/another-chance-to-force-your-efficiency#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/GkTfwPNdbAw" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/another-chance-to-force-your-efficiency Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:48:10 -0800 Office Work is Unproductive. Or is it? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/PnZ_G62Pd6Y/office-work-is-unproductive-or-is-it http://markmoore.posterous.com/office-work-is-unproductive-or-is-it <p> <b><div><b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zachklein/54389823/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Unproductive" height="332" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/RHzbVOw3zMRoHlDSbTPNQyEuQNCXeNUtcV7ZxGaFAJtcDamuBxb14lkcJzWk/unproductive.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </a><br /></b></div><p />Working in an open-plan office all the time is totally unproductive.</b> There are other places and environments you could go to get your work done much more effectively.<p /><div>Is that true?</div><p /><div>What do you think about that?</div> <p /><div>What does it depend on?</div><p /><div><a href="http://thebigchair.com.au/news/insight/open-plan-offices-sickening-unproductive" target="_blank">This article about one study is interesting</a>. It mentions, "<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">All the studies we reviewed had the same conclusion - that the open-plan work environment is one of the worst environments in which you can put an employee."</span></div> <p /><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">And <a href="http://articles.cnn.com/2010-12-05/opinion/fried.office.work_1_office-equipment-work-head-hits?_s=PM:OPINION">this article on "Why the Office is the Worst Place to Work"</a> (and <a href="http://www.weknownext.com/topics/views/workplace-flexibility?n=1">this site</a>) are worth a look too.</span></div> <p /><div><span style="line-height: 16px;">On the other hand, it's kind of handy to be able to talk to colleagues when you need to. And sometimes some energy around you when you work can spur you on. But then...perhaps being able to hold meetings easily has us holding too many meetings unnecessarily?</span></div> <p /><div><span style="line-height: 16px;">Maybe employees need to be able to move to the most productive place possible at any given time to do a particular part of their job?</span></div> <p /><div>I'm interested to get you to question how your physical environment affects your productivity levels to get your job done fast. So perhaps you can leave a comment below with your thoughts. If this builds up in time I hope it becomes a useful discussion.</div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/office-work-is-unproductive-or-is-it">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/office-work-is-unproductive-or-is-it#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/PnZ_G62Pd6Y" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/office-work-is-unproductive-or-is-it Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:01:26 -0800 How to Deal with Change at Work http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/sikBKIhOi2g/how-to-deal-with-change-at-work http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-deal-with-change-at-work <p> <div><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/MOViCkA6hgfqpxKAu6izs55eGpKdib0EGdeIXjPGCeUojL6d5xUn0zBW3XXR/chess.jpg"><img alt="Chess" height="334" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/a0kYZDNhgvqUO77iAuiAtZZzvUTGVnb9RFlUR8euIc79qHNJB0u3NOo7RUeI/chess.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <br /></div><p />What's your next career move?<p /><div>Like playing chess, you need to think a few steps ahead. <b><i>Because change is coming your way!</i></b> Your role may not exist in a few years, and between now and then it's likely to change.</div> <p /><div>That's why you must keep up and make changes yourself (and to yourself), on your own terms, before you're forced to deal with someone else's changes and it's checkmate!</div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-deal-with-change-at-work">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-deal-with-change-at-work#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/sikBKIhOi2g" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-deal-with-change-at-work Thu, 10 Feb 2011 16:53:23 -0800 How to L(earn) More http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/8M38iM1atHE/how-to-learn-more http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-learn-more <p> <div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48625620@N00/417497692/sizes/z/in/photostream/"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/L3MOpQZK8U7ejV9r3Q2AdpVqFtgZUGH55EzNwz7zPBKRxLkkgNLRJHb9gCXl/lplate.jpg"><img alt="Lplate" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/0dyBltwSjacjkiIjRdUjSgCFM5x1XZVkn5PiXzagzmigScvpV5kj3kQC0dX4/lplate.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </a><br /></div><p />It's quite handy that the word 'learn' is like the word 'earn' with it's '<b>L</b>' plates on.<p /><div>There's no better clue on <b>how to earn more of whatever you want</b> (mental, emotional and in some cases physical rewards) than that. <b>Learning lays down the path for you to walk or run down, and also has you running faster. </b><p /><p /><div><b>So What Should You Learn?</b></div><p /><div>First I'd consider studying the art and science of the work you do. Get some role models who made it in your field and study their work. What you learn might surprise and inspire you. The more you learn the more interesting your work will become. And the more likely you'll get better at it. And when you get better at something, you tend to enjoy it more and your enjoyment fuels this positive cycle further.</div> <p /><div><b>Then get more specific.</b> Start learning about your career options. Learn what positions you could get in to. Learn what rewards you could earn yourself along the way. Learn about the effect of your work on other people's lives. Learn what's changing around you right now, culturally, economically, technologically etc. Learn what might change in future. Learn what might happen if you fail to grow in the position you're in whilst these changes happen. Learn what you'd need to do to earn the rewards you want and get into a more desirable position. Learn how to do those things in the right ways at the right times. Learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours you'd need to get those things done well. With focus, it doesn't take long to get at something, and if it's the key skill or knowledge area you're paid for, it can be very rewarding.</div> <p /><div>It's all out there to learn, and more accessible than ever before. And you have the equipment you need to learn it. You don't have to wait for someone to spoon-feed you a course.</div><p /><p /><div><b>The Fastest and Easiest Way to Do it</b></div><p /><div>Perhaps most useful of all, <b>learn how to learn those things fast, easily and enjoyably, and learn how to retain and recall them and then apply them quickly and well.</b></div> <p /><div>Learning tactically is a learnable skill, one you can self-direct, and perhaps the most useful and rewarding business, career and life-skill. It paves the way for any future success and reward. </div> <p /><div>I help businesses acquire this skill, so if you need my help either <a href="http://www.epi-learning.com/contact-us">get in touch</a> or put your manager or L&D department in touch with me and I'll be pleased to help.</div> <p /><p /></div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-learn-more">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-learn-more#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/8M38iM1atHE" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-learn-more Thu, 03 Feb 2011 15:03:00 -0800 How to Enjoy Being More Engaged and Better at Your Job http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/TewfM-KdlX4/how-to-enjoy-being-more-engaged-and-better-at http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-enjoy-being-more-engaged-and-better-at <p> <div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mobikefed/2500597580/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Bikebus" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/Yzw0nFethpSbWJEHkKqUd78VIzk8652POBeqlghIseg0Va38lKk92jDl2up1/bikebus.jpg" width="500" /> </div> </a></div> <p /> <p>In the book Good to Great, Jim Collins writes that the key to a great company is to get 'the right people on the bus, get the wrong people off the bus, and then get the right people in the right seats on the bus'.</p> <p /> <div><strong>The problem with that these days</strong>, is if you think you're a passenger on the bus, <strong>you're stuffed</strong>. And so is your employer. And their customers.</div> <p /> <div>Likewise, if <em>they</em> think you're a passenger, you're all stuffed. You have to go where the bus takes you and when the bus changes direction (and it will) you can quickly become 'one of the wrong people on the bus'. You may be chucked off at the next stop.</div> <p /> <div>Or, when employees feel like they're being treated like passengers, they often begin to grumble and some leave.</div> <p /> <div>Passengers are rarely engaged in what the bus is doing. They're usually more interested in chatting to their mates or closing their eyes to pass the time.</div> <p /> <div>My advice - avoid being a passenger in your career and instead become a driver. Get off the bus and get on your own bike - and I don't mean leave your employer. You can still serve your employer, even better in fact, when you're on your own bike. Plan a <strong>destination</strong> that you want to go to, a route to get there, and <strong>determine the very best rewards you want to earn along the way</strong> <em>via adding more and more value to your employer or customers.</em></div> <p /> <div>You'll need to look at options and possibilities ahead and determine what you'll need to learn and get good at to deliver great value and earn those rewards. It's not difficult. What's more difficult is understanding and accepting that these days, if you're a passenger, one way or another, you're stuffed.</div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-enjoy-being-more-engaged-and-better-at">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-enjoy-being-more-engaged-and-better-at#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/TewfM-KdlX4" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-enjoy-being-more-engaged-and-better-at Thu, 27 Jan 2011 22:20:47 -0800 90% of Everything is Crud - Unless You Do This.. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/QWCMGZn66Ps/90-of-everything-is-crud-unless-you-do-this http://markmoore.posterous.com/90-of-everything-is-crud-unless-you-do-this <p> <div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14511253@N04/4411497087/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Doh" height="373" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/s29Ob8ly8PWud0c9AgiSxR0e1mb8wpgeI60DWcq2L330Z1Ia6j1ceHO3TWop/doh.jpg" width="400" /> </div> </a><br /></div><p /><div><b>(Or 'How to Become More Productive and Learn More Effectively')</b></div> <p />90% of everything is <a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/crud">crud!</a><p /><div>Oh come on Mark, that's a bit negative isn't it? Especially for a Friday. Hang on, don't shoot the messenger - they're not my words, they're the words of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturgeon's_Law">Theodore Sturgeon.</a></div> <p /><div><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturgeon's_Law"></a>The thing is, and positive thinking obsessives will be positively annoyed by this, I think Sturgeon's got a point. I think around 90% of most people's learning approach is crud (but they don't always realise this - neither does their employer). And their ability to translate what they learn into action fast and effectively - that's often crud. General productivity is crud. Our human default setting is to be crud at getting things done. Takes time and effort to correct that.</div> <p /><div>90% of the things I buy turn out to be crud. Then the customer service I get that follows is usually crud.</div><p /><div>And the other day I read something that said '90% of the decisions you make in your life will turn out to be wrong!' If that's true, then that's total crud too. And if it isn't true, then the idea itself is crud.</div> <p /><div><b>What my point? </b>My point is, much of the time it doesn't have to be crud. Certainly when it comes to learning and getting things done you could, if you wanted to, remove the 'crud factors'. These things that stifle progress or just stop you geting things done are what I call 'choke points'. Unless you plan to remove them (or go around them) then chances are your progress will be choked and your results, and perhaps your day, will become 90% crud.</div> <p /><div>Some common choke points that make things crud in your work:</div><div><ul><li>not being 100% clear on your end objective</li><li>not being clear on how you'll do it - each and every step</li><li>not being in the right place at the right time to get a job done (have you got your notes for that phone call with you if you're out and about for the day? Is learning at your small dark desk really going to be productive? Are you sure you'll have working internet access there?)</li> <li>fearing a certain task ahead - if you're scared of doing it, you might find a way to avoid it and it might not get done!</li><li>not realising that you're going to get unexpected interruptions and setbacks and other crud things happen. You are! It's crud I know, but allow for them.</li> <li>overwhelming yourself by planning too much for the day</li><li>not having fallback plans for important tasks (if this crud thing happens, I'll do this..)</li><li>mis-judging your available energy for the day (or mis-managing it)</li> <li>mis-managing your mindset - most people run with what they've got without question. That's really crud.</li><li>not learning what you need to learn to be able to get things done fast and effectively. If you can't do it well, you'll feel the choke point.</li> </ul><div>This list could go on and on. But the point is, realise there are choke points in almost anything you do (or plan to do). And at the planning stage, generate ideas to remove them or get around them. When you do, it's like building a water slide to your desired results. Wheeeeee!</div> </div><p /><div>I'm off to watch the telly now...I bet what's on will be crud. (Not if I have my '<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curb_Your_Enthusiasm">Curb Your Enthusiasm</a>' DVD at the ready..)</div> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/90-of-everything-is-crud-unless-you-do-this">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/90-of-everything-is-crud-unless-you-do-this#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/QWCMGZn66Ps" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/90-of-everything-is-crud-unless-you-do-this Thu, 20 Jan 2011 21:08:39 -0800 How to Deal With Rejection at Work (and in Life) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~3/EfGAUa3CPlA/how-to-deal-with-rejection-at-work-and-in-lif http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-deal-with-rejection-at-work-and-in-lif <p> <p class="p1"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetruthabout/2665335082/sizes/z/in/photostream/"><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/DxhvJGqkYxOowZcV6bUGmok3VFJwas1gxGIWytoDzCfXYSos5tmXwgx7Oh7M/rejection.jpg"><img alt="Rejection" height="375" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/markmoore/PPwbSpe2hc94XQUbV2dCLOxPQvlz9wXj1CDujaYp3SrQ7WgmLa73uRcSJZ3v/rejection.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> </a><br /> </b></span></p><p class="p1"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="p1"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>(Aka Creating an Immediate Win when Things Don't Quite Go Your Way)</b></span></p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">I got this excellent idea from someone in sales once. They taught me it as a way to maintain motivation when you get rejected or knocked back. This post is directly useful to sales people and business owners who by nature will face a lot of set-backs and rejection, but if that's not you, you'd be smart to determine how you can make use of it in your own work and life. I can assure you that you'll have plenty of opportunity to use it. <b>So hang on to it.</b> It kind of makes everything that you attempt worth it!</p> <p class="p1"><br /></p> <p class="p1">I'll explain it to you with a simple sales example as it was told to me. Here goes...</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1"><b>The Rejected</b></p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">I was told about a door to door salesman who was outperforming his colleagues. When they got rejection after rejection, their energy and motivation drained away fast. This obviously had a knock on effect (ignore the pun..keep your eyes moving, this is useful!) to their performance as they knocked on more doors. Occasionally a sale came in and they felt great again, but it didn't take long to feel pretty miserable and demoralised again. They didn't know how to deal with rejection. It can be hard to take a lot of knock-backs, and most people will give up.</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">One piece of advice is just to 'keep going'. Which to me comes across like they're telling me to walk towards a swinging fist. It doesn't make it any easier. And we want something in our work to make it easier don't we? That's why I write this blog and do the work I do!</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">No, what's easier is what the star performer did...</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1"><b>The Star Performer (who earned money each time he was rejected!)</b></p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">This is what the star-performer salesman did. He worked out his numbers. He determined how many doors on average he had to knock on to make a sale. He realised that knocking on 10 doors resulted in 4 people listening to his presentation. Of those 4, he determined that 2 were interested, and of those 2, 1 of them bought. Goal!!</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">Monetizing that meant that he'd make 1 sale, earning say, $1000, for every 10 doors he knocked on. And here's where he worked his magic to deal with rejection. To his mindset, that meant that he got paid $100 just for knocking on a door! It didn't matter the outcome of the conversation. He effectively pocketed $100 just for knocking, and he was then compelled to knock on as many doors as he could each day. He went from walking towards a swinging fist, to walking towards $100.</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1"><b>Apply This</b></p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">This is immediately usable for sales people, but if you're not in sales (you are) your job now is to work out how you can use it. There must be an area of your work or life where you have to keep trying various approaches to achieve a result? Something in which you get knock-backs or set-backs and have to keep persevering to get the result you want, <i>and something that you can roughly track how many attempts lead to a result? And if not, why the hell not? Why aren't you asking for something better?</i></p> <p class="p2"><i></i><br /></p> <p class="p1">Anyway, my advice is find it and measure it!</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">Monetize the final result if you can (or attribute some tangible reward to it that you can divide up). Then divide this between the number of attempts you have to make to get that result. Then decide to look at it from now on as if you're getting paid (or rewarded) x amount for each attempt.</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">Alternatively, make an estimate of how many attempts you might have to make to get a positive result. And divide your result by that estimate.</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1"><b>Thomas Edison - 4 Million Light Bulbs per 'Failure'</b></p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1">They say Thomas Edison took 3000 attempts to invent the lightbulb (yes, some say 10,000, and I say stop squabbling). Now, I just quickly Googled for the number of i</span>ncandescent light bulbs in the world, and found the figure 12 billion. Using both these lose figures just to demonstrate, that works out that each 'failed attempt' of his lit up 4 million lightbulbs in the world today.</p> <p class="p4"><br /></p> <p class="p3">I'd say each attempt was high value.</p> <p class="p4"><br /></p> <p class="p4"><br /></p> <p class="p3"><b>Richard Branson</b></p> <p class="p4"><br /></p> <p class="p1">You hear about his successes, but his 'failures' are naturally kept rather quiet. He says himself that he's made many more failures than successes, but something keeps him going. Something keeps him trying things out. Whilst I'm not suggesting he uses this technique, I wouldn't mind betting there's something in his mindset similar to this. He probably has an intuitive idea that if you add up x failed attempts you get one big win. He knows there's a payoff at the end and that each failed attempt is a necessary step to earn the win.</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1"><b>You Earn More from Rejections</b></p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">I learned years ago that 'the future belongs to the askers'. Keep asking people for what you want and as you get knocked back and learn from each knock-back your approach will improve. Then you'll get a yes. Then you'll get what you want. But you'll have to be prepared to clock up the rejections. So, determine the value of your final result, estimate the rejections you'll get (or obtain this info from definite figures), determine what you'll earn per rejection and get out there, start asking and clock up some rewarding rejections!</p> <p class="p2"><br /></p> <p class="p1">Idea: why not start by asking for a payrise or some more time off ;-) You'll soon learn what you need to do that you're not yet doing to get them.</p> <p class="p1"><br /></p><p class="p1"><br /></p><p class="p1"><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>Want More?</b></span></p> <p class="p1"><br /></p><p class="p1">If you're in Australia and looking for more ideas on learning and working smarter and more productively for yourself or your employees, <a href="http://www.epi-learning.com/">visit my main site here</a>, and <a href="http://www.epi-learning.com/contact-us">get in touch with me</a>. I'll be pleased to chat and see how I can help.</p> <p class="p1"><br /></p><p class="p1">And if you liked this article, please share it with your social networks and contacts. Thanks.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-deal-with-rejection-at-work-and-in-lif">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-deal-with-rejection-at-work-and-in-lif#comment">Leave a comment  »</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/posterous/lbas/~4/EfGAUa3CPlA" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/727742/markmoore.jpg http://posterous.com/users/3snDid5fZvcl Mark Moore Mark Mark Moore http://markmoore.posterous.com/how-to-deal-with-rejection-at-work-and-in-lif