Quick notes to help you get more done in less time.
Friday! It's time for my weekly, week-end primer with concise advice you can put to use. . .next week.
In this issue:
- Techniques for FIT
- Being Human
- Random Stuff
Techniques for FIT
- Beware of assumptions because they turn the thinking brain off - especially when it comes to assumptions about business growth. Instead, ask yourself "What would have to happen . . .?
- "What has happened, will happen" so prepare yourself. If you get stuck in a conversation with a partner, it will happen again. Make plans for what you'll do next time.
- Definitions are important in communication. "We have a problem," can mean something needs to be fixed or a decision has to be made, or a plan needs to be put into action. Find out.
- Volunteer. Every time I do, I'm reminded that 1 hour of commitment returns 10 hours of contentment.
Being Human - Defining
This month has been dominated by a theme: it's dangerous to assume the words we use to communicate to our target audience mean the same things to them as they do to us.
It reminds me of a joke.
A dog walking into a telegram office, takes out a blank form and writes: "Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof."
The clerk examines the paper and politely said, "There are only nine words here. You can send another 'Woof' for the same price."
"But that would make no sense at all," the dog said.
When it comes to high stakes communication, take the time to define by making a simple statement and follow on question like, "before I make too many assumptions and race off on a tangent, when I say ______, what comes to mind?"
It will help you get more done in less time. Swear.
Random Stuff
Late nights
I get on different kicks where I obsess and fuss on a single subject. In a light manner. Sometimes it's a writing kick. Sometimes it's a learn how to make videos kick. Other times it's a binge listen/read/watch anything that has to do with the Denver Broncos kick.
The last one happened over the Super Bowl weeks and I had to expose myself to every pundit's opinion pre-game, during game, and post-game. All the way through the parade being live streamed by Fox 41. By the Wednesday following the game, my brain was fried. It was literally not processing information correctly.
Like at breakfast when I ordered the toasted 9 Grain bread to go with my omelet. When the order came out she asked everyone at the counter "who has the wheat toast?" They all looked at me and I thought, "is that me?" I grabbed the little sign listing the breads and said (reading), "I don't think that was mine. I ordered the 9 Grain Honey Wheat. . ." and paused while the guy next to me audibly snickered.
Go Broncos.
