Posted on Tue, Jun 29, 2010 @ 01:11 PM
Organizations are changing every day in some way or another, however in some organizations it is harder to manage the changes. For instance in some organizations filling cabinets are getting replaced by computers, or the office environment has changed in going from 15 employees to 50 in what seems overnight. So how can we deal with these changes and are their ways to better manage the changes when they happen? Below I constructed a list of changes that might happen in your organization and ways in which might help you better manage the changes.
You come to work and the office filling cabinets filled with public records have been replaced with computers and all you think to yourself is run! Computers and technology are not there to replace your job in the workplace. It is there to make your job more efficient and sustainable. The easiest way to deal with computers is to embrace the technology and try to learn from it. One way would be to take “computers 101 how to use computers” class at your local college or community center or to purchase a book called Computer Forensics for Dummies you won’t regret this easy read.
Work place competition has heated up in most organizations and for some employees can be detrimental. Some of ways to deal with competition in the work place is not to get stressed out and overwhelmed by your new competition. Instead take a break when you feel you are getting anxiety or stressed and get some fresh air. You’re going to need to either embrace the competition or ignore it because it’s not worth getting all worked up about it. My advice would be just performing your job to the best of your ability and keep yourself on track.
You come to work on a Monday morning and a brand new person is sitting beside you ready to start work and you notice your personalities type are completely opposite. Dealing with co-workers and other members of the organization is a must in order to be happy at work and enjoy coming. Some the ways to deal with different personality types is to try and find common ground. Common ground can be anything from your husband’s liking the same golf course or both of you enjoy seafood, or you like going to the movies. My point on this is that common interest gives you something to like about each other which will make your workplace more desirable.
I’m going to finish this article my leaving you with “John P Kotter's eight steps to successful change” by implementing these eight changes you would be surprised how easy change in the workplace can be to deal with:
1. Increase urgency - inspire people to move, make objectives real and relevant.
2. Build the guiding team - get the right people in place with the right emotional commitment, and the right mix of skills and levels.
3. Get the vision right - get the team to establish a simple vision and strategy, focus on emotional and creative aspects necessary to drive service and efficiency.
4. Communicate for buy-in - Involve as many people as possible, communicate the essentials, simply, and to appeal and respond to people's needs. De-clutter communications - make technology work for you rather than against.
5. Empower action - Remove obstacles, enable constructive feedback and lots of support from leaders - reward and recognise progress and achievements.
6. Create short-term wins - Set aims that are easy to achieve - in bite-size chunks. Manageable numbers of initiatives. Finish current stages before starting new ones.
7. Don't let up - Foster and encourage determination and persistence - ongoing change - encourage ongoing progress reporting - highlight achieved and future milestones.
8. Make change stick - Reinforce the value of successful change via recruitment, promotion, new change leaders. Weave change into
Nicky Plato, Marketing Coordinator
Posted on Tue, Jun 22, 2010 @ 12:25 PM
I recently had the privilege of attending the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators annual conference held in beautiful Toronto, Ontario. This three day action packed conference was built around their theme "Seizing Opportunities - Action through Leadership" it featured over 300 delegates, 14 sponsors, and 35 exhibitors (including us of course). It was a wonderful opportunity for us to network with all the delegates and to sit in on some of their stimulating sessions.
Throughout the conference there were inspirational keynote speakers, however one got our attention as soon as we read the session title "Woman Are Always Right! Men Are Never Wrong - Gender Differences in the Workplace" presented by James and Kelly Robbins. This husband and wife speaking duo were incredible, their session covered everything from helping organizations increase workplace productivity, building stronger relationships between co-workers, and creating a better workplace environment. We also had the opportunity to attend the Hockey Hall of Fame in downtown Toronto. It is a fabulous venue and is home to the legendary Stanley Cup. While we browsed hockey history we got to practice our hockey shots and goalie techniques.
Overall the conference was delightful and very well organized and we look forward to seeing all the CAMA members in Halifax NS next year!
Nicky Plato, Marketing Coordinator
Posted on Wed, Sep 09, 2009 @ 10:00 AM
In today's tough times people are having difficulty finding enough hours in the day to get everything done. Try these simple tips to more effectively manage your time and stop stressing about your workload.
1. Set aside an hour of each day where you close the door and have heads down time (no not napping, heads down in your work). Put this into your schedule and tell everyone in your office that unless it is extremely important you will not be available during that time period.
2. Write a list of your top 3 priorities at work that day first thing
in the morning. Always have this list in eye sight and ensure you allocate your time to the most important tasks you need to get done.
3. Avoid checking your email whenever a new email pops into your inbox. Turn off your notifications or close out of your email completely and only check it when you have ample time to respond to your emails without interruptions.
4. Make lists of everything you need to do. This will help you at the beginning of each day to prioritize your tasks for the day and you will never feel overwhelmed at the start of the day wondering what you are going to be doing.
5. Keep a detailed calendar/planner of your appointments, meetings, and other important priorities (heads down time). This will help you to stay on schedule and be most productive with your day.
With these simple and easy steps you are well on your way to managing your time more effectively and making the most out of the workday.
Photos:
laffy4k
judepics
jurvetson
Martin Kingsley
