SHARONNE PHILLIPS

Dark Chocolate is good for you

2009-11-13T12:40:00.003+11:00

Guess what? Scientists have found out why chocolate is good for you.

Eating one and half ounces (42.5 g) daily for two weeks reduced stress hormones in the body, and also helped to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. It also helps with the production of serotonin (the happy neurotransmitter in the brain) and endorphins (enjoyment). It has also been shown that savouring dark chocolate stimulates all part of the brain more intensely than passionate kissing.

It might also be helpful in providing relief from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Charter for Compassion

2009-11-13T12:16:00.000+11:00

Karen Armstrong won one of three TED Prizes last year and this has now come to fruition. The Charter for Compassion is a guide and means for people to sign up to the Charter, and to post moments of compassion they have experienced in their lives.

Please consider joining the movement for more Compassion and understanding in our lives...

Responsible Business Roadmaps

2009-11-02T15:18:00.005+11:00

I received this link from St James Ethics Centre newsletter today. The St James Ethics Centre promotes ethical business practice and has regular debates - the IQ2 debates held monthly in Sydney. They also offer training programs, consulting, advocacy and counselling and other services to assist businesses and individuals to make more ethical choices in their work.

The Australian Government commissioned the St James Ethics Centre to "expand responsible business practice" and funded the National Responsible Business Practice Project. This and it has produced some roadmaps to give businesses and consumers a better idea of the true cost of an item or product from the grower or manufacturer to the consumer supply point. They consider the demand for the product, where it will ultimately be used, how much energy is consumed in growing or developing the product etc.

There are three roadmaps produced so far, one for Natural Fibre Garment Roadmap ((e.g. wool or cotton), the Potato Roadmap (fresh versus frozen potatoes) and the Building Roadmap provide information to help us determine the environmental cost of our manufacture, development and supply of some common purchases. At this stage I don't think they name brands or suppliers (which would make it easier to attempt to stay within 100 miles or 100 km from grower to table), but it is a start.

And if you are truly interested in responsible business practice, visit The Hub website for more information.

Laughter in surprising places

2009-10-27T16:39:00.002+11:00

I received this link in an email from the Friends of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Australia. HH the Dalai Lama is teaching a number of programs in Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart in early December 2009. This clip is delightful and I just wanted to share it.

Enjoy the laughter and click here.

Want a laugh?

2009-10-20T13:00:00.005+11:00

Found this fun cartoon slideshow on Matthew Handy's website. He's a mathematician with a sense of humour.

If you are having trouble seeing the whole cartoon, hover your cursor over the bottom right corner of the slideshow box and select the option to view the cartoons on "full screen", then just hit "Esc" to return to normal screen view.

Find more photos like this on dotmaths

Respect and Empowerment

2009-10-11T09:31:00.004+11:00

Just wondering -

If we gave others the respect we crave and allowed them to feel empowered the way we would want would we all get along better - ALL the time?

It seems that anger, frustration and feelings of lack of significance (whether real or imagined) make us react in ways that may not be in our best interests and leads to arguments, discord and distrust. This might be a bit simplistic but I think it is part of the picture of stress in our lives.

We need to be responsible for our actions and reactions, and our feelings as well.

In some ways, it is all about us, but as everything and everyone is linked, it is all about it all.

Assumptions say more about us

2009-10-03T13:42:00.003+10:00

What assumptions do you take into every thought and conversation you have?

I recently read Dr Irene Pepperberg's wonderful book "Alex & Me" about her 30+ year working relationship with an African Grey Parrot, Alex.

Through her work, and in her book Dr Pepperberg considers the acquisition of language in non-primate animals, the nature of intelligence as well as our attitudes and prejudice relating to our place in the animal hierarchy. She wrote that other scientists did not believe her work, nor did they take it seriously and she was attacked for her conclusions from a number of areas. This might be based on a scientific rigour, our reluctance to think outside the box, an unwillingness to question previously held beliefs, or a notion that humans have the only worthwhile definitions and standards to which all life should aspire. It was hard for many people to accept that something with a brain the size of a walnut could understand maths concepts, word formation etc.

Are you secure enough in your beliefs to be open-minded? Many other birds display some intelligence.

Facing Challenges

2009-10-03T09:28:00.009+10:00

We face challenges in our lives virtually all the time.

We each have our own ways of dealing with each challenge. Sometimes we take them head on, charging like a bull at a gate. Other times we take time to let things settle - to see what is truly going on and give a considered response. Our actions can be based on our courage and resilience at the time, and our understanding of the situation.

Whatever it is that we do, we need to be flexible - ready to take a stand if necessary, but ready to give the other points of view due regard. Our approach might be different based on with whom we are dealing (whether they are part of our business or personal lives) and the potential impact and consequence of our actions and the situation we are facing.

Often there is no "right" or "wrong" way - there is just the way we have done something - and we might need to be ready to respond to what comes next. Being fixed in our attitudes and responses can be costly and limit our options for resolution.

Challenging local councils

2009-09-29T09:40:00.003+10:00

I visited Ballast Point park in Birchgrove, Sydney last weekend. A pretty spot, lovely views of the harbour and interesting design.

The site was originally used for loading ballast onto ships when they had off-loaded goods in the early colony (1788 - 1800) to return to England empty, and was a hunting and fishing point. It later was the site for a wonderful and significant home, called Menevia. It changed hands a few times and eventually was bought by Texaco (Caltex) - they demolished the house, and developed the site as a fuel depot, manufacturing and packaging facility until the 1990s.

It was bought by the government and returned to public use, with the site developed as a park. Apart from the interesting design, the site has wind turbines to power the path lighting. These are silent, are of a different design than others I have seen and seem perhaps small enough for domestic use.

Will local councils allow us to install wind turbines for our domestic use? My plea - all homes should be encouraged to have solar heating, wind power, and rain water tanks, and suppliers please aim to make it as easy as possible to install these and help our environment.

Integrity in a busy world

2009-09-24T13:56:00.007+10:00

Have you noticed that many people seem to forget they have a choice between what is "right" and what is "expedient" in their busy lives?

It is often much easier to make decisions based on short term gain rather than considering the impact over time of every decision made. Of course, there is often no problem with this - that building business and dealing with others is clean and honest. But do you sometimes compromise your values and forget or let slide your usual attitudes to ethics, professional etiquette, respect, integrity and morality?

What would you say if your children behaved towards their peers in the way that you behave in your business? Do you demonstrate what you want them to emulate?

I believe that most people justify what they do, that they make it OK to do everything they choose. Whether it is stepping up and taking responsibility openly or managing to self-talk themselves through decisions and actions that would in other situations be abhorrent for them seems to be a moot point.

It would be glib to suggest that we can all do better and that we should - but perhaps the bigger question is what do we do to hold our ground in face of the onslaught?

I think we need to be very clear about how we want to be remembered - and then every choice and decision we make can be a step towards that.

Manage v/s Micromanage

2009-03-17T00:09:00.005+11:00

Imagine a workplace with a number of staff being micromanaged. In the extreme this would mean that the manager has to fix the photocopier EVERY time it jammed, or at the very least would have written the step-by-step procedures followed in minute detail.

We often complain about the difficulties in managing our staff, our work, our children, our partners - in fact, everything in our entire rich and chaotic lives.

But - do we have trouble managing or are we stuck trying to micromanage?

Micromanaging means that we are acutely aware of every change in the details of things - regardless of what those changes are, and we try to control every single one of them!

You know you are micromanaging if:

You are always "on call"
Your open door office is never closed
You can't focus on your work because you are doing everyone else's
You are the bottleneck in the productivity flow.

If you find that you are micromanaging - try these simple steps:

Think BIG picture
Remember what your true role (and worth) is
Clarify and communicate how you best serve your organisation

Remember - by micromanaging your are stopping EVERYONE from shining. You cannot do your best, and nor can they.

Improve your memory and reduce stress by doodling

2009-03-12T02:05:00.000+11:00

Have you ever watched someone doodling while they were in a meeting or on the phone and thought that they weren't paying attention?

I was reading Dr Dave Hnida's blog and came across his post about a study from the journal, Applied Cognitive Psychology, that found doodling may improve concentration.

He wrote, "People who daydreamed during boring meetings, classes and phone conversations, actually retained less of what was going on around them."

Doodling may also have an added benefit of being a stress-beater. It was also suggested that doodlers tend to be more organized than day-dreamers.

Some famous doodlers include US Presidents, John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama. The only downside might come from leaving one's doodles in a place where others can see them.

Dr Hnida concludes, "...doodles...offer insight into personalities; some of the most common doodles include circles which indicate self-protection; arrows show a strong personal drive; and boxes reveal the mind of a logical organized person."

So the next time you feel like doodling during a meeting or phone call, don't hold back! It may be just the thing to remember a key point and in turn help you regain Calm from Chaos.

Find doodle interpretations take a look at Dr. Dave Hnida's blog.

Taking Responsibility

2009-03-04T23:38:00.000+11:00

President Barack Obama in his inaugural address said "What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, ... that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world...."

Many people and organisations are talking about taking appropriate responsibility - particularly in light of the current number of corporate collapses. We are asking how did this happen, and who is responsible - the Government, the CEO, the Board of Directors? The list is long ...

It seems to me that many of us believe that we are taking responsibility, but we are kidding ourselves. We go through the motions of taking responsibility, but don't follow through.

For example, many of us know the consequences of over indulgence - but we continue to over indulge. We don't follow the exercise programs we know help to maintain our health, and live lifestyles that are potentially more damaging than supportive. If we seek medical attention when we are sick, but do not take the medicine as prescribed, or complete the exercise program, are we truly taking responsibility?

Our reasons for not taking full responsibility are varied:

The task might seem too hard,
We might lack the necessary resources,
We might have other responsibilities,
We might be distracted, or
We might just want a break.

I believe that one of the differences between elite performers - whether they are athletes, business people or world leaders is their ability to take appropriate responsibility - they own their roles in life and do not shirk away from them. They do not fill their time with other peoples' responsibilities - they know how to delegate, and how to stay true. They focus on the big picture and remember that the details are important to achieve success.

This ability to accept full and appropriate responsibility is a true gift. If it doesn't come naturally to you it can be learned.

In Summary:
Next time you find yourself avoiding completing a task, ask:
Who is responsible? Do it or Delegate.
When is it due? Acknowledge and Agree.
What is required? Source and Resource.
How will you know when it is completed appropriately? Refine, Report and Record.

Remember to consider the appropriateness of every step.

Thank You

2009-02-16T14:33:00.000+11:00

I would like to thank ALL fire fighters (professionals, full-time, part time and volunteers) who put their lives at risk to protect the rest of us.

I would also like to thank ALL emergency service workers who do the most amazing work.

They are often our unsung heroes.

Bless you all.

TED@Palm Springs

2009-02-16T14:18:00.000+11:00

Last week I had the honour of attending the TED 09 Conference in Palm Springs, California - a simulcast of the live event held for the first time at Long Beach California. Exhausting and refreshing at the same time!

TED conferences have something for everyone - great minds, fantastic ideas and brilliant conversations in the friendliest of environments. We could rub shoulders and share time with people from many different backgrounds, ideologies and countries. Please go to the TED website and find some talks that interest you. My favourites are those that push my boundaries - my understandings of technology, human endeavours and social responsibility.

One thing I found unsettling though, is that I didn't find out about the truly tragic massive bush fires in Victoria, Australia until my son told me over the phone the following day, and on my return Qantas flight to Sydney two days later. It amazed me at how insular we can be despite modern technology and living virtually 24/7.

My goal for this year - stay in touch with the people and things that matter to me, while being open to new experiences and new connections.

Time Versus Money

2009-02-03T21:24:00.000+11:00

Have you heard the saying - if you have enough time you won't have enough money, and if you have enough money, you have the time?

Time and money are both forms of currency - and in this tough economic climate we will have to carefully consider both.

I have often said that if you throw enough money at a problem - at ANY problem - the problem will go away. It will be solved.

This is particularly true for problems that need a concrete, material solution. Virtually all other problems will need either time or money spent on them to find the best solution. We can find solutions quickly if we pay for them, but if we don't have the necessary funds we need to be creative to find effective solutions.

To help you find solutions without spending more money, consider:

What has worked in the past?

Will it work now?

What else could you do?

Where can you get new inspiration?

In Summary:

Thinking outside the box will help you find new solutions.

Learn the difference between being able to solve a problem, and learning to cope with it.

Productivity Tips No. 1

2009-01-02T04:00:00.000+11:00

From time to time I will post some productivity tips - things to assist us to get more from our busy lives. Here is Tip No 1.

Enjoy what you do...
How many times have you dragged yourself painfully through tasks - struggling to finish, and begrudging every moment "wasted"?

I recently had a conversation with a colleague who mentioned breaking her golden rule of not working on weekends. She was happy to spend extra time on a project with a tight deadline because she thoroughly enjoyed what she was doing and was excited by the project. In fact, she had energy to burn and completed other tasks as well.

Do you enjoy your paid and unpaid work?
How can you make your work fun?

In Summary:
People go the extra mile when they enjoy the task.
Think of ways to make your work fun.
Mix it up and break it up.
Play music you enjoy - get up and dance for a change.
Reward yourself and your staff when they achieve a milestone.
Watch your productivity soar.

Tips to Help You Survive the Fesitve Season

2009-01-01T03:49:00.000+11:00

Many of us find the festive season stressful and this can push us from being effective and productive to feeling dreadful.
We may have to spend time with people we don't like, fit in with someone else's idea of a good time, be out of our daily routine and familiar environments, and have increased financial burdens - all of which can add to the chaos.

If visiting your family drives you crazy - think of these things:

They are remembering who you used to be. Your parents, older siblings and other relatives remember when you were a dependent, helpless baby. They may not see your current maturity and capabilities.
We choose our friends, and sometimes just tolerate our relatives. To cope with this, think of some fun times in the past, something funny or find something helpful to do to get away from them - for example, cleaning the kitchen or tidying the garden.
You have a choice about what you talk about and how you respond to others. Old patterns are just that - OLD.
Your attitudes and beliefs may have evolved away from those of your family. Family traditions shape our personalities and memories. Stepping back into them can show us how far we have come, and we might miss them if they were no longer here.

Wishing you all a wonderful festive season and a fantastic 2009.

Keep It Simple

2008-09-28T07:58:00.001+10:00

I hate jargon and legalese - I think it just confounds communication.

When preparing reports it is crucial that important information is conveyed in the best way for the audience to understand it. There are times when jargon is appropriate, but it should only be used when everyone involved in the conversation, in reading the report, or accessing the information can understand the jargon used.

The more important the information is the more important it is to say it right for your audience.
Make sure that your reports reflect their purpose and your audience. Include evidence and research when it is required. If you want people to take action make your points clear and simple so they will know what they need to do.

One of my clients recently received a report from their local Council following a fire safety inspection. In the report were phrases like:

"The premises has such pipes and miscellaneous services rising through the building which penetrate fire resistive building elements ...." And

"The rear ground floor final exit door and door in a path of travel to rear ground floor exit are not provided with a single handed downward action latching device, these omissions will negatively impact on the ease which persons evacuate the building in an emergency"

These points referred to an independent business in the same building, not to my clients' business. And the points were obviously important but were too confusing to understand.

If you have something to say, Keep It Simple.

In Summary

Keep your language appropriate to your purpose.
Sometimes it is necessary to use formal language.
Consider using simple, clear points.
Provide summaries to list Action and Focus points.
Keep it simple for maximum clarity.

Do you keep losing things?

2008-07-22T07:35:00.000+10:00

Some people are truly well organised - all of the time. Many of us are organised some of the time, but not at other times, and then there are the blessed group - those who are organised all of the time. We might have other less flattering terms for them, and I think they are a minority. However, there are definite benefits for being orgnanised - life will just flow, and we will be more efficient and can save a lot of time, and maintain our calm.

If you keep losing things - such as keys, notebooks or diaries, personal planners, cell phones etc. consider these quick tips:

Decide a location for these items that makes sense to you
Put these things in the same place - religiously.
Make sure other people using these things follow the same pattern.

For example:

Put keys in a dish, on a hook, on a lanyard and have coloured keys or key rings for identification
Have extra copies of important keys - keep them in safe places and give a set of keys to a trusted friend or relative
Engrave your mobile (cell) phone number onto your key ring and other items you might misplace
Charge your mobile (cell) phone near your keys
Keep your mobile (cell) phone in same part of your desk, office, house when not used
Place car park tickets and access cards in the same place EVERYTIME (part of clothing, wallet, handbag)
Park your car in or near the same part of a car park.
Take note of your car park bay number and floor (level)

In Summary:
Put things in the same obvious place all the time
Small items are best placed close to where they are used
Have a coding system for different items (colour, size, style)
If you share items, discuss with the others and actively agree with them where to store the items.

Are You Technologically Challenged?

2008-07-09T15:36:00.000+10:00

I admit it. It takes me a while to learn new technology, and I tend to learn it on a "needs to know" basis. What I mean is that only learn the features and functions that I need - not all that are offered. And even this can be a challenge... although I occasionally surprise myself by intuitively getting it right!

Much as women might read the manuals, maps and ask for directions and men tend to just get on with it - there are times that reading manuals is too hard. The add-ons, upgrades and special features are great if it is what you need, but confusing if you don't.

Here are some tips to assist you in choosing the next level of technology you buy, hire or desire...

Don't panic -

Decide what you want technology to do, and what you want to continue to do.
Think about what you really need. What is it for?
How will you use it? Will you use it?
Do you need the latest for your work or your image?
Don't just buy new technology because it is the latest thing - unless it offers you something you would frequently use.
Actively choose what technology you want to use - this makes it easier to learn to use it and you are less likely to buy unwanted or unnecessary "fads".

Remember:
Everyone has to learn how to use new things
Few people really understand All the intricacies of rapidly changing technology, but most manage what they need.
Decide if you REALLY need anything new.
Over time your needs and expertise change, and you might learn to use some of those pesky extra features!

Hey - Do You Use Lists to Help You Get Organized?

2008-06-12T18:07:00.000+10:00

Whether you are organizing a BIG event - like your Wedding or something smaller like an office get together or a kids party Writing Lists can help to stay on top of everything - guests, ornaments, flowers, venues, entertainment, catering, decorations, clothing etc.

Do you use the lists you write?
If you do, keep writing lists. This can help you cement your thoughts.
Everyone is different. How you use your lists is as individual as you....

So consider these points:

Choose how you write them - they are an expression of your individuality.
Some people use lists just by writing them - they never look at them again.
Decide how frequently you want to write a list - it might vary depending on the purpose (daily, weekly, monthly, even annually or task related. )
Lists can clarify your thoughts around meetings, projects etc.hey can help other people stay on track.
Make sure the lists are easy for others to use if necessary.
Keep copies of important lists.

Here are some tips for writing lists:

Keep them simple, focused and in one place.
Make sure you use every list you write.
Ticking items off a list is not mandatory.
Lists without actions are a waste of time and energy!

Where do you get your inspiration?

2008-05-29T18:08:00.001+10:00

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Often it is from the most unexpected sources.

I believe that if we follow a series of songs by the same band, or watch a series or some episodes from a television show we can see the bigger picture of their offering. For bands, it might reveal a constant theme through their work - such as The Beatles writing songs about love - looking for love, finding love and losing love. Other bands have themes of empowerment, freedom or identity (such as Green Day). The main theme becomes clearer when listening to their music "in saturation" - such as an anthology, or a series of albums one after the other.

Similarly, watching television series on DVDs - so that we can see a complete season without advertisements can make the central theme clearer and stronger - more so if we watch a few seasons of the same show after each other. It might seem a bit excessive, but great writing and acting can be inspirational.

I really enjoyed watching "The West Wing" on DVDs - pity the show ended. In the early episodes many characters would walk into each other's offices and be met with the line "What can I do for you?" or "What do you need me for?" This was a way of streamlining office discussions and building efficiency into busy schedules.

It might be simplistic but I believe that good writing, great expressions can build clarity and direction into how we might view the world and how we exist in it. Maybe we can learn a lot from television shows...

What is Integrity?

2008-05-17T11:14:00.000+10:00

The word integrity is used a lot these days. It is almost bandied about. But what is it? What happens when a major corporation collapses, when governments make decisions that we don't like, or even when friends and partners act in a way that hurts us, that we could consider to be of low moral value or integrity?

Integrity obviously differs from one person to the next. We talk about someone being "of integrity", meaning that they hold similar (or the same) values as we do. But each of us has our own individual understanding of this. We are working from our perceptions and experience of our world and everyone and everything around us, as well as our own sense of self. And so are they.

Yes, everyone is in their own integrity, all the time.

When someone makes a decision that is not what we like - that does not match our beliefs and values, or when they act in some way that is counter to what we would do, we get hurt, disappointed or annoyed and angry depending on our relationship with them. It becomes easy to fall into the blame game.

What is really happening is that they are still behaving according to their views at the time - they are within their integrity in the moment, and it might just be that their integrity is different to our own.

So perhaps we could check whether their integrity is aligned to ours when we consider going into an important relationship or agreement with someone else.

Celebrate the World

2008-05-11T00:57:00.000+10:00

Feel like some really stimulating web material and brain food?- visit TED

Have you heard of Pangea Day - where and when short films link the world? - visit www.pangeaday.org

Are You Too Distracted to Pay Attention?

2008-05-10T16:16:00.001+10:00

We all do it. Rush around madly trying to finish something in a hurry.

I have a home office, so for me, it is often the last minute tidying before an important meeting with a client, or before visitors arrive. In this haste, I often just throw things into a room, to get them out of public view. It doesn't matter how important these items are - I am in a hurry and just do the "dump and run."

Nothing wrong with that - it gets the job done, but, because I am distracted - thinking about what is happening next, I do not focus or pay attention to what I am doing, where I am putting things. Then, I have trouble finding what I moved in haste. What was obvious is now hidden and no amount of retracing my steps will assist me to find the missing items...

And so it goes on....

Does this happen to you? Does distraction prevent you from paying attention to essential details and information?

Try to be present with each task as you complete it. Try giving your undivided attention to what you are doing in the moment...

This will increase your feeling of being organised, in control and on top of things, as well as giving greater calmness and order to everything you do, allowing you to savour every moment.

Tips to Help You Improve Your Concentration

2008-05-01T22:37:00.000+10:00

We all have difficulty concentrating at times. Sometimes it is because what we are doing is boring, tedious or too repetitive - other times it might be because we are tired. Think about when you were really interested in something. Did you have trouble concentrating on that?

If your life depending on something, would you manage to concentrate?
So the challenge really is to maintain our focus and concentration when we have to, but don't want to. Think of a time you could concentrate easily. What did you do, and how did you do it? What could you do now that would help you use the techniques you used then?

Here are some more tips to aid concentration:
Set up a routine helps - just as students get into a study routine to help them concentrate and complete their assignments and study.
Some people like to do exercise - either team or individual sports. Make it something you enjoy.
Get enough sleep and take some time out for relaxation.
Consider a personal trainer or joining a gym.
Try yoga, meditation or even a martial arts discipline.
Try reading a book, doing crossword puzzles, sudoku, playing bridge, chess etc.
Enjoy what you are doing - IN THE MOMENT. This helps you to concentrate.
Match your goals to your values - this helps you to concentrate and achieve your dreams.
Try to make what you are doing fun.
Enjoy what you are doing - this helps concentration!

In Summary:
Set goals - be committed to what you are doing.
Maintain a healthy life style - eat wisely, avoid stimulants (drugs, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate). Get adequate sleep.
Keep the same routine to get into the habit of concentrating.

Developing Useful Systems

2008-02-17T09:22:00.000+11:00

Using appropriate systems assists efficiency and order and can create calmness and productivity.

The difficulty is getting people to use systems consistently. If the system is sensible, practical and obvious - it is more likely to be used.

We are all familiar with systems that DON'T work! One of my favourites is a sign to designate a "no-go" zone for off-leash dogs in the middle of a huge off-leash area in a public park. There is a small metal plaque set into the ground that indicates this "no-go zone". Do they think that dogs can read and change their play based on a picture?

So the question is: How can I get staff to take my systems seriously?

If people understand why a system exists they are more likely to use it.
Make sure all systems are necessary
Ensure the systems are reasonable for the users
Keep them simple
If the systems are mandatory clarify their purpose to the users
Systems exist to bring efficiencies - not to control people
Are the systems current or "just there from before"?
Are there easier or better ways to guide staff?
Are they relevant?
Do they reflect staffs' actions?

In Summary:
Understanding brings acceptance.
Use the KISS principle (Keep it simple, straightforward)
Clarify the purpose of the system
Review and revise systems NOW!
Systems should be relevant and appropriate

Following these steps will help you develop systems that people will value and use.

Winning Friends

2008-02-10T09:59:00.000+11:00

How we do everything we do counts. Our past beliefs and behaviours can shape our current work and relationships.

I recently heard an interview discussing why one politician (Dr Brendan Nelson) became leader of the Liberal Party in Australia after the recent elections rather than another politician (Malcolm Turnball).

The comment was that Dr Nelson (who trained and worked as a medical practitioner) was collaborative, took issues to the party room and discussed these issues with members of the party. Mr Turnball on the other hand tended to make his own decisions - and he was a very successful businessman prior to pursuing a political life.

It struck me that these men continued with the styles of management and interaction that best suited their previous work experiences. A medical practitioner HAS to tread carefully, collect information (knowledge and training) and research (test results, reading) so that they can make the correct diagnoses and provide the best treatment for their patients - a wrong decision can affect life and limb. A businessman has to make decisions quickly, act on them immediately and repair the problems once they become apparent - and a wrong decision can cost dearly.

Both used a personal and management style that reflected their past work experiences and preferences, and both add greatly to their worlds. In different contexts their individual styles and preferences can be varyingly successful.

What is your style and approach? Does it serve your current goals and purpose, or does it hinder your outcomes?

Fresh Start for the New Year

2008-01-17T09:40:00.001+11:00

Listen to this post HERE.

Fresh Start for the New Year

2008-01-17T09:15:00.001+11:00

Do you make New Year's resolutions? How long do they last?

New Year's resolutions are a great way of cementing our ideals and goals. But we can be open to disappointment by demanding and expecting too much of ourselves and others on the basis of our resolutions.

Wishes are just that - an expression of hope. Nothing wrong with that - but hopes are not plans, and will not necessarily be realised.

What if we changed our intentions? Instead of making resolutions set in concrete that become too hard to keep once reality sets in and our busy lives help us to lose our focus, what if we could actually hold our space and live our plans?

Choose one or two things that you did last year that you would like do differently this year. It could be anything that inspires or challenges you, such as developing healthier lifestyles or strengthening your commitment to live with integrity and focus in your relationships and work.

Now acknowledge what it is you DO that you KNOW undermine your dreams. How could you do this differently? Would you want to? Could you achieve this yourself? Do you need the skills or assistance of others? And do you know the people you need to help you at this stage?

Finding the REAL answers to these questions will help you to create the environment for REAL change to occur, regardless of the details of your resolutions.

So - good luck with upholding YOUR plans!!!!

Make 2008 the year you learn to Keep your intention strong!

Happy New Year

2008-01-07T11:22:00.000+11:00

Hope you had a safe and wonderful festive season.

Are you back in the swing of things yet?

It seems hard to get back into the full routine of the year with sales in the stores, children on holidays and summer in the southern hemisphere. It is easier to go slow - ease back into the year and decide on some arbitrary date to gets things to happen.

One of the things I have noticed over the last ten years or so is that the Christmas-New Year break has got shorter in Australia. Factories and many services used to close for most of December and January. In fact, when I was working in industries and making on-site appointments there was very little to do until the end of January. Not any more.

The world is busy. All nations are competing for the same markets and customers. We have a global economy so our individual trends and behaviours are merging with the dominant (or most profitable) work styles.

So, how do you maintain your individuality? Remember what is important to you, and what it is that you truly enjoy doing. Find out where your skills lie and develop them further. And then, just for the mental stimulation, learn something new. This keeps the mind young and maintains interest in life.

Yes, but who can read it?

2007-12-24T11:51:00.002+11:00

While surfing the net I found two interesting articles...

The first is that Israeli scientists have developed amazing new technology that can store huge quantities of data in a very small area. The example used was the full text of the Jewish Bible (300,000 words) into a dot (0.5 sq mm) - the size of less than half a grain of sugar - click here for more information.

The second article was forwarded to me in a newsletter. This is an interesting "game" to try to determine how your brain works. Do you use your right or left side of your brain more? Check this site to see... I had fun trying to get the dancer to turn clockwise and anti-clockwise. With practice, you might be able to get her to turn in both directions!

Have fun....

Christmas - blessing or curse?

2007-12-22T13:07:00.000+11:00

Do you love or hate Christmas? It is such a strange time of year.

On one hand it is a time of joy, happiness, forgiveness and sharing - along with gift giving and shopping, planning, anticipation and STRESS!!

There is so much pressure on people to be filled with love and joy, with heart felt happiness and family and community spirit that it is often hard to find what this time means to each of us, personally.

And it should be a personal experience.

Finding time for our own sense of peace and fulfilment, to reflect on our challenges and triumphs through the year can be bittersweet. So much depends on how we view our successes, and whether we can find the positive in any seemingly negative experiences.

So, some tips for getting the most out of this season: Try this -
Note down the major experiences in your life over the last year.

What have you gained from each, what have you learned from each?
Who are the outstanding people you have met, worked with, loved or shared time with over the year?
How would your life be different if these experiences had not occurred?
Is there anything you would dearly love to have different? Is there some way you can safely (and legally) bring some of this into existence for you?
Is there something you could do to help someone else? It is often the simple things that mean the most.

On a practical note - it is a season of indulgence, for those of us lucky to have the opportunities. Take care not to over-indulge! Some tips to help you through...

Eat smaller amounts - tasting each item of food means you can enjoy variety in your diet without eating too much.
Drink alcohol and sweet beverages in moderation - make sure that the only drink you drink a lot of is water.
Get some regular exercise - even if it is only walking up and down stairs or escalators in shops.
Take time to smile and appreciate the beautiful things around you - it might be something in nature, it might be a floral arrangement in a shop, the way a Christmas tree is decorated or the way some families arrange their Christmas lights in their homes.
Get enough rest - if this means having a catnap in the afternoon - then do so. Your mood and ability to cope with stressful situations improves when you are rested and refreshed.

To all my readers, I wish you a joyful, peaceful Christmas and festive season, and a wonderful, prosperous and healthy 2008.

Productivity and Efficiency in the Workplace

2007-12-11T15:04:00.001+11:00

Ideas for the design of effective procedures so that people will use standardized work practices and improve efficiency.

Possible Procedures....

2007-12-05T11:57:00.000+11:00

Sometimes businesses can things just right. Staff follow their procedures to the letter, and customers are not only satisfied, but are impressed.

I recently visited a boutique pub in which staff obviously had extensive training to pour beers in a specific manner. The total procedure consisted of at least 10 steps performed in front of the customer. This was part of the selling point, entertainment and branding for the beer.

It was consistent from repetition to repetition (so if a customer missed a step and wanted to see it again, all they needed to do was order another drink, or wait for someone else to order the same brand of beer). Each brand had slightly different procedures - glasses and place mats used etc. This was an extremely impressive development and delivery of procedures!
Have you ever wondered - "How can I write procedures that people will use?"

Put simply:

Be clear about what the procedure is for...
Consult with the users - so you can get it right.
Define who will use the procedure.
How much time will they have to use it?
How frequently will they use it?
Will staff need supervision?
Will supervision/assistance be available when required?
Have all legal requirements been addressed?
What is the next step and how does it happen?

Think outside the box

Only use procedures when they are important or vital - having too many procedures means that people become overwhelmed and non-compliant.

So, when designing effective procedures that staff WILL use think - Talk, Time, Location, Stuff and Knowledge

Talk - Consult with the staff that are doing the job
Time - When staff will use the procedure?
Location - Where will staff will use the procedure?
Stuff - Do staff have everything required (all resources) to easily complete the task?
Knowledge - Provide appropriate training and retraining so staff can easily use the procedures.

If they are still not getting it, the procedure should be reviewed.

Go With The Flow

2007-12-04T18:42:00.000+11:00

Have you ever had one of THOSE days? You know - the arsenic day when everything goes wrong? No plan can be realised, no task completed and you end up feeling like a wrung out rag?

I think it is probably more of the norm at this busy time of the year, rather than the exception.

I recently had a whole weekend like that - major time conflicts as I juggled supporting relatives through bereavement, a dear friend's daughter's car accident, family responsibilities, Christmas cheer, entertaining and work. My much anticipated and eagerly awaited dinner party for close friends went from being for a group of 9 on Friday to a nice small gathering with 3 guests three hours ahead of the starting time.

I had plans (and I am an EXPERT planner - have been for years). I imagined a time frame for each item, how it was all going to happen, what obstacles could arise, and I had my wonderful strategies to deal with each potential problem.

Nothing went according to plan, and you know what? It all happened anyway - fairly calmly and smoothly, just not in the way I anticipated.

A number of my friends commented on my ability to stay calm when it is so easy to get lost in the chaos.

I realised that my ability to "go with the flow" was because I have learned not to be completely or totally attached to the outcome of any one thing. I don't really mind how anything occurs as long as the result is to my satisfaction. I know I cannot control everyone and everything - in fact, I'm not so sure that I can control myself 100%. But that's the fun of being human.

So while we are well into the "silly season" and madness reigns during December and January think about what is truly important to you. Do you want to spend time frazzled and tired or having time out for smiles and cheer?

If you want to be able to go with the flow, let go of your expected ideas. Don't hold onto a specific outcome, but focus on the big picture.

Think of the result you want, what is acceptable for you and what moral and ethical boundaries exist for you, and then just "go with the flow."

To all my readers - have a wonderful, safe, healthy and happy Festive Season and a fantastic 2008. Enjoy your moments as they arise they truly are gifts....

How to Improve Productivity and Efficiency in the Workplace

2007-11-09T06:51:00.000+11:00

Wondering how to get everyone to do the same thing and have it at the right standard?

Some will, some won't but it is easier to improve efficiency and productivity if you have some flexible, standardised procedures.

Having clear guidelines makes it easier for people to do the right thing. People work differently. So, manage - don't micromanage.

Standardized procedures make things easier and more efficient. Without them, things happen ad hoc, but make the procedures too detailed and specific and it is likely that someone, somewhere will try to take a shortcut and quality control could suffer.

To develop appropriate and easy to use procedures and policies, decide what the essential elements of the task and desired outcome are, then develop systems to assist this.

Quick tips
Base your system on what needs to be done (and why).
Learn how the tasks are done - understanding how people do tasks means that you can make sure that people have all the things they need to get the job done.

Provide feedback loops - checking in on task performance and completion means that you can adjust and/or change any procedure and system quickly - so that it stays practical and efficient.

Allow variation and flexibility - everyone works in his or her own way. Letting people do things as they like (within reasonable limits) means they are more likely to enjoy their work and work more efficiently.

Think BIG picture - it is more important that things get done in the right way, rather than they are done in the right way.

Don't try to control EVERY aspect of work.

A Better Life ...

2007-11-09T06:00:00.000+11:00

Dedicated to the memory of LSK.

This blog is to honour someone I don't remember meeting, and to raise a challenge - what more can each of us add to the relationships and meetings we have each day?

I have just been to a friend's father's funeral. I might have met him briefly, but I was probably too busy doing my "stuff" to have used the opportunity to meet such a remarkable, loving and generous man.

People eulogise about the best memories. By all accounts this man lived a remarkable life. He started in a new country with nothing, took lowly and menial jobs at first, building quite a remarkable business life.

But what stood out in the eulogies was his love of his family - he felt he was rich beyond measure because of the love of his family - he was happily married to the same woman for 53 years. They walked around the park holding hands every day until 3 months before he died. He had seven grandchildren - as he said, one for each day of the week. He lined his front steps with flowers to celebrate the birth of each child and grandchild, and every person he met with interest, respect and genuine care and affection. He was known by his employees as the best boss they could ever have, and his word was as good as any binding legal contract.

He did what he said he would do.

Think how much more joyful our lives would be if we could all be a little more like this man.

How to Get Things Done

2007-11-05T08:54:00.000+11:00

The age old problem...

Why don't things get done?

There are obviously many reasons why things don't get done. But what about when things that you thought would run smoothly don't? Quite simply this is often because the systems being used are no longer appropriate for the task, and therefore the systems are not used and the task is not completed. There are a number of common reasons why people do not use their systems, and therefore think they are useless.

If you think your systems are useless, ask:

Are they needed? Systems are sometimes developed for the sake of it, rather than because they are needed.
Do they serve a specific purpose? There must be a clear purpose for a system to be developed in the first place.
Are they well designed? Sometimes systems just seem to grow – one person develops a way of doing something (a system) then other people have to use it. This might make it too difficult to use easily.
Is it easy to use? If a system is straightforward and easy to use, people will use it!
Who designed it? People are more likely to use a system if they have helped design it.
Is it still relevant? Review your systems regularly. Things change all the time, and systems should be changed to reflect this – keep them relevant.
Is it do-able? Make sure all equipment, tools and time are available so that people can use they systems you want them to.
Is it obvious? It might seem obvious to you, but others might not see it that way. You might need to train others to use the system efficiently.

Non-compliance is sometimes not about people not doing the "right" thing. It might be that it is not the right thing to do.

Whenever you or other people complain that the systems are hopeless - think about the questions listed above.

Remember, systems are there to serve you, not the other way around.

Take control of your systems!

It's Not Only Cows That Get Confused...

2007-10-30T20:09:00.000+11:00

It's that time of the year again, and farmers used to complain that cows get confused with milking times.

Daylight savings is starting or finishing in many countries, and businesses and systems that are time dependent are often thrown into confusion.

First there is remembering that clocks are either advanced (start of daylight saving) or turned back (end of it) - and that means all clocks from watches to alarm clocks, electronic devices, mobile (cell) phones etc have to be reset. Many are automatically adjusted, but it is still necessary to check.

It might be disappointing that you cannot tape your favourite television program, but what of other more serious consequences if automated clock changing does not occur?

This was the case at Gatwick Airport in England, when the computerised time change did not occur (as reported in the Daily Telegraph). The scheduled rewind of the computer clocks did not occur, and passengers were inconvenienced and staff stressed when trying to cope with the turmoil. Fixing the problem was more complicated than it should have been, given that we have been living with the notion of daylight saving for over 20 years.

What safe guards and checks do you have in place for your simple, expected changes?

How to Get People to Use Your Existing Systems

2007-10-19T15:02:00.000+10:00

Many managers complain that their staff do not use their existing systems - compliance is always a problem.

So, how do we get people to use the systems we have in place?

Put simply:
If we want people to use our systems make sure that they are easy to use. The systems should be appropriate for the task and have some degree of flexibility so that people can enjoy using them (at least in some way). The flexibility might be the order in which things are done, or it might be the manner in which people complete the task. Allow people's individual personalities and preferences to come through.

Why do we need flexibility in systems?
There are three very clear reasons why people don't use existing systems.
1. Not everyone is the same;
2. People don’t do the same thing the same way every time; and
3. It is unlikely that the system CAN be used all the time.

You see, poorly designed, irrelevant, overly complicated and/or rigid systems are likely to be difficult to use and will not reflect the needs of the users.

In designing systems that people are likely to use, is the system
1. Necessary - don't burden them with unnecessary stuff
2. Obvious - to the user not just the designer
3. Appropriate - make it easy to use
4. Relevant - it must serve a sensible purpose
5. Flexible - allow them to enjoy using the system
6. Understood - the purpose, use and application of the system
7. Agreed - design it with the user in mind, talk to them

For more tips, sign up for my newsletter at http:www.sharonnephillips.com

How to Bring Order into Your Life

2007-10-19T14:58:00.000+10:00

There are any number of systems that people suggest we use to bring order into our lives and move from chaos to calm.

The difficulty is choosing the right system for each of us

When you can't find your way clearly around completing any task, think back to when you did something well. How did you do it?

We really do know what to do
We all have our own natural way of doing things. It might not be the same as the way that other people do the same or similar thing, but it obviously works for you. When you know what your natural way of doing things is, you can start to apply that same method to all things that you do.

For example, some people like to have everything in order BEFORE they start to work on a task. Others are happy to get stuck into the task and organise as they go. Another approach is to have a clear plan but remain flexible so that they can respond to any changes as they arise.

Think about how you do the things that you do efficiently. It should be something that you know you do easily and efficiently, that your friends and colleagues tell you that you do well. Take it apart - think about how you do it.

• Do you use a checklist (written down or in your head)?
• Do you talk about it with others to help you sort out your ideas and actions?
• Do you plan each part of the task or do you just respond to what is happening as you complete the task?

The more detail that you can identify about how you do anything, the more likely it is that you can see the patterns that you use whenever you complete any task. Once you have noticed your patterns, think about where else you can use this same approach to complete any task.

For more tips, visit http://www.sharonnephillips.com

Calm in a Storm

2007-10-16T07:42:00.000+10:00

I'll admit it. I am not always calm, despite my appropriate branding of
Calm from Chaos (see http://www.sharonnephillips.com). People who know me will vouch for that. It can take a lot for me to lose it, but I can lose it along with the rest of us.

And you know what? I lose it when things don't go according to my plans. I plan well, I know that I can guess where things will fail and I build in safety nets around those predictable failures.

But, when things don't happen the way I expect, I get stressed and disappointed and sometimes angry and frustrated. That's when I lose it.

When I let go of expectations, and go with the flow knowing that I have done my best I can remain calm - that's why people can recognise me as easy going and "in control" (while I KNOW I am NEVER fully "in control").

Can you let go so you can let yourself be calm?

What do your secrets stop you from doing?

2007-10-10T15:37:00.000+10:00

We all have secrets.

Sometimes they stop us wanting to stand out, to follow our dreams or to form deep, close relationships with others because we are scared that they might find out about our deepest, darkest secrets.

What would happen if we let go of the fear of someone finding our secrets out? In this age of the Internet, of surveillance and scrutiny, it is likely that if someone wanted to, they would find out our secrets anyway. And we all have a past.

So, if you let go of the fear of being found out, what would you be able to achieve? If you could own all of your experience as gifts that have shaped you into who you are, would you reach out and grab your full potential?

Finding calm in turmoil is a gift.

Managing Relationships

2007-10-09T21:54:00.000+10:00

Relationships can be the most satisfying or disturbing things in our lives. Friends can support us through thick or thin, yet some people are the cause of some of the most caustic situations we have the misfortune to experience.

What if there was a simple rule to follow to help us form strong relationships? Would that be like finding a gold mine?

Consider this: Do you treat your relationships as a privilege or a right?

If you approach relationships as a privilege you are likely to honour them more, and take time and care to get it right (or at least better).

If you consider your relationships to be your right you are likely to take
them for granted and get upset when things don't go the way you want or
expect. You are less likely to try to patch things, or be understanding.

Which do you prefer?

Systems all around us

2007-09-20T23:14:00.000+10:00

Many people believe that systems have to be clearly defined and described. The reality is that systems are everywhere and that systematic approaches are used all the time. We sometimes just don't think of them as systems.

I was recently an extra in a television production called "Purgatory", produced at the Australian Film, Television, and Radio School (href="http://www.aftrs.edu.au/">http://www.aftrs.edu.au/)

There were many systems being used - from all aspects of preparation - costume, make-up, lighting, camera work and reverse camera work, continuity (making sure that each "take" was like the last so that editing was easier), direction, acting - the list is endless.

What struck me throughout was that things just happened. It seemed that some
decisions were made "in the moment" - in response to something that was immediately obvious, and others were planned and realised in the fullness of time.

It didn't matter how they happened - just that they did.

Don't get hung up on the formality of your systems unless that is imperative. Results count!

Do you play clean, keen or mean?

2007-09-20T23:03:00.000+10:00

How you play the game counts. It might not seem much at the time, but not only do first impressions count, but the consequences of your actions could be enormous.

I recently saw an International Judo Competition for under 16 year old (young men and women). There were a few things that stood out. It was necessary to clarify rules because some countries allow different techniques at different ages - what is an acceptable throw or hold-down in some countries for age groups is not in others. Different rules within the same overall system.

And some competitors had a clear edge - they were match ready and experienced.

There seemed to be three main groups - the clean, keen and mean. Some played within the rules to the point where it was almost a disadvantage to them (clean). Others competed very strongly - with determination and skill that belied their years (the keen). The third group played more aggressively - they were not only determined to win, but went the extra mile to the point that some pairs suffered the most extreme injuries of the competition (mean).

The same applies in all areas of our lives. What are we prepared to do, and how we do it impacts on others around us. What are your limits and boundaries - your no-go zones? When we acknowledge these in our lives, we can be more comfortable with our choices and results.

Misunderstandings unlimited...

2007-09-14T09:08:00.000+10:00

We all use words, and frequently use the same words as each other, but they often mean different things - and this creates confusion and misunderstandings. Add to this that timing and context is crucial. As we evolve and learn the way in which we use our words also changes.

This can have enormous impacts in our personal and business lives, if we assume that everyone understands our words as we intend them to.

This is obviously not a new idea, but I am writing about it now because I have just read an executive summary that was 25 pages long (and I thought executive summaries were a brief outline of major findings for busy people)!

Either someone has the wrong idea (the authors or me) or the definitions have changed.

When you write reports, think of who will read them, what they are for and how they will be received. It is about how you can best present your information - not how much you know!

How do you change an existing system?

2007-09-06T13:54:00.000+10:00

You will know by now that fully support the development of practical
and appropriate systems and that I believe that existing systems should
be regularly reviewed to ensure compliance. If systems are appropriate,
practical and easy to use, compliance will follow.

But what happens when systems change? If we are not careful in managing the
change, the result will be confusion. And the impact of that confusion
could be massive.

I noticed a while ago that prescription medication is now often supplied without the product information pamphlet. This means that patients must remember the doctor's orders for taking the medication, or ask the dispensing pharmacist for the information. This might not be a problem, or it might be a practice that introduces more risk into our health care.

What do you think?

Do you push your customers away?

2007-09-05T21:35:00.000+10:00

How many of us have had similar experiences - ready to make a purchase but put off by the retailer not providing the information we need, or not having the stock available?

The balance between stock control and customer service, or "just in time" versus "just in case" is a tough one for small retailers.

I recently went shopping with some friends. The retailer of a small store lost a comparatively large sale (based on his stock prices) because he didn't answer our questions and wouldn't demonstrate a working model of the product. Perhaps he didn't think we were serious and ready to purchase, or perhaps he was short-staffed, or perhaps he really didn't need the sale, or there could any number of valid and not so valid reasons. No matter why, he lost the sale.

How do we greet and treat our potential clients, and can we tell how much they will spend or how long our relationship will last at the first meeting?

Like the Queen has been reported to say of meeting new people "We might not remember them, but they will remember us for the rest of their lives" - we do not know the ramifications of our actions.

System failure - big time...

2007-08-31T00:02:00.001+10:00

You might be aware that the horse racing industry in New South Wales is in turmoil. One of my American friends expressed amazement that the story of equine influenza has been the leading news story for much of this and last week. However, he would be unaware of the magnitude of the problem...

Equine influenza will cost the industry (and the country) billions of dollars.

It is the first time that there has been such a breach of quarantine in this country so we are reeling at the fact that it has happened, and the speed with which the disease has spread (with the potential even greater -there are 500,000 horses in New South Wales alone).

It is not only the Spring Racing Carnival in New South Wales (and the rest of Australia), but it is also the season for breeding Thoroughbreds - and thoroughbred horses conceived through artificial insemination are banned from racing. When they are allowed to be mated (serviced) after the disease has abated, the resulting foals will be younger than usual and this might adversely impact their racing careers. I do not know the intracies of breeding thoroughbreds but there might be some problems with the mares coming into season for mating as well.

Not only that, but current predictions are that all races in New South Wales will be canceled for a few months. Horses currently are not allowed to be moved, and thoroughbreds are only able to be exercised by walking around the track (for the moment). Like all peak performers, there is the likelihood that they will lose condition quickly. And of course, they will be very, very frisky when finally they are able to be exercised - potentially posing a greater risk to the safety of jockeys and track workers.

Horse racing is an international industry and sport. The Melbourne Cup is possibly in jeopardy and the ramifications are yet to be fully determined - international horse travel could be stopped as horses are quarantined.

All of this because the system of quarantining livestock failed - one sick horse has spread this highly contagious illness into a population that is not inoculated against this illness (there has never been a need to do so before now). Many people did not know what to do early on, and by the time clear "lock down" actions were taken, some exposed horses had already traveled to new stables or show grounds and race tracks, thereby spreading the disease further.

This item is making international news:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/article2355291.ece

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/29/sports/AS-SPT-RAC-Australia-Influenza.php

When there is confusion or inconvenience, you need strong controls and systems in place to make sure problems are not exacerbated. Make sure everyone involved knows the reasons behind these systems and that they can feel the need for them - or they won't take any notice.

Make sure when the stakes are high that you are quick, clear and practical in your advice., and be prepared to back it up with actions.

Life Balance Tips

2007-08-29T10:05:00.001+10:00

Gail Kelly, CEO of St George Bank in Australia, and soon to be head of Westpac Banking Corporation in Australia is not only a successful businesswoman but a wife and mother of four (including triplets).

Her key points on balancing life include:

Deal with what needs to be done as it comes up. She does not "compartmentalise" her life.
Live in the moment.
Don't worry too much
Love your life
Run life as a whole - prioritise across all areas of your life, making sure that there is time for the important events, holidays, school concerts or whatever is important to you. Gail Kelly has been known to leave work to attend important events in her children's lives!
Most importantly - keep things in perspective.

Quite possibly nothing new, but it is nice to hear successful CEO's able to put it into practice - and if they can, maybe we can do some of it too.

To find the calm in the chaos of hectic multifaceted lives, take some time to find what you truly value and appreciate, and bring some elements of this into your daily life. The goal is to be able to work and live in accordance with your values - if this is not entirely possible, allow yourself some moments each day to live and value your values, and appreciate your achievements and capabilities.

If you want to read a little more about how Gail Kelly does it, follow these links:

http://www.abc.com.au/news/stories/2007/08/17/2008434.htm?section=business

http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/business/items/200705/s1929272.htm

Great Management Strategies

2007-08-29T09:21:00.000+10:00

I recently attended a business breakfast in which Gail Kelly, CEO of St George Bank gave some insights into her style of management. She is a remarkable woman who arrived in Australia in October 1997. She not only heads a medium recognisable bank in Australia but is also a wife and mother of four (including triplets) - and is soon to be heading up Westpac Banking Corporation, one of the largest banks in Australia.

Her management tips include:

Apply dedication and discipline to achieve your goals
Have the right person in the right place - be clear about selection criteria so that you can recruit people who match the values of the corporation or business.
Look after the heartbeat of the business - what it stands for, who it serves, and what the customers truly want. True service comes from understanding your customer's needs, so define your value to your clients - who and where they are.
Work within the culture of the business - use the infrastructure and people that are already there and improve on this. Celebrate the achievements of your staff.
Allow time to establish the correct building blocks, and growth takes time.
Leadership is what you do and how you do it. It is behaviour that marks a true leader.

These might all be fairly standard ideas regarding management in the twenty first century - they are just stated so clearly and succinctly it is a joy to hear them.

To read more about Gail Kelly follow these links:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/Business/Gail-Kelly-to-head-Westpac-as-new-CEO/2007/08/17/1186857719777.html

http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/ceo-who-gave-birth-to-triplets/2005/07/02/1119724845747.html

Concordance versus Compliance

2007-08-20T13:22:00.000+10:00

It seems that everyone is worried about getting people to comply with their wishes - to do what they want them to do. This occurs within and outside the workplace. Parents worry that their children do not comply with rules and boundaries. Children worry that they do not comply with their peer group's ideas of normal behaviour. Laws exist in our society to ensure our compliance with rules and boundaries.... Even pharmaceutical companies worry about customers not complying with medical advice..

A recently released report stated that as many as 41% of adults do not continue to take their prescribed medications for the full course, with more men than women opting out of completing their treatments for various reasons. This is unwise because it means that we are assisting the development of "super bugs" (those that are increasingly resistant to treatments such as antibiotics), and we have unfinished boxes and bottles of prescribed (and therefore restricted) medicines lying around. This study found that insisting on compliance was not the best approach. A better approach was to aim for concordance. Concordance is based on understanding and agreement - in this case, explaining to patients what their condition was, how it would impact on their lives, and how to treat it effectively improved compliance.

How can concordance assist you to move to calm from chaos?

What I love...

2007-08-16T15:50:00.000+10:00

Well one of the many things....

I really love seeing systems working well.

I use public car parks on a fairly regular basis, and there is one I go to that recently upgraded its information and monitoring systems. It is now such an easy, enjoyable experience - because they reviewed what customers need and provided it!

This particular car park has a variable LED screen that provides motorists information on the number of available car spaces on each level as they enter the car park, and at each level as you drive through. There is also a light above each car space indicating availability - green for available, blue for disabled available, and red for unavailable (although this is fairly obvious because there is a vehicle parked in the space!)

It is so easy using the car park, even in peak hour or when in a rush....

Now I guess all they have to do is work out how motorists can make sure they never forget where they have parked.

What I hate...

2007-08-16T15:20:00.000+10:00

Well "hate" is too strong a word... but what drives me to distraction is when simple systems are designed to fail.

I walk my dogs in large park in Sydney that has designated "off-leash" areas (meaning that dogs can be let off the leash as long as they are kept under control). In one particular part of the park, there is a huge area that attracts a lot of people walking their dogs. This picture depicts only a part of this area! On many days there can be more than 35 dogs off the leash in this area. The dogs have a fantastic time playing and chasing each other, and it is a real community with people knowing all the regular dogs and people - quite a social event for all concerned.

In the middle of this huge area is a section in which dogs are not allowed - it is a commemorative pavilion and very appropriate that dogs should not be allowed there. My problem with it is the way dogs are excluded - there is a metal plaque embedded in the ground (see picture below) with a diagram of a dog with a line through it and an arrow pointing the direction in which dogs are not allowed.

Do they think that dogs can read?

Calm & Collected - Tribune-Review

2007-08-16T15:15:00.000+10:00

While searching the web I found this article on helping children to cope with bullying and stress at school. The article makes the point that skills we often suggest and provide to assist our children with their challenges are equally appropriate for us.

Calm & collected - Tribune-Review

2007-08-14T17:14:00.000+10:00

Watch this video I recorded a while ago on getting from chaos to calm

It's in the asking...

2007-08-11T09:48:00.000+10:00

I recently attended a discussion forum for adolescents and parents. A number of experts presented information about the use of the Internet, amongst other topics. During the presentation, a uniformed police officer asked the children if they had a fake ID. Not surprisingly, no-one admitted to this. However, when the police officer rephrased the question to be "Do you know anyone with a fake ID" many children admitted they did.

How you ask the question will determine the answers you get.

It's never too late.....

2007-08-10T22:07:00.000+10:00

There was some inspiring news last week.

An Australian great-great-grandmother, Phyllis Turner aged 94 graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Masters Degree in Medical Science. This is remarkable enough, but she left school at 12 years of age, when she had help her mother raise her siblings. She completed her high school education (going to night school) after raising her own seven children and two stepchildren. She then started her university studies at the University of Adelaide when she was 70 years old and two years later won a 12-month scholarship to study at the University of California. On her return from California she enrolled at the Australian National University and gained a degree in anthropology. She decided to enroll in her Master's degree five years ago, after her husband died.

Read more about this remarkable woman:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/887/story/124935.html

Another inspiring story about pursuing your dreams no matter how long it takes is rather surprising...

Most people think that rock stars are more likely to spend their time living the high life. We don't tend to believe that they are overly intelligent (many of course are) or necessarily sensible. Brian May, guitarist with the rock band Queen, was due to submit his doctorate thesis in astrophysics last week, after enrolling in the course some 34 years ago. His thesis is on zodiacal dust clouds (the dust clouds in our solar system) and he left his studies all those years ago when Queen was making it HUGE on the international rock scene. He received an honorary doctorate from Exeter University in Devon, England earlier this year, and co-authored a book on astrophysics called "Bang! The Complete History of the Universe" with Patrick Moore and Chris Linttot published last year. He never lost his love for, or interest in astrophysics and followed discoveries while continuing with his musical career. He is still active in both diverse fields.

For more information about Brian May, try these links:

http://www.brianmay.com/brian/briannews/briannewsoct06a.html

http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSN2536780120070726

Just goes to show - if you want something badly enough, you will achieve it sooner or later, and there is more than one way to get what you want.

Maybe we just give up too soon..

Welcome to my blog.

2006-09-01T13:38:00.000+10:00

My name is Sharonne Phillips and I am an expert on systems. In fact I have a fascination with systems. I believe that all systems can work effectively and that systems are the solution to building efficent processes. I have the experience and knowledge to describe and implement what works best for individuals and organizations.

I have worked in the health, hospitality, administrative, manufacturing and mining industries for over 25 years and have worked closely with staff and managers to achieve greater understanding and efficencies in the workplace.

I am also the creator of The Systems Model™.