Yes, but who can read it?

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?

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

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

Possible Procedures....

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

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....