The National Association of Professional Organizers-San Diego Chapter’s newsletter recently featured an article about email management that Casey wrote.
Q: What problem solving strategies do you highlight with clients? (handouts page 6, under Decision-making)
A: The problem-solving strategies I highlight with clients:
1. Almost always I talk with them about how to solve the daily “problem” of what to do in a given moment — I recommend David Allen’s 4-Questions approach (from his book Getting Things Done)
2. When it comes to other problem-solving, it depends on the client. Mostly, as a coach, my role is to help clients articulate their own process and analyze its effectiveness. I reflect back to them the KSAs they used when they solve their problems. Most of my clients are high-functioning enough and/or our focus is on other links. As a result, I haven’t had to teach problem-solving from scratch.
I hope this is helpful. And if you’d be willing to share what you do, I’d love to know. I’m always trying to learn more and better ways to do things. Now that I’ve said I haven’t needed to teach specific problem-solving methods, my next new client will require it of me. That’s how things work out in my world!
Q: What do ‘discrete’ categories mean on page 5 in the area of “Organization of Objects/Data” which you didn’t cover?
A: “Discrete” means separate, non-overlapping.
When it comes to the “Organization of Objects/Data” link, it’s the skill of creating/using categories that are distinct, rather than having “Miscellaneous” file folders and many junk drawers, etc.
When it comes to the links in the Productivity Chain, each link’s skill set is distinct from every other’s. That’s why there are twelve links in the Chain. If there were ten distinct skill sets, there’d be ten links.
If you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder–and even if you don’t–get ten minutes of sunshine every day if possible. Getting outside, if only for a while, changes your perspective and reminds you that Spring is just a little ways away. A Forbes article Monday quotes me on this tip and more… The article
(This eTip brought to you by the Health link in your Productivity Chain.)
Forbes online writer Jacquelyn Smith has published another productivity-tip-laden article, this time on staying productive during the winter when many of us would rather hibernate in our warm beds. The article
Casey Moore will be on the Ask the Organizer panel at the University of Richmond January 23 in honor of national Get Organized Month 2013. This free event is open to the public and you can register here. Whether you’re interested in workplace productivity, home organizing or becoming a Professional Organizer, your questions will get answered! (It’s in Jepson Hall, room 118. Download campus map.)
The Chicago chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers has a new book club that will meet twice a year and their inaugural book selection is Stop Organizing, Start Producing by Casey Moore. “It’s a huge honor to review my work in this way,” says Casey. “I can’t wait to hear what they think!”
Yes, it’s cheesy, but I love holiday letters. It’s fun to look back on the year and reflect on blessings and growth. If you like them too, or you just want to see how my year went, click here: Casey’s holiday letter 2012
And have a Happy New Year!
As 2012 draws to a close, here’s a strategy to stay productive personally and professionally. You’ll “produce” peace within and with others (e.g., family) when you can accept what is instead of always trying to engineer what “should” be.
Casey’s eTip: Practice Acceptance, Not Correction
“Just for today I will be agreeable…courteous, criticize not one bit. I won’t find fault with anything, nor try to improve or regulate anybody but myself.”
Great tips for staying sane and productive this holiday season in this Forbes article for which I was a contributor. Worth the read and the image version’s great, too.
It’s 3 weeks to Halloween, 6 to Thanksgiving, 12 to New Year’s. Here are a few ways to get ready ahead of the curve this season:
* Decide how YOU want your holidays to be (simple, fancy, etc.).
* Consult family about who’s going where…these decisions can take weeks.
* Book your travel ASAP so you have more options.
* Make your gift list and start shopping.
(This eTip brought to you by the Planning link in your Productivity Chain.)
Casey Moore's Productivity Chain is an effective tool that helps you clearly identify and address the key factors keeping you from peak effectiveness.
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