Meeting Madness!

In a recent article from HBR, we learn that meetings are:

  • 65% = Interruptive
  • 71% = Unproductive
  • 62% = Miss opportunities (to bring the team closer together)

Meetings are supposed to improve creativity and productivity—but they do the opposite when they’re excessive, badly scheduled, and/or poorly run.  Here are some additional points from the article:

  • Companies with “dysfunctional meetings were associated with lower levels of market share, innovation and employment stability.”
  • Declaring “meeting-free periods” and enforcing those time restrictions resulted in fewer wasteful meetings
  • “Meetings do not have to be a trap; they can be a conduit for change. . . In the end, better meetings –and better work lives—result.”

 

 

 

standardJuly 28Tom SalonekLeadership

“5 Lessons Most People Learn Way Too Late in Life”

Alyssa Satara wrote “5 Lessons Most People Learn Way Too Late in Life.” It appeared on Inc.com.  Below is her list with some of my thoughts:

Perception is reality.  This is true for our view of the world and other people’s views of the world and us.  Perception can create bias or make us miss what’s happening (how someone feels, a potential opportunity, …).

Everything is temporary.  Life cycles.  Whether it’s personal, business, or family, life’s not linear.  As Satara notes, enjoy the highs and know the lows are temporary.

The importance of being present.  I have nothing to add here as the article quotes Lao Tzu “If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.”

Do what you love, love what you do.  As the saying goes, we’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time.  Life’s too short to not do what’s enjoyable and fulfilling.

Being happy takes work.  My favorite book on happiness is What Happy People Know.  In the book, the author notes to be happy, we need relationships, purpose, and appreciation.

standardJuly 18Tom SalonekLife Balance

Intertech Named a Top Workplace for 2017 by the StarTribune

Intertech was named one of the StarTribune Top Workplaces for 2017.  This marks our 5th year in a row making this prestigious list.  My thanks to our dedicated employees and loyal customers for making us possible.

standardJuly 11Tom SalonekArticle on Intertech

Crazy Busy and Proud of it

After much anticipation, my wife and daughter finally got their new kitten, Stanley.  Watching this ball of energy chase its tail reminded me of a recent article in The Harvard Business Review called “Crazy Busy: The New Status Symbol.”

In summary, Americans don’t respect leisure time.

In the old world order, leisure was a status symbol.  Today, according to research shared in the article a lack of leisure time causes “one to be held in high regard.” To me, this is backwards.  Poor organization, lack of delegation, not being surrounded by a top notch team, and/or not leveraging technology are common causes of a crazy busy life.

Michael Gerber, author of the eMyth, states “work should give life, not take it.” I agree.  Every year, we take an extended spring break.  When working, I have two standing days a week that I work from home allowing me to enjoy little things like lunch with my wife or talking with my kids while doing a school drop off or pick up.

There are times where I have “crunch time.” But whether for me or those who work with me, if crunch time is all the time, it loses its meaning.

Work smart!

standardJune 20Tom SalonekHappy Employees