Which One Thing Would You Fix?

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Everyone's talking about the economy.  And the presidential election.  And the Church.

Seth Godin's talking about fixing problems rather than just talking about them.  If you could change just one thing about your own job, what would it be?  Here are some suggestions:


  • Your time of arrival.

  • Your morning routine.

  • Your preparation for the week.

  • Your choice of planner, PDA, software, you get the point.

  • The times of the day when you check email.

  • The times when you close your office door and actually get stuff done.

  • The layout of your workspace.

  • The way in which you talk to your boss.

  • The number of times that you say "thank you" to someone else.

  • The speed with which you work.

  • The little prayers before the difficult moments of the day.

  • The final hour when you wrap things up.


Photo by Ericgjerde


Follow Up Interview with Author Dave Crenshaw on Multitasking

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Here is the transcript of my interview with author and coach Dave Crenshaw.  I'm grateful for his time and insight.

Q#1. The book is similar to Pat Lencioni's fable books- any inspiration
from Pat in the decision to write the book in the format that you did?
Absolutely. I was very excited when Pat Lencioni's publisher, Jossey-Bass, picked up the book. They were at the top of the list of the publishers I wanted to work with. I also found inspiration in Blanchard's

"One Minute Manager" and Goldratt's "The Goal".


Q#2. Why did you decide to focus on multitasking as opposed to another aspect of productivity?
I believe that no single behavior is having a greater impact on our current productivity than attempted multitasking. This constant switching of attention is robbing people of time, sanity, and relationships. It's leaving them segmented and feeling as if they have ADHD. I've worked with many executives who are inherently organized people; but because they bought into the myth of multitasking they developed habits that turned them into disorganized disasters.


Q#3. What productivity blogs do you enjoy, if any?
I'm a fan of Lifehacker. I love the concept of using technology to wrangle technology. Of course, I love the Daily Saint, as well!


Q#4. Who would win in an arm wrestling match and why: David Allen or Stephen Covey?
No offense to David Allen, I have to go with Covey. Since I grew up pretty much in his neighborhood, I've met him a couple of times. Covey looks like he's pretty tough, and he's fathered a quarterback.


To pick up a copy of Dave's latest book or find out more about his productivity coaching, visit his website.


Money Matters

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Any sports fan in the NY Metro area knows that afternoon talk radio belongs to two men: Mike and the Mad Dog.  For the past 19 years, WFAN has featured these two sports junkies who delight eager callers with sports know-how and plenty of attitude.

But not any more.

Chris "Mad Dog" Russo is leaving the program in order to take on something different with XM radio.   As is often the case, money plays into the equation.

Speculators believe that Russo's new contract will pay him in excess of $2million dollars per year.  Russo's response was somewhat laughable, suggesting that his "four children need to be fed", etc. 

As is often the case, money talks.  In my field of education, teachers often think that a few extra sheckles will matter a great deal but they often don't.  After taxes, it's the big bucks that matter a lot.  Why some teachers leave for 5-10K more money at another school is odd.  Just do the math- a big jump is where the difference is felt.

Research also indicates that most teachers don't leave education for the money factor.  Rather, it's due to dissatisfaction with administration or a school culture that doesn't promote excellence.  Not surprisingly, folks want to feel important as much as see it in their paychecks. 

For Mad Dog, the money was just too much.  Would you have done the same?

Photo by emdot


A Year Ago Today on The Daily Saint: Free De-Stress Download

Looking back over old posts is sort of like seeing an old photo of yourself- you appreciate the good looks but do others?  I've defended my 1980's large-rimmed glasses for years, claiming that they really were stylish at the time.  Ah well, some folks just don't appreciate...

One year ago on The Daily Saint I offered a terrific download about de-stressing.  Click here for the full post and free download.