Last year, Patrick posted about the things to keep in mind during the season of stuff. It was timely, and led to this post asking those that give to us to consider donations, or money toward a high-value item that would last years, over the small stuff that will be discarded within a year.
Think about this as you go through this holiday season. What is truly meaningful to you? What message do you want to send your kids and/or grandkids? You have a wonderful opportunity!
Let’s change it up, give back, and keep this season simple and fun, remembering its true value is in the friends and family you celebrate with.
Pretty hefty read, for a blog post, but some really nice insight into Alexander’s reading style and the effect of the eBook and eReader. I picked up my Kindle a couple months ago. I haven’t used it as much as I thought, but I also have a good amount of physical books I’m still working through.
I imagine I’ll get a few more crossed off the list, while adding some to the Kindle, and then adding more when I get the iPad v2.
But a blend is what I’ll always have. Sometimes you can’t beat a good hardcover biography or classic that I’ll keep forever and pass down to my kids.
“But if I learned anything from all of this, it’s my first, oldest lesson as a reader: There is always going to be a book that saves you. There is also a new lesson: You do not know how it will get to you.”
Although he jumps around a bit and doesn’t complete some of his points, this is a nice little TED presentation from Jason Fried. (via mnmal)
Points I agree with:
Interruption-free environment: whether this is allowing employees to work remotely on occasion, setting rules in the office like “no-talk Thursdays,” or some other solution, give your employees time to do their jobs without interruption.
Fewer, better meetings: meetings are necessary. But not in the traditional format. Not all meetings have to be 30 minutes or an hour. Have a goal for your meetings, and accomplish it, with no other distractions or discussion points. If it takes three minutes to accomplish the goal, then your meeting is over after three minutes.
Focus on the real distractions: it isn’t Facebook or Twitter that’s keeping people from being productive. It’s the fact that they can’t access what they need to in order to do their job better, or it’s because a coworker or manager disrupted them while they were in the “zone.” Facebook, Twitter, E-mail, IM, etc. are all voluntary distractions. Managers and meetings (and coworkers) are involuntary distractions. Avoid them (or avoid being them).
Work stages are like sleep stages: for some workers, this might not be the case, but for many (knowledge workers, designers, etc.) this is spot on. It takes a while to get through the initial stages of a work session and really get into the zone. Sure, some can work well enough in short bursts, but we are missing out on the best they have to offer if they are never allowed to get into the zone.
Watch this video, then do what you can to provide a better working environment. Arguments and comments are welcome, of course!
