The Cranky Middle Manager Show #312 The Future of the MBA Ken Starkey
Another Learning Opportunity
Posted on 29. Jan, 2009 by Wayne in General
As promised, another “Cranky Approved” learning opportunity for CMM listeners. This one I’m actually taking part in as a learner myself.
Future CMM guest Bob Laurisden is hosting a series of teleconferences called “The 90-Day Leadership Challenge… how to thrive in the downturn by producing on your commitments while simultaneously building a high-performance, accountability culture”. Read all about it here.
Not only is this a series of 6 calls at a reasonable price compared to going to a workshop, but CMM listeners and readers will receive a FREE copy of Bob’s book, “Boss Talk” . Tell them the Cranky Middle Manager sent you……
The Cranky Middle Manager Show #177 The Myth of Multitasking- Dave Crenshaw
Posted on 27. Jan, 2009 by Wayne in General, Podcast
Wayne Turmel takes on multi-tasking middle managers, among other things, with Dave Crenshaw, author of The Myth of Multitasking- How “Doing It All” Gets Nothing Done. Also, is managing hermits an oxymoron? Oh, and an engineer talks about concentration.
Dave Crenshaw- how does someone who does everything he does decry multitasking?????
Don’t forget, if you want tools, templates and advice to run better meetings, order the ebook “Meet Like You Mean It- The Cranky Middle Manager’s Guide to Productive and Painless Meetings”. Only $7.99
Also there’s a FREE Cranky Middle Manager Webinar on February 26th, 2009 at 1 PM Eastern Time (US), brought to you in cooperation with Dimdim. Register here and get a free copy of my white paper “Team Communication and Training in the Workplace Diaspora”.
Show Notes-
0:00 Welcome to the show. This episode is dedicated to Macarius of Egypt. We’re not suggesting you become a hermit, but he was on to something. Also, when you can manage hermits you’ll understand how many middle managers feel.
3:52 The quote of the week is from Michael Farraday who suggests that the ability to concentrate is the first of many things a business person (or manager!) needs to be successful.
4:30 Welcome Dave Crenshaw to the show. Multitasking is in many of our job descriptions, so what’s the problem with multitasking? It doesn’t exist. I’ll let Dave explain…… we’re “switch tasking”.
9:15 You have to differentiate between “switch tasking” and “background tasking”. You can do multiple things at the same time if you are doing something mindless or mundane.
11:10 What is in our control? Technology is a great place to start and we’re starting with email…. check at a set time. He’s serious, stop laughing.
15:50 How do you handle interruptions???? That “quick question” she has can kill your day… plan one on one time…. don’t tell me you don’t have the time cause you wind up spending it anyway? Keeping a running list and training your people to do the same will save your sanity.
20:45 How do you distinguish between important and urgent? We blaspheme Stephen Covey’s work… i love doing that on this show…. priority is a matter of time, not definition.
23:00 Set up filters and get control of your life….which is great if you are functionally computer literate. I’m an idiot…..
27:00 Dave’s Resources:
Check out the Multitasking Assessment if you dare. Click here to take the assessment
Check out The Advenutes of Johnny Bunko by Dan Pink
Don’t let the weasels get you down!
Take part in a university study on the modern workplace
Posted on 27. Jan, 2009 by Wayne in General
My friend, Dr. Alice Stuhlmacher of DePaul University in Chicago is doing a study on the modern workplace (I’ve quoted her work on the show before… she’s a smart lady). I’d love it if as many Cranky listeners as possible participated since you know what’s goin’ on out there better than most. Here’s the details:
You are invited to participate in an online survey on the workplace and negotiation.
This study is being supervised by Dr. Alice Stuhlmacher of DePaul University. They are looking for people to complete the survey who are age 18 or older, currently employed, and fluent in English.
They are trying to learn more about the work environment, worker characteristics, and reactions to negotiation. Your participation is completely anonymous and should take approximately 10-15 minutes. The survey is accessible at:
http://condor.depaul.edu/~astuhlma/wns.php
When you are finished taking the survey, you may forward this invitation to other working adults. They would like to hear from people of different ages and backgrounds.
If you have any questions, you may e-mail Dr. Stuhlmacher at astuhlma@depaul.edu.
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Obama and his Blackberry….. can he quit? Should he?
Posted on 22. Jan, 2009 by Wayne in General
This article on CNN.com a couple of weeks ago made me think, which is always dangerous. I then wrote this month’s management Issues column about Obama’s Crackberry problem.…. let me know what you think….
