Yes it is the start-up of a new college semester…and yes I am again teaching a couple classes in American Government & Politics.  It is satisfying to know and see all of the students in person and again draw on their real attendance energy when in the classroom.

It is always my practice to spend the first class period as a “get-to-know-you” moment.  Of course we cover course expectations but before we end that first class I always try to give them a special word…phrase…or sentence that specializes the learning time that we will share.  So this semester I told them we will discuss the need and importance for every professional to begin:  “Stretching Flexibility”

What does this mean to the students…why is the combination term “Stretching Flexibility” so major that each student would talk about it after they complete the class?

Well first as I continually stress to every class that American Government & Politics impacts everyone and everything in their daily lives… “Stretching Flexibility” actions must be applied.  For example in the area of education, we must continue to learn and teach with more of a non-traditional mindset.  Likewise with the speed of medical science…we must be more open to the fact that quality treatments can be developed in shorter time periods (i.e. stretch our capacities to be flexible in trying new medicines).

The class will also regularly talk about the magnitudes of technology in all fields of employment and how only by Stretching YOUR Flexibility will you be able to effectively and efficiently work in the new economy.  Additionally during the conduct of every class session we will address the quiet, increased personal/professional value of Stretching and being more Flexible in applying your observation and listening skills.

As we near the end of the course hopefully they will know that “Stretching Flexibility” means that CHANGE will be the most constant occurrence in your life.  And finally in my pursuit of theming “Stretching Flexibility” for the class, I will challenge them to look around and see if they can locate a local, regional, state, national and/or international Champion who “Stretches Flexibility” everyday…EVERYDAY.

It will be a good semester.  I wish you all could join us!

As you age the challenges of managing your time seem to grow more every day.  I guess this should not be a big surprise because the older you get…the more you realize that your “time” is limited.  So maybe it’s appropriate for this reason and maybe more for all of us to give TIME MANAGEMENT some special attention this week!

First think about where time management challenges come from.  Are most of them generated by employment…family…personal finance…or unforeseen life issues?  Second try and determine if certain circumstances drive more time management issues to you or does your life/work style build the incidence of endless challenges and thereby rob you of quality time.

I believe everyone…EVERYONE should seriously assess and personally redesign their own TIME MANAGEMENT strategy…monthly!  Creatively addressing the issue of TIME MANAGEMENT on a “keep it fresh” and pre-planned basis is a professionally strong activity.  We talked about it before…the speed of change…advances in technology…and a global economy…all demand a persistent TIME MANAGEMENT effectiveness review.

Ok, ok…I can hear the question:   What specific TIME MANAGEMENT considerations do I employ?  Well, consider these:

• Prioritize completing tasks that enable co-workers to advance their work.
• Perfection doesn’t exist…so do a good job and move on.
• Take on a leader mindset…and don’t allow for time wasting distractions/discussions.
• If you are unsure of what tasks are most important…ask management.
• Minimize multi-tasking…it often reduces product/service quality.

One last thought:  My grandpa used to remind me to not waste or give away your time…”cause it comes to you in a limited amount”.

We have all heard the expression:  “YOU Make Your Own GOOD LUCK!”  And you have also heard the statements:

*”I have the worst luck…things never go my way!”

*”I tried everything but I am someone where good luck just doesn’t come my way!”

And what if you do a quick self-assessment…which statement best exemplifies your style/position?

I am a total believer in the phrase:  YOU Make Your Own Good Luck!  Why?  Because as you take on certain work/life projects…your attitude/approach will very much dictate the LUCK you feel.  Your positive approach/statements will be infectious and will cause others to contribute quality positiveness to your cause.

Also, the progressive energy you generate will cause you to look and research other good opportunities that may be related to your initiative and that too will convey a GOOD LUCK message.  Additionally people are naturally attracted to positive people. As a result, the potential for them to bring with them GOOD LUCK opportunities and cool experiences goes way up.

Building and having a “YOU Make Your Own GOOD LUCK! attitude/approach costs you nothing.  However, having a “YOU Make Your Own GOOD LUCK!” attitude/approach can result in priceless unseen/unexpected benefits.

YOU decide.

Isn’t it always a challenge to try and maximize attendance at training sessions, staff meetings, recruitment events and/or other assemblies that you often spend a whole lot of time, energy and money planning?  Then even as the activity is underway, isn’t it natural to spend extra time reviewing Who’s In The Room?  And guess what…isn’t it also likely that after the session is over and the presenter was absolutely excellent…that more time is utilized discussing the fact that the room was only half full instead of feeling good about the quality of the event!!

Well let me first admit that I have fallen into the Who’s In The Room? evaluation mode too many times.  My assessment of an event has been driven more by attendance expectations…rather than the excellent learning that was achieved by those participating.  Simply put I focused more on those NOT in the room…rather than those who were!

The goal of this TRIPLE III TIME message is to encourage EVERYONE to always dedicate the majority of your leadership/management attention to who IS in the room for critical trainings, meetings and events.  Think about this issue in terms of time management.  Consider:

• Time wasted while trying to understand/rationalize poor attendance
• Understanding that you CAN NOT positively impact people who didn’t attend.
• Realizing the extra special product/service quality improvement impacts that were shared with those that DID attend.
• The importance of measuring more than attendance.
• The opportunity to have more personal/individual time with attendees that may turn out to be “priceless!”.

In closing let me say that I no longer allow myself to over-focus on event attendance.  Instead I emphasize appreciation to those who honor their commitments and responsibilities…and make sure they receive the best opportunities and support I can offer.

Now that the major “working from home” phenomenon has eased and face-to-face customer service has been prioritized…has anyone given much thought about the pandemic effect on tomorrow’s “dress code”?  Do you think that our recent health scare and distancing from people would/should be a reason or rationale for softening what should be professionally worn to work…no matter your occupation?

Strangely I have received interesting comments from both sides of this issue.  Some say that the pandemic and work-from-home experience will lessen the importance of appropriate work attire…and heightens the focus on one’s work capabilities.  On the flip side I have heard several individuals indicate that they believe workers will make efforts to improve their workplace image with “a better look” than they had maintained in the past!

Well first I have to admit that I don’t recall ever Talking “Dress Code” in any of my nearly eight (8) years of TRIPLE III TIME blogging!  Second with my position on this issue I may show my age…and emphasize the value of tradition.  Regardless I do feel it is prime time to give yourself a cool fresh start.

I believe “looking like you mean business”…means a lot.  Looking your best displays pride in what you do and who you represent.  This does not mean looking better just on Monday’s or boss visitation days.  Looking like you mean business should be an every work day priority.  This Talking “Dress Code” work ethic came from my Ma and Dad.  Despite their farming world-of-work, they understood the value of looking professional EVERYTIME the opportunity or responsibility required it.

Bottomline:  Look like you mean business in your world of work.  The quiet respect and attentiveness you will receive will be worth the effort.