“Powering Off” or perhaps “Power On?”

Do you take your laptop on holiday? Do you from time to time “hate” your cellular phone or your Blackberry? Harris Interactive not too long ago reported that one-third of vacationers take their laptops on vacation. In the course of a Sunday meal at a restaurant recently, I observed a man sitting with his loved ones speaking on his mobile phone -- obviously about company. He was not pleased - neither was his family members!

To paraphrase Charles Dickens, “It is definitely the greatest of times. It is the worst of occasions.” Surely that applies on the subject of “connectivity.” Stories of 9-11 victims getting able to communicate with loved ones members within the final minutes of their lives warmed my heart, whilst the story my friend told of her mother answering her mobile phone in the delivery space in the course of the birth of her grandchild chilled my soul.

How grateful I was for my mobile phone when I came across a young lady stalled on an interstate with no one particular, and I could promptly get assist. How convenient it is actually on holiday to make use of the net to discover the choices for entertainment within the location on a rainy afternoon, and get directions to locate it simply. How comforting to know that my household can reach me in case of an emergency - or one thing to celebrate! -- no matter exactly where I'm within the planet. The identical is usually said for my colleagues.

So here’s the question: Need to you take your laptop on holiday? Should really your cell phone be on 24/7? Clientele generally ask, “What should I do?” My answer: “That’s the wrong query. The question is “What will you do?” Maybe an even much better question would be “What would you prefer to do?” Perhaps the ideal question of all is “What action will bring you the most effective outcomes?” As a way to answer that question, you've to take the time to answer “What ARE your very best outcomes?”

Repeatedly I've emphasized that a single definition of “organization” is “controlling the issues you can control, so you could cope using the factors you can’t.” Within the complex planet in which we reside, especially with all the level of connectivity offered, it’s easy to fall in to the trap of feeling that we are victims of other men and women. I cringe when someone complains about possessing to answer their cell phone. Says who? If you do not want to be reached, you'll be able to “power off.” If you have to be reachable since your job calls for it, then the question may perhaps be “Am I inside the ideal job?” Or, have you merely trained people today which you are “always obtainable.” Consumer service is excellent, however it does not demand response. It calls for superior communication. It is very frustrating to leave a message and get no response for days, but couple of scenarios would suffer if the response came 1 hour later so you may have lunch using a colleague with no interruption.

Connectivity can be addictive. My daughter, who has her PhD in counseling, reminded me that an addiction is some thing that reduces the excellent of your life and the people today about you.

So what does all this need to do with productivity? My passion is helping men and women and organizations produce and sustain a productive environment so absolutely everyone can achieve their work and appreciate their lives. When utilised appropriately, connectivity does help you accomplish your operate and allow you to play. It may also undermine your priorities at operate, destroy your wellness, and poison your relationships when utilised inappropriately.

The problem is not no matter if you take your laptop on holiday or leave your cellular phone on 24/7. For a number of people, the potential to verify e-mail when per day on holiday brings peace of mind and may be performed when other individuals are sleeping or swimming. For others, the whole thought of a vacation just isn't taking your laptop. There's no “right” or “wrong.” The query is whether your choice is enhancing or diminishing your life and also the lives from the persons around you.

So “Power Off” or “Power On?” - it’s definitely up to you!

P.S. One thing TO Consider: Your capacity to make any connection far more useful is getting in a position to locate the data you need if you need it. Are you currently wasting useful time trying to find what you will need? Could you discover what other men and women in your office have if you needed it? If not, fill out our Productive Atmosphere Scorecard, and we’ll offer you a free 30-minute telephone consultation to identify precise actions you are able to take to produce sure that every person within your organization is taking the ideal action at the right time with the suitable info.


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