Learn
Something
New Today!
Brief articles and book reviews to help you achieve your goals without a huge time commitment!
One of the best ways to get ahead in life and find success is to learn new information about yourself, other people, and the world. As a coach, consultant, and educator, there is nothing I love more than learning and then sharing that knowledge with you! I'm a fan of short and simple as you will see in my posts. I've also invited others to share their knowledge with you. Please check back regularly and I encourage you to reach out to me with ideas, thoughts, recommendations, and requests! Click on the links to take you to the book or to further information on the topic.
Dori's takeaways!
Here are my takeaways from the Blinkist app:
Multitasking & Distraction are the enemies of productivity:
-
When we switch from activity to activity, we tend to stay focused on the first one and the second activity does not get our full attention.
-
Neither is being connected to social media and our email. It’s too easy to be distracted when notifications pop up.
There are different strategies for being able to do deep work. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, but the key is being strategic about it and not random. Deep work is intentional and desired. Rituals make the difference. Defining your space, going to the library or coffee shop to work, and defining boundaries like disconnecting from the internet during your deep-work time.
Focus your brain and be selective about your use of technology. Our brains are wired to be easily distracted. It’s what used to keep us safe from danger. Start using the time when walking your dog or driving to work to focus on a challenge or problem. Challenge yourself to limit your time on social media.
Schedule your free time as well as deep-work time. You need to be rested and have the energy to do the deep work. Begin scheduling all of your time to avoid getting stuck in a non-productive, non-re-energizing routine. This will help you cultivate awareness of how you’re spending your time. Plan your evenings and weekends around activities so you won’t get sucked into your electronics.
“The next time you feel completely exhausted at the end of an unproductive day, consider taking an “internet sabbath.”
Just take a notepad to work in which you write specific time slots when you’re allowed to use the internet and avoid using it outside these time blocks. This will increase your productivity because you’ll unconsciously want to take more advantage of the time you have allowed yourself to use the internet. You’ll be amazed at how your focus skyrockets, merely by being present when browsing the web instead of in a half-conscious state where time slips by.”
How to Deal with Difficult People
by Dori Eppstein
You can’t manage other people or their emotions, but when you possess Emotional Intelligence skills, it can sure make things better! If you’ve ever worked in customer service in any capacity, then you know how challenging it can be to deal with difficult people. Actually, if you are a human being then you’ve encountered difficult people throughout your life.
When your employees have training in Emotional Intelligence, they can better manage their own emotions and often be able to diffuse an escalating situation.
Think of that high school teacher who just did not like being a teacher anymore and it pretty much showed in their interactions with all students. Or the cashier who checked you out the other day who was obviously having a bad day. Then there are bosses who think that because they are the boss they can simply boss you around and you just need to take it. None of these folks were exhibiting high levels of Emotional Intelligence.
Did you know that EI is a skill that you can learn? It’s true. Once you have the EI tools, then you need to practice. It won’t change the disgruntled teacher, grumpy checker, or bad boss, but it will help you manage your own emotions. It can also help you to diffuse a situation that otherwise could leave you feeling upset and overwhelmed.
How to deal with difficult people:
1. Know your own triggers. Self-awareness is the cornerstone of Emotional Intelligence. When you know what will set you off in a defensive reaction, you can better prepare for when someone pushes that button.
2. It’s not about you. When someone is being difficult, it’s not about you. It’s about them. It could simply be a bad day, an illness, bad news, or a traumatic life. That person is not able to use their own emotional intelligence and are taking it out on you. Always keep that in mind.
3. People want to feel heard. When you can truly hear another person’s frustration or challenge, that alone can often de-escalate the situation.
4. Self-regulation. Controlling your own emotions will help prevent escalation of a charged situation. Remind yourself that it’s not about you. Now how to calm yourself. The more self-aware you are, the better you can self-regulate.
These are just a few of the ways you can deal with difficult people. The Emotional Intelligence you have, the easier it is to manage the impact of other people’s actions. When you want to learn more or you have a team who could benefit from Emotional Intelligence skills, please reach out to us! We’ve got you!
