By DW Staff on September 10, 2011 | No Comments
Whether they’re salaried employees or self-employed business owners, more and more people want to work outside the office.
Telecommuting involves working anywhere from a half day to full-time off-site or on your own turf. Although the idea of driving less, computing in your jammies, or having the freedom to go shopping in the middle of the day may sound great, telecommuting needs to be done with care, says Gil Gordon, president of Gil Gordon Associates and an expert consultant to employers who set up mobile work programs.
Read More
By Diversity Woman on May 31, 2010 | No Comments
It’s the plain truth that we’re all busier than ever before. Need proof? Just look at your own life. Chances are you’re always in a rush, and you are constantly nagged by the notion you’ve forgotten to do something, but you’re not sure what it is. “Women typically have longer to-do lists than men because they’re still juggling more of the home and family chores along with their job workload,” says Peggy Duncan, a time productivity expert in Atlanta and author of The Time Management Memory Jogger.
We asked Duncan for tips on how to better manage your workload and increase your productivity—and free time.
Read More
By Diversity Woman on January 13, 2010 | No Comments
Do you respond to the “ping” of incoming e-mail the way Paris Hilton responds to a camera? Although it may be tempting to check your e-mail every few minutes—don’t. Dropping everything to see who or what might need your attention disrupts concentration, shortens your attention span, and is inefficient.
The solution is moderation. Avoid logging on first thing in the morning. Instead, use the early hours to tackle projects that require focus. Then check e-mail only during three or four defined times of the day. Kick your e-mail habit and watch your productivity skyrocket!
By Diversity Woman on January 6, 2010 | No Comments
“Despite growing up in the 1970s with feminism and Ms. magazine, I still feel the pressure to say yes to everyone,” admits Darcy Ing, a San Francisco psychologist of Asian descent. “The Asian emphasis on cooperation and solidarity places a lot of pressure on women to go along with whatever the group wants.”
Although Asian women may find this especially tough, many women have difficulty just saying no, particularly in the workplace. How do you tell a boss or a peer that you simply cannot take on another project, stay that extra hour, or attend a weekend event that would cut into precious time with your family?
Patti Breitman, coauthor of How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty, offers advice for saying “nay” the graceful way.
Remember that less is more. Don’t give excuses or reasons for why you can’t do something; just say you can’t. It’s nobody’s business why, and providing a reason gives others an opening for talking you out of your decision.
Whenever possible, evoke a “personal policy.” Gracefully decline by making statements like “It’s my policy not to…,” “I never take on other projects when I’m in the midst of another large one…,” or “I can’t work overtime tonight because I have dinner with my family every Friday and they’re counting on me.”
Avoid the superwoman syndrome. Who’s really driving you at work? Is it your supervisor—or you? Many women rack up overtime, extra work, and job-related obligations because they’re overly eager to please or think everything will fall apart without them. Take a breather, and give yourself a break.
