10 Minutes or less

I've started a list of work related things that can be done in 10 minutes or less while at my desk. Here's why.

Whenever I'm wrapping up a project or task, I often find myself with a few minutes before needing to take off to a meeting or end my day. When there is just a few minutes, it's difficult to get your mind around a new task or project that you are going to have to abandon in a bit. So, with my list I can do some productive things and not waste that small amount of time while trying to figure out what I am going to do with that time.

Here's are a few examples on my list. Feel free to add to it.

• Clean my desk.
• Declutter my inbox
• Write a note to someone
• Review my daily/weekly goals
• Review industry related blog posts or articles.
• Organize my PC desktop

Getting to Yes

Roger Fisher and William Ury published their first edition of Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In, back in 1981. I just finished up the second edition that was published in 1991. Even though this book has been around for awhile, it has maintained a healthy shelf life. After reading it, I can understand why.

It's a very well done and lays out a good groundwork for negotiating. Whether you are dealing with a multimillion dollar account, or dealing with a vendor at the flea market, the principles apply to all negotiations.

The authors even admit that most of what you read, you already know. However, they remind you of the important things you need to be aware of when negotiating. A lot of the principles are ones we often fail to remember on a regular basis.

Fisher and Ury also put a positive spin on negotiating. I've always seen negotiating as a struggle or competition where someone gets screwed, but they do a good job of helping you see negotiations as being a win/win for all parties if it's done right.

Camping with family

Image via Wikipedia

A few weeks ago I heard the statement, "a family that camps together stays together." The statement was backed up by statistical research. There's something about the hardships that are associated with camping that brings families closer and creates cherished memories.

If you really love camping, then this is good news for you. If you really love your family, then this is better news for you.