Working Girl

Overcoming Procrastination

2008-08-11T17:24:41Z

Here are three ways to get in the habit of getting it done.

By Karen Leland and Keith Bailey

You know what you need to do. You know why you need to do it. You even know what steps you must take to get it done. But there's one small problem: you can't seem to get moving. It's a common problem. Maybe it's chronic procrastination or you're overwhelmed into paralysis. Either way, your task is just sitting there, gathering metaphorical (or literal) dust, and growing more ominous by the day.

Good news! You can motivate yourself by developing three habits:

]]> Habit #1: Chunking Down: Focus on the Trees, Not the Forest.

Chunking your projects and goals down into smaller pieces will help you take action more quickly and easily, while at the same time helping to combat the feeling of too much to do. If your goal is to publish a book, for instance, you might break your process down into milestones (1. Write the book proposal; 2. Submit it to agents; 3. Follow up with agents; 4. Sign with an agent) and then into "micro-milestones" (1. Write a two-page overview of the book; 2. Write one-page author's biography; 3. Research on Amazon to find similar books already in print . . . and so forth). The point of micro-milestones is to create steps small enough that they seem doable - physically, mentally, and emotionally. This frees you to take action.

Habit #2: Take Energetic Credit for Completion.

Often, even though we're achieving pieces of our projects and goals all the time, we don't fully acknowledge them. Smart people are in the habit of enthusiastically taking credit for any action they complete, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant. Smart people know not to wait until the big item is 100 percent done before experiencing closure. Rather, smart people generate energy all along the way by recognizing each item they complete.

Habit #3: Time-Planning: Put a Stop to Putting It Off.

Smart people are in the habit of using a time-plan to get beyond procrastination. A time-plan is a method of assigning blocks of time to those items you want to get done (but not a minute-by-minute description of your day). Here are two easy steps to creating your own time-plan:

Step 1: Identify your power times for different types of activities. Everyone has high and low periods of energy, attention, and focus. Do you like to plan for the next day on the morning of the day or the night before? What is your most creative time during the day? Use your power times to take on your most difficult items. Use your down time for more routine items and errands.
Step 2: Set aside blocks of time for getting certain things done. Keeping in mind your power times, go through your calendar and schedule a specific day and period of time when you will work on an item. Time periods ranging from 15 minutes to two hours are the most effective. Every hour or so, schedule a 10-minute break from your task. Don't just plan your time in your head - write it down! Keeping a record of your time-plan is key.

From Watercooler Wisdom: How Smart People Prosper in the Face of Conflict, Pressure and Change (New Harbinger Publications, 2006) by Karen Leland and Keith Bailey, co-founders of Sterling Consulting Group, Inc. scgtraining.com

Reprinted with permission from PINK magazine.
For more tools, tactics and strategies for professional women, visit

Solitary Frustration

2008-08-04T15:13:52Z

By Genevieve Bos, cofounder, PINK magazine

Q: A coworker of mine is constantly playing solitaire while I am working my butt off. I don't want to get her in trouble, but it makes me really mad that she's playing while I'm working! How should I handle it?

]]> A: The cold truth is that no one likes a tattletale, but also, how do you know that she does not work late into the night? Or that, in fact, she isn't waiting for her manager to assign her work? You may not know all of the facts as to why your coworker is not slaving away with your sense of urgency. At the end of the day, good work is about delivering great results. You should focus on the results you need to deliver and on further developing a good relationship with both your boss and her boss while also building positive relationships across your organization, no matter how small or large. Keep a great attitude of gratitude that you are doing something you enjoy and if it makes you feel any better, the "fakers" are almost always found out in the end--especially with all the new software packages that monitor employees' keyboard strokes and phone calls. The day that the IT team runs a report for management, all of this nonactivity, if appropriate, will come to light. Until then, take an executive to coffee, learn more about new opportunities, and think about your plan to perhaps move into a new role at the company. Work smarter, not necessarily harder!

Genevieve Bos is the founding publisher and co-owner of

Corporate Ridiculousness

2008-07-16T15:31:30Z

By Genevieve Bos

Q: I oversee about 30 employees in a financial office that does not work a typical 9 to 5 day, so if someone needs to take a few hours for a doctor's appointment or to deal with something at home, I don't mark it down. We are part of a much larger company that says they now want me to make sure each employee gets docked time when away from their desks. I don't think this is fair. Any advice?

]]> A: First, ask yourself: Does this new rule also include docking pay when team members are in the bathroom or at lunch? How are you supposed to know the difference? And if you take on this responsibility, how do you get your own work done effectively and efficiently? It sounds like the culture at your company may be quite stifling and not caught up to the pace of life in the 21st century; however, you seem to already know that.

If your team is delivering results, I suggest you just keep doing what you are doing. This is where you, as the manager, shield your reports from the sillier parts of corporate America. Part of your job is to keep your employees happy. Although not following protocol can be risky, if your team understands that as long as they deliver, things will stay the same, it will make for a content and productive staff. You should also be aware of the office culture, as every organization is different, and you want to make sure that you are not threatening your own situation. Make sure to keep a close eye on whether there is pressure from your peers to deliver reports so you can stay a step ahead.

And lastly, ask yourself another question: How important is this new rule to you, and is it perhaps time to go to HR and get an exception for your team...or consider a new company that values results more than empty face time.

Genevieve Bos is the founding publisher and co-owner of

Taking Credit

2008-07-08T18:51:40Z

by Genevieve Bos

Q: My direct boss constantly takes credit for my ideas without giving me any props. Is it okay to bring some of my ideas to her superior instead so that I can actually get some recognition?

]]> A: First, you need to understand that it's not a requirement for your boss to give credit to all of his hires for each idea they have. Also, you should consider whether she is doing this on purpose or if, in fact, she's just not thinking about it. Look around and see if this is something that is happening to your peers as well.

I do like that you want to make sure your genius is recognized, but you should keep in mind that running to your boss's boss is a sure way to get you on the "next to be fired" list, so your approach needs to be thought out. I would suggest you offer to work on extra projects with the superior--for free--to first build a relationship with the superior. If you are helping to do extra work, even a nonprofit project, this will foster the relationships you need so that your immediate boss begins thinking about you differently.

The idea is to first make yourself indispensable, and then to have a conversation with your boss saying that you would so appreciate getting recognition from him since she's such a dynamo (appeal to her ego) and that having her mention you delivered something would mean a lot.

Keep in mind that this is just one approach and that part of getting what you need here is about social intelligence...and making sure you watch the personalities at play. Also, try to get a mentor at the company who can coach you on this. The mentor may know your boss, so be careful and don't complain--just ask for advice and coaching. That can help you too.

Good luck. You have your hands full but if you think it through, it sounds like you have the motivation and intelligence to make this all work in your favor--and maybe even get promoted in the process!

Genevieve Bos is the founding publisher and co-owner of

Losers Need Not Apply

2008-06-25T13:53:55Z

By Genevieve Bos

Q: I am 25 and I am working at a job that I absolutely love. Unfortunately, the staff is very cliqueish and it seems I am not welcome in their club. I feel like I am back in high school and to make it worse, I am the loser with all of the pimples. How can I change things around?

]]> A: This sounds like it's a reflection of your own self-confidence and could actually be used as an opportunity for you to stay focused on driving results for your organization. There is no question that part of what makes working really fun are the great relationships you build along the way; however, those relationships can take time to build. If you are feeling excluded from the "in" group, it may not be a bad thing initially in that it will hopefully motivate you to build relationships outside the immediate sphere of your company--something your age group does not do often enough (even though it can lead to huge career opportunities). In fact, you may learn you are not the "crazy one" at all but instead the first person of many who will be replacing this so-called "in" group.

Also, keep in mind that trying to break in to a clique is one of the worst ways to truly break in. If you put your energy toward being engaged, continuing to love what you do, expressing joy and energy, and maintaining an elegant, professional image, you will be the one others eventually seek out. Stop worrying about being popular or accepted by others--you don't need others to define whether you are in or out--and instead focus on being respected for delivering great work. People have a way of coming around when you do these things well and are having fun. Passion for what you do and for life has a pulling power that brings great things (and people) to you--and then it's the right people! Go get 'em!

Genevieve Bos is the founding publisher and co-owner of

Promotion but No Respect

2008-06-11T14:21:19Z

Q: I've been with my company for six years and am now at a significantly higher spot than when I started. The problem is all of my superiors still treat me like that just-out-of-college girl rather than giving me the respect I deserve. My friends all say I need to leave because they'll always look at me this way--no matter how many times I am promoted--but I don't want to leave! What should I do?

]]> A: This is a challenge for many women and men who grow up in a company. So yes, there will be some minds you will never change. But start by asking yourself a few questions.

1. Do you with speak authority and avoid starting your sentences with "I feel..."?

Women often start sentences with little-girl language that keeps their image as young, inexperienced workers in tact. Watch your language and make sure you are not constantly saying "I'm sorry" or "I feel," etc. There are many books about how women communicate versus men, and learning more about it will make a big positive difference in your conversations with men and women.

2. Is your image polished and professional for the culture you are in?

Often, image issues can be as simple as dressing up more smartly for work. Pay attention to the visual merchandising of yourself since it truly does make for a much more powerful package and will have a subconscious effect on your colleagues. Ask a friend who is great with fashion and make sure you look elegant and tailored.

3. Are you taking full responsibility for projects and delivering on promises made?

Finally, it is important to be the best of your authentic self and engage in work you are truly passionate about, and of course it's also about delivering results and keeping promises. When you are delivering real business results, the world has a way of supporting you beautifully!

Assistant = Gopher?

2008-05-29T15:27:31Z

I'm an assistant to a very high-level executive who constantly has me running her personal errands. Gopher work was definitely not part of the job description when I was hired. I've been sucking it up for eight months but am finally hitting a wall. How do I tell her I love my job but can't stand buying birthday presents for her mother?]]> The Devil Wears Prada? The cold truth is that sometimes that is what it takes to get ahead depending on the industry you are in and--again, depending on industry--if you choose to complain, simply expect to be fired, either on the spot or soon thereafter. So make sure you have three months of money for expenses before you have this conversation with your boss. First, do a little homework and ask colleagues if the person who had the job before you did these tasks and do any other assistants do this type of work too. If that is the case, your appeals will probably fall on deaf ears--start looking for another job. But if you find out you are the exception to the rule, do sit down with your boss and share your career goals and aspirations, and sell her on why this potential change in your job duties is ultimately better for her. You can find out what business goals are most important to her and come up with creative ways to support those initiatives using your skills and talent. If you can get your boss to agree with having you work on these new tasks, then you need to sell her on the fact that there is not enough time for you to both deliver business results and run errands, and surely, she wants you to stay focused on delivering results for the company.

In the worst-case scenario, you should approach the human-resources department and ask for advice on how best to manage the situation.

Cleavage Crisis!

2008-05-16T19:27:57Z

I work in a really casual office and have a young co-worker who always shows a lot of cleavage. Everyone in the office talks about her behind her back and I feel bad. I would like to tell her to button-it-up a bit but I don't want to step over any lines. Should I just keep my mouth shut?

]]> The fact is that there is a "cleavage crisis" in corporate America today! The generations are clashing about what's appropriate. Frankly, it's surprising that no one in management has said anything to her already- unless she is a waitress at Hooters. If you care about her and want to help, you could start the opener with, "If I see something that may hold you back in your career, would you like to know?" If she says "yes", then share with her, gently, that she may be getting a lot of attention for the wrong reasons. But the fact of the matter is-most women who do this know exactly the type of attention they are getting-they just don't realize how badly it can hurt their reputation. With that said, if you are in fashion, a lot of skin is appropriate, if you are in banking, think the opposite.