Lean Offices: Making Lean Office Real 

Audrey Thomas teaches Lean Office principles

 

January 2013


Audrey Thomas

Author, Speaker and

Productivity Expert

Quick Links
Keep in touch ... 
We now have an Organized Audrey fan page and we'd love it if you would "like" it!
Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our videos on YouTube

Etiquette Nugget: 
 Increase your first impressions 

It is estimated that within the first 30 seconds of meeting someone new, there are 11 assumptions made, based on your appearance, how you speak and how you shake hands.

 

The misuse of the word "like" is probably one of the most common mistakes people use in language today. Like other bad habits, people are often unaware of how often they use this word. How to Stop Using the Word "Like" is a great article on how to break this habit.

 

In keeping with the theme of this tip: If you, like, enjoy our tips and like articles, then would you, like, go to our Facebook fan page and "Like" it for us. Like, thanks, a lot!


Featured Product

 

Now Available!

  

MS® Outlook Resource Cards  

Handy resource cards which show shortcuts and techniques when using Outlook. Our training participants admit to hiding them from co-workers who covet them!

 

Available in versions

 20032007 and 2010.

 

$14.95 includes S&H

 

Quantity discounts available. Please call 1-866-767-0455 

for a quote.  

 

We accept:

Visa MasterCard  


Join Our Mailing List
Lean Office Transformations

Welcome to Lean Office Transformations - a newsletter designed to save you time and become more efficient. References to Lean Manufacturing and Lean Office refer to a productivity philosophy created by Toyota which is now adapted by companies worldwide.
Passport to Productivity Tip
Eight Things to Help You Increase Your Productivity

While technology can be helpful in increasing your productivity, there are non-techie things you can do every day to help you get more done. Here are 8 things to consider.

 

1. Watch what you eat:

    • Eat a high-protein breakfast. The average woman needs 46 grams of protein a day and the average man needs 56. I can get 25-30 grams of protein each morning by eating one of the following:
      • 1 cup of Greek yogurt sprinkled with berries (fresh or frozen) and ˝ cup of granola.
      • 2 eggs, 2 sausage/bacon, 8 oz. glass of skim milk

2. Avoid carbs at lunch (bread, pasta, potatoes which includes French fries). Other items to avoid include high sugar snacks such as donuts, candy bars, and even some granola bars. Instead, eat mini snacks throughout the day that include walnuts, almonds, and fruit (fresh or dried). If it's dried, make sure sugar has not been added.

  

3. Get up and move. Movement creates energy and keeps you from being sluggish. When you can, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or walk to a co-workers cubicle vs. calling or emailing.

 

Do some simple stretches at your desk to loosen up your wrists, shoulders and hips. Here's a link to a quick 3-minute Desk Chair Fitness YouTube segment that demonstrates a few easy stretches to do at your desk.

 

4. Get 8 hours of sleep tonight. This is easier said than done but it will have a big payoff tomorrow.

 

5. Drink plenty of water; at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day.   

 

6. Admit when you're procrastinating. Identify the task you're avoiding and the reasons for avoiding it. Honesty and reasoning will lead to solutions. Solutions will increase your productivity.

 

7. Get to work 10 minutes early. This might mean that the night before you gas up your car, plan your wardrobe, pack your lunch, and know where your keys are.  

 

8. Review your calendar appointments and project deadlines on a regular basis. This will alleviate surprises, which tend to bring stress and chaos.

 

 

Shortcut to Share
Selecting Vertical Text

Here's an obscure shortcut that you might find interesting:

 

Everyone knows how to copy a sentence or paragraph. But have you ever wanted to do a vertical text selection? It's easy and we think it's kind of fun too!

 

The key is the sequence of pressing two keys: First, press the Alt key; then, click and press your mouse to drag over the selection you want to copy.

 

Here's an example of how/when you could use this nifty feature:

 

 

 

Additional Resources
Free Articles for your Organization
Audrey Thomas offers her articles for reprinting or reposting - FREE - provided that her name and contact information (supplied at the end of each article) are included. So if you want to share her articles with others, please take advantage of this valuable resource.

 

© Audrey Thomas