How to Brainstorm Efficiently

When it comes to brainstorming, there are a lot of ways one can tackle the overwhelming amount of content that needs to be translated to paper. From keywords to pie charts, the meat of the meeting usually lies in how effective the brainstorming portion turns out to be. Here are some of the methods that can ensure an efficient brainstorming session.

Summarize The Problem In 7 Words

The first step to ensure that the brainstorming group is in the right direction is to identify the crux of the problem. What is the problem that needs to be solved at the end? Once the problem is identified, attempt to formulate it in seven words to create a purpose statement that can keep everyone on track. Seven words give the statement good allowance for keywords to stay and clears up any contradictory intentions.

For example, a restaurant needs more ideas on how to improve its customer retention system. This can be affected by its menu items, service crew, location, prices, and promotions. In order to brainstorm about a solution, pick one aspect and trim it to its most dominant factor. Say the final problem statement is, “High prices make the restaurant seem exclusive”, then the ideas will concentrate around the factors that account for such high prices, and subsequently solve the ambiance issue. 

Come Up With Ideas Alone First

When a group of people come together and everyone is trying to speak over the other, most of the ideas get lost or people concentrate on a singular point collectively. Instead of getting everyone to chip in, consider giving at least 15 minutes for each member to deliberate about how they will tackle the problem alone. This way will allow everyone to work on the same problem with their own set of objectives and creativity.

Brainstorming loves a myriad of ideas. Once all the ideas are presented, identify the advantages and/or disadvantages of certain points that are interesting, and continue working from there.

Remember To Take Action After

Most of the times when brainstorming fails, it is because after the session, no action is taken with regards to what was discussed. It is understandable that the generated content is usually heavy and varied after an intensive session, but leaving the discussion to quietly fade into oblivion is not the solution here. If no concrete action is taken after the session, then the efficiency of brainstorming will never be tested.

Consider employing someone to take the minutes of the meeting. Afterwards, craft feasible action plans to enforce the solutions, and keep track of its progress. Have specific teams monitoring the results. If something works or does not work, bring it up during the next session. There is a reason why these points were brought up in the first place, so immediately incorporate it back into work and prove that it can add value to the company as a whole.

3 Easy Workplace Remedies

Presenteeism is a common condition that plague today’s workforce.

The feeling of being irreplaceable at work, and the subsequent guilt that follows, are some of the factors that force employees to appear even when they are on MC. When sick employees insist on being physically present, they turn the office into an active workplace epidemic for everyone else. One sneeze can trigger the whole department into blowing their noses, and one mistaken cup can pass around a viral bug that could last for weeks.

Personal reasons aside, there are times where it is not as easy as simply requesting for medical leave. There might be a crucial presentation, a last minute proposal, or even a meeting with a big client. When it comes to responsibilities that rely solely on the affected individual, he/she must adapt to today’s working expectations. While the best solution will ultimately lie in having proper medication and rest, adjustments will always have to be made.

In order to counter last minute illnesses or defer said symptoms for a couple of hours (until the meeting is over), here are some easy and effective workplace remedies.

Mix Coca-Cola With Salt

The fastest bug going around today belongs to the flu family, and under it comes a myriad of symptoms: sudden itchy throat, stomach blockage, and phlegm production. These can seriously hinder work productivity, especially if talking plays a big part.

One quick and cheap hack is to get a can of Coca-Cola and mix it with salt. If there is a McDonalds nearby, purchase a cup of Coca-Cola and make use of their free salt packets. Attempt to finish as much of this sweet & salty concoction as possible.

Coca-Cola works particularly well for bacterial-causing issues because of the soft drink’s acidity. The mixture of both carbonic and phosphoric acid allows it to have medicinal properties. It started out as a patent medicine back in the late 19th century.

2 Pills A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

Move aside, Panadol. Other than the usual OTC pills that treat everyday maladies, consider purchasing active charcoal tablets and Vitamin C pills — the orange ones that dissolve in water. The first is proven to be highly effective when combating situations of food poisoning or stomach bugs. Charcoal is able to absorb the toxic components, and temporarily stop the pain and runs. The only downside is that it needs to be taken frequency in relatively high amounts for it to work, around 500mg (2 to 3 tablets) every hour for adults.

As for Vitamin C pills, they act as a prevention measure for the rest of the company when someone gets sick. The moment a sneeze cuts through the air, consider these pills to ensure that the daily vitamin intake is sufficient enough to boost a healthier immune system. As the adage goes, prevention is always better than cure.

Go Into The Darkness

Have a headache? A quick solution to migraine relief is to find a dark corner and stay still in the darkness for awhile. Try to shut out as many of the light sources contributing to the environment and let the darkness soothe the headache away. If this is physically impossible, eye masks are also a quick cheat for one to experience total darkness in the office.

While it may sound a little unorthodox, light plays a big part in triggering or contributing to migraines. Brightness can be especially painful when the body becomes sensitive, and there is nothing worse for a headache than a direct glare of sunlight. This is also a healthier alternative to migraine medicine!

How to be a responsible candidate?

If you are a recruiter, you will likely know what this article is going to be about. Experienced recruiters meet all sorts of candidates – from the sincere to the least responsible one. Sometimes, we even converse those who we think are sincere, but would remain uncontactable after. Trust us, this situation breaks our fragile hearts in the life as recruiters every single time.

If you are a candidate on the active lookout for jobs at the moment, read on to find out how you could be more responsible to your recruiters and stop breaking our fragile hearts.

Be Punctual

There is a reason why interviews have been scheduled at a certain time. Behind the scenes, is a lengthy process of coordination between the hiring manager and your availability for the interview. Being late not only reflects poorly on your interest in the role – but it also shows the attitude you take towards your work, and to others.

Time might not be important to you, as you are unemployed – but it matters to others.

Inform us if you have already found employment

During the process of job application, it is normal to have a surge in phone calls where recruiters are asking if you are interested in the roles you have applied for. It’s not because you are in high demand, but it is because recruiters (especially from agencies) are just making sure you are able to find your suitable employment in your shortest possible time.

If you have already found employment, it would only be polite for you to call your recruiters up and share with them that you have already found employment. This prevents any further interview arrangements to be coordinated, or for the hiring manager to even process and consider your application – which will only be a waste of time.

Let us know in advance if you are unable to attend an interview or any appointments

If we have already arranged an interview (and have already done all the back end coordination), you could share with us if you are unable to attend an interview or any appointment in advance. This helps us to reschedule our appointments, and free up our time slot in doing our day to day activities. In advance, not mean few minutes in advance but more than a day in advance. Please remember how many involved parties are going to be affected.

…& we would like you to take the initiative of informing us, instead of us calling you – only to know that you are unable to attend the appointment later.  This not only breaks our fragile hearts, but also gives us a shock as well.

Tell us if you are uninterested

You can have all the right in the world to share with us if you are not interested in the role – whether the interview has already been arranged or not interested in the temporary assignment an hour before

But don’t just “no-show” which makes all the affected parties wonder what happen to you. We have no time for mind-guessing games. If you are uninterested in the job, there are many others who would be more than willing to take this opportunity up.

Ultimately, one should choose to be gracious and not selfish. Because the opportunity that was given to you - but you had chosen to forgo today, could be the rice bowl for someone else 

Culture – It is an increasing importance for attraction and retention

Research has been done and has been found that there is usually a positive correlation (It basically means, both have to increase at the same time) between company’s profit as well as worker’s satisfaction. What affects worker’s satisfaction and retention is the company’s culture.

It helps in attraction of good candidates

You will probably understand when a good candidate has your offer, as well as another company’s offer. Both offer packages are similar, with little discrepancies – a common situation for quality candidates. What is the distinguishing factor is your company’s culture, and how well it is being represented and communicated to your stakeholders.

This is even more important if your salary package is not market competitive. Your culture could be the deciding factor why quality candidates might reject the higher salary package over yours.

It helps in ensuring a good fit between the company and the potential new entrant

Regardless of how long your interview is, it is not long enough to define your culture or how you can alter the judgement from your interviewees. Candidate already has formed a perception about what this company is, it’s reputation and the culture and purpose of this company.

The preconceived information is attained from news articles, word of mouth and social media – and they are likely information disseminated by your very own employees who could be currently employed, and fully involved in the daily activities.

Hence, it is important to not only communicate your culture but to continuously reinforce your culture

Leaders actions and decisions reinforce the culture of the company. It influences the way people act and communicate with each other. Your existing employees will reinforce the company’s culture to the group of new entrants.

Ultimately, the culture that your company have assist in the employer branding - which makes you unique compared to your competitors. Your culture is then defined by your goals and objectives that your company have, or that leaders emphasize on their employees. 

Allow Employees to Take Naps during Work

Allow Employees to Take Naps during Work

In the recent years, afternoon naps are no longer strange and link to laziness. Some companies start to understand and see that sleeping in on the job to allow employees recharge energy for the rest of the day. Your bosses will never want to do the team or any one starts going into food coma after lunch hours. As much as there are some companies which have accepted such way to recharge, there are a number of companies who may find it unacceptable but it does aid in promoting a healthy environment for employees to work in. The best nap time is approximately 15 to 30 minutes, which helps in increasing alertness and memory.

Successful Power Nap

Effective and successful power nap will help if the environment can let you fall asleep fast to have a comfortable rest. Since there is a limit time for such naps, always keep any electronics or communication devices out of reach. With the periodic vibrations and light alerts from the phone will make it even harder to sleep well. Your sense of hearing will naturally send signals to your brain to do something – check out the phone in case if there is any urgent matter – you will never get to rest properly.

Body works best when you get to keep it in routine. Regulate your nap routine and your body will tell your brain to take a break naturally. For example, you may want to try sticking your nap to the same time and place. Your body clock will instinctively send a signal to you.

Safe and Designated Place

Companies can always build a dedicated corner especially for employees to take their naps. Dedicate certain time of the day for rest and encourage employees to switch off their computers to avoid interruption. Keep such session as comfortable as possible – you may even want to consider employees bring in their own pillows and with a dedicated corner will mean that you can design the space conducive to go into relaxation mode, such as the temperature of the room, the colors of the walls and the furniture.

Try it today! 

4 steps to build a strong team

It is every leader’s envision building a strong team but how many has actually done it and successfully driving and retaining the team? Leaders see each individual as key contributors and when built a team who is of a group of understanding people and they are willing to put in the extra mile to work, you are on the right track.

Understand and know each team member

It is essential to embrace the differences of the team. While taking the opportunity to understand each individual, you can help each member understand their strengths and the area which they can contribute to the team. Additionally, keep outings relevant on a monthly basis to have offsite interactions and this will give members an opportunity to appreciate each other and build a strong camaraderie.

Celebrate milestones and overcome failures

Always remember that your team member is not a robot. Human works with feelings and emotions, and they like to be recognized and appreciated with their hard work put in. Thus, be sure to spend time to give members the proper accolades that they deserved. Leaders should rewarded as deem when necessary and never take job performed for granted. Give them a shout out to make efforts seen by others.

In contrast, if the team has not performed well in certain area of work, take some time to salvage and conduct damage control. This will help everyone put their thoughts together to resolute any situations as a team. Never jump into finger pointing and lectures without understanding what went wrong with the work put in.

Value every individual

Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and since it is put together as a team. Bring the best of each individual’s strengths for the team to make a stronger team. While you get busy with your every day’s work, never forget that each individual is unique in her ways, and every contribution to work functions and operations are crucial to the team. Valuing them will drive them to strive with the team. Make every day a purposeful day to attend work for everyone and it will be appreciated. I’m sure no one ever wants to come to work dragging their feet and feels devalue each time you see your leader. 

Holds effective meetings

Every meeting comes with proper agenda to address official matters but informal discussions must be held for the team members to share some of their day-to-day work concerns or even help to bring in new ideas to improve work processes. When they know that their ideas are being considered to be implemented, they will feel that sense of belonging and usefulness to help the organization improve

5 Time Management Tips

Have you ever felt that no matter how much you are able to multi task, time is always not on your side? The fun fact of today is that humans are generally poor at multi-tasking, so  you are not alone! 

Here are 5 time management tips that you may use to better manage your time and increase your productivity:

Checklist is really important

You should always take a moment and consider the things to complete by the next day before heading home. If you know your objectives and tasks to complete the next day, you will sure be able to sleep better and wake up with a fresh mind to start the day!

Early birds catch the most worms: BE EARLY! 

I'm not asking you to be a bird. It is just a metaphor but imagine if you're always rushing about at the start of the morning. Nah, that’s not the way to go. Always get up slightly earlier so that you can take things slowly and calmly. Here’s how: 

Start the day right – Scheduling

Remember attending the list of things you need to complete by the end of the day first. 

1. Go through email that have accumulated over the night. These are the unpredictable ones you could not foresee, with more tasks to be completed. Based on the emails, you should schedule the tasks at the end of today, or another day. 
2. Filter out and attend to quick responses to allow other people to start working on tasks. Work delegation is a crucial factor to meet deadlines of projects.
3. Evaluate the urgency and the implications of not completing tasks on hand. Schedule the ones you need to give immediate priority to. 

Taking regular break is important

1. Take regular breaks during the day.
2. Block off time in your calendar and take breaks.
3. During your breaks, you can evaluate your tasks on hand. This helps keep your mind organized consistently throughout the day

Set realistic deadlines & Learn to say NO

1. Stick to the deadlines. If possible, you should set a deadline few days before the task so that you can complete all those tasks that may get in the way.
2. Challenge yourself and meet the deadline & reward yourself after that!
3. Politely refuse to accept additional tasks if you think that you’re already overloaded with work. Recheck your “to-do-lists” before taking up new job scopes.

3 Tips about Work Space

If you are a messy person, you can totally relate with what I am about to share with you.

Ever get so stressed when you are unable to find an important document, while you vividly remembered placing it on your desk. You know it is in there somewhere, among all the other pile of documents. Now, can you understand why I would be sharing with you that having a clean work space is beneficial to you and is definitely one of the important elements to increase your productivity at work. 

While typing this article, I could recall reading that geniuses have the most messy work spaces. If the article is referring to you,  that makes you the exception. Please go all out to be messy! (YAY!). If not, you will find the following tips rather useful. 

Keep yourself organised

Keeping a desk clean will make it easier to focus on your work. Things get done when you have lots more space, rather than pushing the mess towards the side and accumulating it to the pile. It is the same context in data files in your laptop. Cluttering old files or overflowing email inbox will decrease work productivity. Take some time off to organize them properly and you will feel the effect of getting things done faster and clearer!

Keep your work space neat and clean

Being neat in your work space helps in your personal image, as well as the company's corporate image. However, it is so much more then that. Keeping work space neat and clean will make yourself more productive. It reflects how serious and respectful you are in your profession as well. 

Being Health Conscious for you and people around you

One of the causes for low work productivity and falling behind in your assignments is falling sick in your work place due to lack of cleanliness. You may have cleaners outsourced from cleaning companies, but they are unable to touch the documents on your desk because of confidentiality. If you have ever sneezed, or consume lunch or drinks when you are at your desk - it means you are highly likely accumulating germs and viruses which would not only affect your health, but your colleagues as well.