The Post-Standard
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Edition: Final Section: Business Page: D2 Length
Type: Column: Workplace Notebook

Byline: Charley Hannagan, Workplace Notebook

Give Yourself the Gift of Time

This is the annual time-to-get-organized column, and since your time and mine is valuable, let's cut to the chase.

Stuart R. Levine, the chairman of a consulting company that deals with Fortune 500 clients, has just published a handy list of 99 ways to become more efficient at work and in life.

Levine, of Stuart R. Levine & Associates, wrote "Cut to the Chase and 99 Other Rules to Liberate Yourself and Gain Back the Gift of Time" (Currency/Doubleday, $19.95).

Ninety-nine rules might sound like heavy lifting, but the book is a quick read and full of ideas.

There's Rule 44: "Create a no loitering zone" around your desk to limit interruptions.

And Rule 30: "Call an audible," meaning if something's not working, change it on the fly, as football quarterbacks do.

"Every one of these rules is based on something I've experienced in the workplace. It's very practical," Levine said in an interview from his parked car as he waited to see a client.

Levine said he wrote the book with the idea that the reader can breeze through it and refer back to it when needed.

Since we don't have time (or space) for all 99, I asked Levine for his top three, and he threw in one more for good measure.

His top rule is No. 4: "I've got it" ... as in, I understand your point, you don't have to explain it to me over and over again.

Next is Rule 11: "Start with the end in mind."

Decide where you want your company, your career, your life to end up. That sets up logical thinking and allows you to plan your way there, Levine said.

Then there's Rule 37: "Tell them if the baby is ugly."

There are times in business and life when you must be honest and tell someone right off the bat their idea won't work, he said.

And Rule 50: "Master the 10-minute meeting."

Prioritize. Make notes on what needs to be covered and what questions must be answered.

A new career for a new year

Job counselors Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. have created a list of New Year's resolutions designed to jump-start your career in 2007. Here are a few:

Remove or cover tattoos. While body art has become more acceptable, some still find it unprofessional.

Attend all after-hours company functions. These are excellent opportunities to network, and while there to meet your boss's boss. This is the person who's going to advance you in your career.

Go to your high school or college reunions, and bring your business cards. It's great way to catch up with old friends who might make good contacts.

Join a professional or trade organization and meet 10 new people in your field, but outside your company. Building these relationships will help you find a new job in the New Year.

Staff writer Charley Hannagan reports on workplace issues for The Post-Standard. To contact her, call 470-2161, fax 470-2142 or send e-mail to her attention at business@syracuse.com

Reference Number: 0612300437

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