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The Art and Science of Managing Work
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BONNIE MICHAELS: Many men and women handling family responsibilities have been very successful in using skills that are traditionally practiced in a business setting. Skills such as: strategic planning, organizational systems and communication skills. |
These principles can contribute to a better balance while working and handling the multitude of family needs. And better balance can carry over to successful work habits and productivity, including less absenteeism, tardiness, stress and distractions. There is an 'Art and Science' to managing successfully. The Art depends on your ability to determine what is important and then follow through -- - Examine your life as a whole--look at your present situation, evaluate your options and find creative ways to handle the many demands while still having time left over to take care of your own personal needs. - Remember that your priorities may change over time as you move through different life stages while raising children, managing elders, and working. The Science of managing encompasses developing and using life management skills. These are skills that can be perfected and can be highly effective in solving the everyday crisis situations that often arise. Skills such as: - Problem solving--how can I do this differently? - Negotiation--work for win-win situations with children, partners, supervisors - Flexibility--be willing to compromise. You won't get everything. - Dealing with change. Change is inevitable. Go with the flow. Don't fight it. - Organization--you better have it! - Work habits--evaluate how you might do things differently to save on energy and time Get rid of the guilt and feelings of helplessness. It doesn't accomplish anything. Instead, follow these principles: - Believe that change is possible! It is utmost to getting what you need in your life. If you can't move beyond negativity and frustration, there won't be balance. - Live a conscious life or 'walk the talk'. Allocate your time to coordinate with your values. - Keep in mind that you can have it all--but not all at once Helpful Hints - Look for role models Tips for Professionals - Be ruthless about eliminating work that doesn't add value Use your sense of humour to help minimize the stress caused by minor annoyances and frustrations. Some days nothing goes right--just remember, things will change. Above all, know you are doing the best that you can. Your spirit and courage is everything your family needs. |
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Biography
Problem solving, uncovering options and adapting are the keys to Bonnie Michaels' success. Having survived rheumatic fever, divorce, single parenting, career changes and financial difficulties, she uses her personal and professional experience to help others. As a work-life pioneer and expert, she has traveled the globe speaking and strategizing for individuals and businesses for over twenty-five years.
Through her firm, Managing Work & Family, Inc.
she helps individuals solve work and family/personal life conflicts, sets up a customized Work-Life Company Programs, and assisting mangers to deal with the changing workforce. Her book, Solving the Work/Family Puzzle
Bonnie is passionate about the issues of sustainability and saving the natural environment and wildlife. As a local and national activist, she is on the executive board for Take Back Your Time and volunteers at the Conservancy of SW Florida, League of Women Voters, and environmental networks.
