Author: Dr. Dana

Kanban board: Not your average to do list

Kanban board: Not your average to do list

Posted by | Mar 12, 2018 | , |

To do lists are a great way to keep yourself on track to get things done. In fact, there’s some that say getting that to-do list out of your head and onto paper (or electronic tool) makes you more effective. But, do you have a shared to do list for your team? A to do list that offers a clear picture of all the tasks the team needs to accomplish with transparent priorities? If not, I’d like to introduce you to the concept of a kanban board. Last week we introduced the best kept secret in IT for getting...

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Best kept secret for getting stuff done: The Agile methodology

Best kept secret for getting stuff done: The Agile methodology

Posted by | Mar 5, 2018 | , |

Unless you are in IT, IT tends to be this mysterious department. There are lots of strange words and magic to get that glowy box on your desk to turn on every morning. However, they have a secret in IT that I think everyone outside of IT can benefit from. A secret that can help you get twice the work done in half the time. This secret methodology offers clear roles, processes, and tools that you can use not only at work – but at home.  It’s the agile methodology. What is the agile methodology? I could go into...

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Need help managing up? Try appreciating up.

Need help managing up? Try appreciating up.

Posted by | Feb 19, 2018 | , , |

Did you know there was such a thing as Boss’ Day? I didn’t. It’s October 16th. It was a surprise to me because appreciation and recognition is discussed almost exclusively in regards to the average employee.  I frequently get asked about managing up. And, while there’s a number of suggestions I might offer, the one that’s most unexpected is to appreciate up. Let’s explore why bosses deserve some appreciation (although Boss’ Day might be a bit of a stretch) – and how to do it. Now, if you’re like me, you didn’t know there was a Boss’ Day. And,...

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Are you an appreciation scrooge? Emotional stinginess isn’t a performance management tool

Are you an appreciation scrooge? Emotional stinginess isn’t a performance management tool

Posted by | Feb 12, 2018 | , |

You can’t have a discussion about employee engagement or retention without ending up in a conversation about rewards, recognition, and appreciation. Why? Because it works. But, really. Why? Because there seems to be a persistent belief that to give appreciation generously will somehow decrease performance. In a way, emotional stinginess has become a performance management tool. The biggest appreciation scrooges will say, “Why do I have to recognize someone just for doing their job?” And you know what? I get it. I’ve SAID it myself. Hi, my name is Dr Dana and I’m a recovering appreciation scrooge. There, it’s...

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Do you want to feel better or get better? Appreciation vs feedback

Do you want to feel better or get better? Appreciation vs feedback

Posted by | Feb 5, 2018 | |

Do you feel under appreciated? You’re probably not alone. In fact, the authors of The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace cite that 70% of employees feel underappreciated. And Forbes tells us that 66% of us who feel unappreciated are likely to quit. As a result, government managers are increasingly charged with finding ways to recognize employees for their contributions. And, it seems that employees are increasingly told that they need to more proactively seek feedback to get the appreciation they desire. As the emphasis on the need for appreciation and recognition rises, the lines between the two...

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