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INSTITUTE
OF MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS |
News and Views |
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| The
eNewsletter for the New England Consulting Community April 2004  |
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In this issue: News
from Committees Next
Event: Member
Feature Article |
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This issue sponsored by
Deltek Formatting & layout services sponsored by
emerson
consulting ~~~~ |
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Annual
Meeting How to Create Marketing Gravity: Draw People to Your Value with
Alan Weiss, For
complete details, visit IMCNE.org |
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Membership Want to know what IMCNE has done for you lately and what we have in store? Look for a special e-mail coming soon to fill you in on all the details. This message will show you how to:
Carol
Bergeron and Bill Evans have compiled results of the Value Survey
and what it means to you. Click here to view the entire article:
http://www.imcne.org/events/2004/membcom.html
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Member
Spotlights Marisa D'Vari (Deg.Com Communications) spoke at the American Society of Association Executives convention in Baltimore in February on how associations can get more publicity. She also gave an afternoon seminar for the National Speakers Association, New England Chapter, on how speakers can do the same. Marisa D'Vari (Deg.Com Communications) released an updated version of her book, Media Magic: Grow Rich in Your Niche with Insider Media Secrets. Bonni Carson DiMatteo, CMC (Atlantic Consultants) presented "Igniting and Leading Change" at the Mass Women in Technology (Mass WIT) Leadership Conference, Babson College, Wellesley, MA in March. Ken Lizotte, CMC (emerson consulting group, inc.) had an article called "Using Free Media to Spread the Word!" published in The Scoop, the newsletter of the New England Ice Cream Retailers Association. Isn't
it your turn to be in the spotlight? Send your name, your business
name and 1) recent awards/distinctions/professional certifications
you've received; 2) public speaking engagements; and 3) published
articles. (Be sure to include key facts, such as when, where and
for whom.) You must be an IMC member or affiliate to be featured.
Email them to Ethel Cook at
, Subject: IMCNE spotlight. |
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Have You Earned Your CMC Yet? Join the ranks of the true professional consultant by applying for (and attaining) the preeminent mark of excellence among management consulting professionals, the exclusive Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation, available only through IMC. A CMC after your name signifies evidence of the highest standards of consulting and adherence to the ethical canons of the profession. Less than 1% of all consultants have achieved this level of performance. Learn more by clicking imcusa.org/cmc.acgi An
invitation to IMCNE CMC members — This section is dedicated
to you. If you have commentary you'd like to share, here is a forum
for you. Send your commentary to our Editor, Ethel Cook, for consideration.
Email Ethel at
, Subject: CMC Commentary. |
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Five
Barriers to Productivity Barriers to getting things done keep popping up like those targets at a carnival shooting gallery. Understanding what these barriers are can help you decide whether to dissolve them, go around them or give into them. Let's take a look at some typical barriers and what we can do about them. 1. Results blockers Results blockers are generally self-imposed. A typical results blocker is the cry of the productivity-challenged, "There's not enough time!". We tend to cram too much into our days and have unrealistic expectations about what we can get done, especially living in our world of constant change. SOLUTION: Look at the big picture of your life and identify the projects that are most important to you. Decide what you cannot do and drop it or move it aside for future consideration. Then plan ahead by scheduling those projects that are what you truly want or need to get done. 2. An issue of degree — too much or too little In the midst of your project you discover that something is missing, perhaps a certain tool or information. Maybe you have too much of something like unexpected personnel changes disrupting project plans or so much information that it is hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. SOLUTION: When something is lacking, use your resources to get the missing tool, and your communication skills to get the information. When there are too many unexpected changes to your project plan, have a "Plan B" in your back pocket to enable you to move forward. When there is too much information, focus on what you need and eliminate the extraneous. 3. Sense of urgency You feel stressed about getting something done. You must do something before you can get the desired result, like getting out a meeting notice by a specific time to get the desired attendance. SOLUTION: First take a deep breath and let it out slowly -- as many times as you need to do it to gain a sense of calmness. Take a quick look at your project plan and overall task list and adjust your priorities as needed. If getting that notice out percolates to the top of the task list, then get it done. 4. The solution is not tied to the origin How the latest disappointment or disaster happened is irrelevant and not tied to solution. It doesn't matter who is responsible. SOLUTION: Focus on a solution for now and prevention for the future. 5. Perspective You are stuck and feel like there is no other way to do something. SOLUTION: Give yourself a mental whack across the side of your head to help you get a change of perspective. The old maxim "Walk a mile in the other person's shoes" still holds true. You may need to give up control to get it done. To best understand results blockers, expect them. To manage them, clearly identify your goal, plan how you will get your project done, schedule tasks, and move forward. Productivity coach Ethel Cook of Bedford, MA is founder of Corporate Improvement Group, a management consulting and coaching firm that helps companies develop greatly improved productivity for individuals and teams. Ethel can be reached at 781-275-2326 or . For more information, please visit www.ethelcook.com. You could be sharing your wisdom and observations with your fellow IMCNE members. Submit your article of 250-300 words for consideration to News & Views Editor Ethel Cook at , Subject: IMCNE article. |
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Breakfast
Brainstorms Calendar Monday,
April 5, 2004 Monday,
April 12, 2004 Want to host a Breakfast Brainstorm in your area? Contact for details. Strategic
Partner Events — Check out our Calendar of Strategic Partner
and Other Events on our web site for more information on events
of interest. Click www.imcne.org/spcalendar.html,
then click on the appropriate link for detailed information that
could save you money. |
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Book Reviews Solicited Read any good books lately? Book reviews of up to 150 words are needed monthly. Business books and those you found helpful from other genres are of special interest. Email Ethel Cook at , Subject: IMCNE book review Our Advertising Rates Would you like to advertise an event, product or service in this e-letter? Request our advertising fee schedule by emailing IMCNE's or by calling 800-696-7399. About IMCNE Learn more about IMCNE's programs, membership details and services to New England consultants by clicking here or calling us at 800-696-7399. News and Views Editor Ethel Cook Productivity coach, focusing on the fundamentals of productivity Phone: 781-275-2326 Email: Mail: IMCNE "News & Views", P.O. Box 774, Westford, MA 01886 Copyright © 2004 IMC New England |