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Toronto-area productivity consultant Ann Gomez notes that at brainstorming sessions, Steve Jobs would lead his team to hammer out a list of 10 projects Apple could focus on in its next fiscal period. He would then strike out the last seven and say the only things to focus on were the top three. Clear Concept Blog
Beware of interlopers on your to-do list
The list of urgent tasks clamouring for attention never ends; it merely changes its volume as it gets longer, says entrepreneur Seth Godin. The result is that you become manipulated by those who want you to turn their important items into your urgent activities, so you can't focus on your own important matters. Seth's Blog
Reaffirm good work when giving reprimand
Consultant Ken Blanchard and WD-40 Co. CEO Garry Ridge advise that a reprimand should end with a reaffirmation of the person's past performance so he ends up thinking about what he did wrong, not how you treated him. An example from their book Helping People Win at Work: "The reason I am upset is because this is so unlike you. You're one of my best employees, and you usually get your report in on time." Eric Jacobson on Management And Leadership
Action learning may be problematic
Be careful with "action learning" projects that mix leadership development with hands-on work, says Bryant University management professor Michael Roberto. They may not deliver intended results because your best talent may be overburdened; they may be collaborating with people far away; and they may not get the promised executive sponsorship for their projects. Professor Michael Roberto's Blog
Avoid tweet trouble with web checker
For social media buffs, the cyber world can be a risky place. FireMe is a web page that tells you if your recent tweets might get you in trouble at work, such as for profanity, dissing the boss, or other dumb statements. AddictiveTips.com
Special to The Globe and Mail
Harvey Schachter is a Battersea, Ont.-based writer specializing in management issues. He writes Monday Morning Manager and management book reviews for the print edition of Report on Business and an online work-life column Balance. E-mail Harvey Schachter