Here is an extraction of a conversation that took place in my lift this morning on the way to work.

Me: “Good morning, How are you?”
Other guy: “Flat out mate … real busy, real busy”
Me (silently thinking to myself): “Hmmm, shouldn’t have bothered asking … can you tell me something interesting. After all, do you think declaring you’re busy actually mean you are in fact busy?”
Other guy (after the above silence): “How about you mate, busy? Flat out, hey?”
Me: “Not right now, I’m in the lift talking to you … just had a coffee with a friend.”
Other guy (silently thinking to himself): “Geez … this bloke’s lazy. He wouldn’t survive in my ‘busy’ organisation.”

This is a common discussion. I regularly meet people who, like a badge of honour, declare themselves busy at the first possible chance. In business, we often see this notion then filter through organisations to the point that there is never-ending random activity and a whole lot of ‘busy-ness’. Often this ‘busy-ness’ then kills creativity, focus and productivity … and god forbid, people get rewarded for ‘busy-ness’.

Hence I never randomly tell people I am busy.

Personally, I don’t perceive myself as busy, so if I’m not busy then, what am I?

A few weeks ago, I thought about the various states I think I am in during the week and how it relates to performing different types of work. Doing this exercise is interesting because it ensures you start functioning correctly for the specific types of work you are doing. For example, it’s no point been in a state of busy-ness when you are trying to crack a complex problem.

Here’s my list:

• Busy: I think this is only about 20% of my time … when my diary is completely full in 30 minute increments and multi-tasking is the norm. Generally, the ‘busy’ time is not my most productive. But it is necessary.
• Focused: This is critical time when specific topics require focus. This can be meetings, discussions, phone calls, emails etc … everything focused on getting something done. People who can’t focus often can’t deliver … it is the most productive time.
• On a deadline: Not too much fun … I put the ‘do not disturb’ sign up because I need to deliver something. It’s slightly different to focus because I’m constrained by arbitrary deadlines and more often than not on my own.
• Networking or building for the future: This is a time to be curious, and engaged … if you appear ‘busy’ at these meetings you will appear disengaged and potentially aloof. Not to mention you’ll probably be late.
• Creative: Devote time boundaries to solving complex problems … generally I don’t solve them but normally we make them better. This is either an individual or group task.
• On a break: Go grab a coffee and talk to someone different. Leave your ‘busy’ friends to spin their wheels and clear your head.

Each week and day has different amounts of time devoted to each. The key thing I’ve found is to ensure your mental state is appropriate for what you’re trying to achieve. Less busy, more focus!

What are your work ‘states’? Let me know if you have a better list.

Here is a list of some great elevator conversation starters.

Images via Webdesigners Help

In the annual business cycle there is a particular period I dread – February (for our northern hemisphere readers this would be September … but think return of the masses from summer holidays). The logical conclusion you are drawing is that I don’t enjoy February because this is when I return from summer holidays … partially correct, but I love my job so only partially.

The key problem I have with February is this – during this month I get my annual intake of business literature regurgitated at me from various second hand sources or zealots who did nothing but read business books on the beach.

This February I was greeted with a few in particular … one guy kept asking me about where my cheese was (he was a few years late, I know), another was keen to explore whether I was a Jedi or a Storm Trooper (I was previously convinced I was Han Solo), and yet another was keen to embark on a week-long organisational restructure of his business … something to do with various measures of ‘affinity’ (yes, 1 week is a little short for a 200 person business!).

Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for reading and taking a long think about applying new concepts to your business. In fact we should all relentlessly pursue this.

The behaviour we need to weed out is when people get ‘ideas’, become myopic and don’t take the time to engage with their business colleagues, employees or customers before sprouting the virtues of a ‘new’ approach. Second, often this literature-fest leads to introduction of a new language … we know complex language is a large blockage to changing or improving a business.

So if you’re going to read a business book on holidays I have a few tips for you:

• Don’t become a zealot – take a balanced view of all theories and approaches put forward;
• If the book introduces a new language, change it back to plain-speak before you go public with any new concepts;
• Go and discuss any new ideas on your employees rather than a monologue about;
• Don’t start a discussion with someone with “I was reading a book on holidays, you should read it” … they will think you’re about to sell them Amway; and
• Don’t forget why you go on holidays.

Footnote: I am currently working on a management book … it is a big fat (phat) book so all purchasers can look impressive in the airline lounge, however all pages would be blank except the middle one. This would say “go talk to your employees and customers … and listen … then have a good beach holiday!”

by MAX: Bored at work? Go somewhere else.

Whilst you were slaving away last week behind the desk, I spent the time surfing, on the beach with the family, with no newspapers and no TV. I was intending to write an article sitting around one night on the beach with a cold beer. Somehow I ran out of time. Doing not much.

I spent my commute to work this morning (on my pushbike) thinking what I learnt during my mentally sedentary week. I did zero work and barely switched on the Crackberry (Blackberry) however I actually did achieve something. Here is 10 lessons to re-invigorate your mind. Next time you take a week off. Do this.

1. Be curious
Think about local businesses and the micro-economy. “I wonder how much beer that pub turns over”. “If I moved here what business would I start up”. Sure, it sounds like a case study to get a job at McKinsey’s but this will keep your mind active and stimulate your entrepreneurial spirit.

2. Watch for quirky ideas
Look for the small, clever marketing ideas local business use. Take notes and think about how you can apply that thinking to other situations.

3. Be active
Active body, active mind. Dance the dance, surf, walk, live a little.

4. Be diverse
Talk to total strangers. Don’t freak them out (don’t be a stalker) but say g’day and share small talk.

5. Show empathy, listen & get engaged
Learn about new fields of work, new places to live, wildlife, the environment, anything new. Don’t be passive – get engaged.

6. Be child-like
Watch how your kids learn and interact with each other and the environment. A week is a long time in the life of a tin lid (kid). They learn more in that week than we do in 12 months. Harness some of that. That’s time well spent. If you don’t have young kids, borrow some (but give them back).

7. Crackberry discipline
If you need to, set aside (a small amount of) time each day to do emails etc (20 mins). Don’t let it take over the week.

8. Don’t expect an epiphany
Treat holidays for what they are. A break. It is not a time to change the world. If you think it is, you’ll be a pain to holiday with and probably end up on your own.

9. Get slow
If your coffee takes a few extra minutes to get to you, don’t get wound up. This bit sounds obvious but it’s incredible to see how many people on holidays are stressed out and irrational … imagine what they’re like at work!

10. Get a facial
For the men, it will remind you why we actually dont get facials in the first place and for the women, do I need to explain.

About the Author: MAX is a Melbourne based entrepreneur and business executive. MAX works with businesses across Asia on turnaround, performance, equity and protection. He is a super surfer, has a clan of kids and rides his bike to work. You can email MAX @ max@unclutteredwhitespaces.com or comment through the forum. If you have any questions in relation to your business, feel free to send them through.

Holiday anyone? Images thanks to The Cool Hunter

MAX is a Melbourne based exec who likes to surf & breed. He writes for uncluttered white spaces from time to time. Here is part 3.

I recently read with interest the Bull commenting about that great corporate phrase – “my word is my bond”. Love it.

This got me thinking of another old chestnut straight out of the executive phrase-book - “We need to create a sense of urgency”. I’m sure we’ve all heard it and perhaps even used it. I put this one under the ‘better-thought-than-said’ category because 1) it is cliché and nebulous; and 2) it often has a damaging effect by creating panic in an organisation.

On the topic of youth, we couldn’t go past giving Nike SB a mention for this amazing web site and great creative. Take the time to browse by clicking here now.
Or cut and past this into your browser. http://www.nike.com/nikeskateboarding/paulrodriguezIII/?cp=nsb_0803091553

Millions of people have had the chance to see and download the the two “Today was a good day” commercials. Nike SB have since updated the site with the final installment with a web exclusive 2-minute version with some amazing screen shots with Kobe, Koston, Ice Cube (Yesssss) and Paul. Enjoy.

In a recent workshop, we were struggling to convince a number of stakeholders to make some relatively tough yet really obvious decisions. It seemed simple enough, we had clearly articulated the current position, the strategy and the financial outcomes however we could not align the room to make a decision. A delay was going to be damaging and who likes damage (with the exception of a few sick bastards currently scratching there heads right now)?

After using all the traditional methods – whiteboard, power point (is PowerPoint dead?), smoke signals, collaboration, unilateral/bilateral, more smoke signals. It became clear what was causing the blockage. Creating an inability to move on from the past and into the present. The issue = Language.

I kept this simple, we banned the use of ‘should have’, ‘but’ and ‘why didn’t’ .(All we needed now was beer and crackers). Within 5 minutes we had eliminated the words and the mood of the room and its ability to look forward rather than backward changed dramatically. We legitimately changed the behavior in a simple powerful method. Changing the language.

Gauge the mood of the room and don’t underestimate the role of language. It is more important than the environment, the furniture and way the chairs are arranged (bean bags anyone?). 
MAX

<<<<< We have a new writer remaining anonymous. This guest and new addition to the team has been writing and sending us stories for the past month. We like persistence. Introducing Melbourne based strategist MAX. MAX will be writing for uncluttered white spaces from time to time . What we do know about MAX is that he works with some of Asia Pacs largest business on turnaround and performance from people through to product. He is a rare find and we are pleased to have him providing value to white space readers. Welcome to uncluttered white spaces MAX – no pictures sorry. >>>>>  UWS.

Words and Article by MAX

As always some images to inspire. Here is an amazing initiative by the ANZ bank in creating a unique culture and provoking innovative thinking. Don’t forget, language comes first.