Archives

Special Announcement: We're joining AccelaWork. Learn all about this change.

September 2012

We're Joining AccelaWork - Slaughter Development is becoming the first partner in a new consulting venture, AccelaWork.

August 2012

5 Modern Trends In Learning Management - Improving business process usually means learning new skills. Today's guest post from Tricia Underwood covers modern trends in learning management.
Five Year Lesson in Methodology Engineering - I first heard the term methodology engineering by Robby Slaughter during my interview for Slaughter Development back in 2007. I hadn't the slightest clue what it meant, but was intrigued to learn more. Now, nearly five years later as I write my final blog post for The Methodology Blog, I look back and smile. Sure, I set out to learn more, but I ended up changing my entire perspective.

July 2012

The Shocking Truth About Telecommuting - Here's pretty amazing secret: people who work from home do all kinds of terribly non-productive things. But the net result of this is even more surprising: despite wasting all this time, they actually get more done.
Productivity and the Unemployment Rate - Employee productivity and overall unemployment are certainly related. But a new post highlights some of the finer points of this connection.
[VIDEO] Process Improvement on the Stairs - Process improvement opportunities are everywhere. Even in the steps in the New York City subway.
Terrible Management Ideas from Microsoft - If you want to improve employee productivity, you might think that a little competition is healthy. But a recent article explains how forced ranking not only impacted employee productivity but ruined employee morale.
Sending Your Employees Overseas: A Guide - Sending an employee overseas can be a great opportunity for both the employer and employee. Employers benefit from expanding its business operation to another country while the employee has the unique opportunity to explore a different country both personally and professionally. However, to make the process of relocation as well as to achieve success, the right preparation and planning is required.
Productivity Tip: Get it In Writing - Getting commitments in writing is like magic. When they are said aloud, they don't mean much. But once they appear as words, they are practically guaranteed to happen.
Increase Productivity By Giving Back - Everyone is pressed for time. But new research shows that spending your time to help others may be one of the best ways to increase productivity.
Time Management for the Solo-Entrepreneur - While being your own boss can be exciting, it also means you have to manage yourself. In this article I'll discuss what I've learned over the last six months about time management from my experience as a solo-entrepreneur.

June 2012

[VIDEO] Great Company or Great Waste? - In a new viral video of from American Eagle Outfitters, hundreds of staffers appear to be having a ton of fun at the office. But what does this clip say about workplace culture and employee productivity?
Improving Performance through Scorecards - If you're new to business process improvement, you might think scorecards are only used when playing mini golf. But today's guest post highlights how you can increase employee productivity through a relatively simple mechanism.
Attention Trainers: Stop Doing This - Productivity training, skills training and other employee training programs are critically important. But one expert lists what trainers should stop doing right away.
INFOGRAPHIC: Pep Up Your Productivity - Everyone wants to increase productivity, from students to employees to managers. A new infographic includes some data and suggestions for how to increase productivity at work and school
Marketing in a Post Groupon Era - Business process improvement is sometimes done by trying to make huge changes in the behavior of the market. Today's guest post by Christopher Wallace discusses the business process behind Groupon---and makes some recommendations.
The Trouble With Time and Attendance - Time and attendance tracking is a mainstay of business and secondary education. But everyone knows that watching the clock is the worst way to measure results. One student recently paid a serious price when shooting for perfect attendance.
Competition is Unproductive - To increase productivity at work, we often turn to competition. It turns out struggle does not create the best possible outcome after all.
Kill Chaos with Efficiency - Chaos at work is a serious problem, according to today's guest blogger. To improve employee efficiency, Joe Baker recommends a five-point strategy.
Increase Your Productivity, Dump Bad Habits - I'm guilty. There are days when I walk out of the office wondering what I did all day long. If my boss stopped and asked me that question, I'd probably stutter and say, 'Well, I answered some emails and looked at that project we were talking about.'
A Little Queueing Theory - Anyone who wants to improve productivity needs to know a little queueing theory. That mouthful to say is luckily not too hard to understand.
Tips for Productive Presentations - The best presentations at work are those that inspire productivity among your team. Here are some tips for preparing for a presentation.
The Best Productivity Tip for Blogging - Blogging is work, so any techniques to improve productivity are worth considering. Our own Robby Slaughter recently posted on the single best productivity tip for bloggers.

May 2012

Productivity and Outsourcing - Improving productivity at organizations sometimes comes down to a question of outsourcing. There are tasks that you can more productive at if you ask someone else to tackle them for you.
[INFOGRAPHIC] History of Logistics - Although the idea of improving process goes back centuries, the terms "logistics" and "supply chain management" are relatively new. A great new infographic explains the history of process improvement in managing supply chains.
[VIDEO] Employee Productivity, Movie Bosses - Employee productivity is clearly related to how managers and employees interact. But what does cinema have to say about the boss-employee relationship and its impact on worker productivity and satisfaction?
Employee Surveys Can Benefit Business - It's a well-known fact that staff satisfaction is at the core of any successful business.
Rethinking Continuous Improvement - Practically every company has heard of continuous improvement techniques, from Lean to Six Sigma to 5S. But a new post from the Harvard Business Review reminds everyone that no improvement program prevents us from needing to think clearly.
Employee Productivity Through Natural Light - It’s an age old conundrum. How can bosses invigorate a flagging workforce without disrupting the whole office?
[VIDEO] Workflow and Corporate Culture - Learn more about workflow, productivity and corporate culture in this video interview with Robby Slaughter.
Downloadable Forms and Paradigm Shifts - A downloadable PDF on a website is usually suspicious. If that document contains lines and boxes for handwritten entry, I consider it evidence of cluelessness.
Cursing in the Workplace - Employee behavior in a professional setting should mean appropriate language. So why are researchers saying that swearing at work can actually be productive?
Increase Productivity Through Microtraining - Employee productivity is usually at a consistent level, until they go away for training. Then, employee productivity often gets worse before it gets better!
Productive Website Maintenance - Increasing productivity at work can happen in just about every arena. But what about increasing productivity when maintaining your company website?
Increase Productivity Through Phone Etiquette - Can the way you use the phone actually improve your productivity? In a recent guest post, our own Robby Slaughter explains how to increase productivity in the way you answer and speak.
How to Destroy Your Productivity - Improving productivity is a typical objective at work. But one blogger published a tongue-in-cheek piece about ensuring that your personal productivity tanks.
Learning Design Layout From Lecter and Ricci - Given the hundreds of processes we encounter each and everyday, it's reasonable to admit that we aren't always in control of the variables we face. Recently, guest blogger Bernie Smith discovered this for himself and decided to share his story and revelations with us on The Methodology Blog.

April 2012

[VIDEO] Happiness and Productivity - Employee productivity and employee satisfaction are linked, according to researchers. For the typical employee, productivity is more about attitude than aptitude or training.
Employee Productivity and Sarcasm - Employee productivity may be up according to the Department of Labor, but there's one sure sign that employee satisfaction is still in the dumps: flippant remarks.
Taking Time Off Increases Productivity - Increasing productivity, surprisingly, can be pursued by taking time off work. Today, we hear from guest blogger Theresa Goodwin about how to be more productive by stepping away from the office.
[INFOGRAPHIC] How Much do Workers Slack? - Corporate productivity in many organizations is based on time tracking. A new infographic about corporate productivity and "slacking" is generating some serious controversy.
Process Optimization and Conserving Energy - With the ever-growing popularity of smartphones, searching for ways to optimize battery life has become a past time for many. But, can saving cell phone energy also help improve business processes?
The Problem with Sounding Smart - Business process consulting may seem like highly intellectual work filled with buzzwords and complicated ideas. In truth, good business process consulting is about clear thinking and avoids the trap of "smart talk."
Employee Productivity Is Not About Money - Employee productivity is something every company wants to increase. A new article lists nine ways to increase employee productivity without using cash.
Business Methodology of Thank You Notes - Though some would argue that writing thank you notes is a thing of the past, we at Slaughter Development disagree. And, according to a recent blog post from the Managing Editor of Business Insider, this type of process methodology is a vital part of achieving success.
Increase Productivity by Going Mobile - Increased productivity in government sounds like a contradiction in terms. But a new article says that mobile devices may be fundamental to Federal efforts to increase productivity.
The Impact of Office Space - Ever wonder what your office space says about your company? Does it have an impact on your business as well as your employees, customers and/or potential clients? These may sound like silly or insignificant questions, but trust us, they're important to think about when it comes to process improvement.
A Clever Productivity Tip for Blogging - Business process methodologies may be unbelievably complex or surprisingly simple. One blogger recently featured our own Robby Slaughter and demonstrated a clever productivity tip in his blogging process.
Four Destructive Corporate Myths - The best companies in the world should be the smartest, right? Amazingly, many organizations continue to believe in myths that have been debunked for ages.

March 2012

The Ease of Understanding Blog Writing - Every writer has a different approach to the blogging process. Some may have a well-established checklist system that defines and regulates the entire writing process, while others may not. Today, we have a guest post that focuses in on blog writing and the importance for regulating reading levels.
Process Improvement Through Social Media - Social media is a great way to build relationships, but it turns out it can be used for business process improvement. An Indianapolis firm is using an enormous network to be more efficient in customer service.
Employee Productivity and Bad Bosses - Improving employee productivity is part of the goal of every business, small and large. The biggest problem in improving productivity, however, may rest with the boss.
Productivity Improvement Advice from Seth - Productivity improvement advice is everywhere. But recently, author and consultant Seth Godin offered one theory on why it doesn't work. I disagree.
Business Process Modeling: The "Why" - Business Process Modeling (BPM) software is becoming more and more popular in large organizations. A writer for ebiz helps explain why these tools are gaining traction.
Why Great Employees Leave Big Firms - Employee retention is crucial to maximizing productivity. So why do the biggest companies fail to retain their best employees?
Overcoming Boredom The Productive Way - I dread the winter months because I'm forced to take my jogging indoors on the treadmill, which is a source of boredom at its best. Yet, I've decided it's time to turn this negative process into a better, more productive one.
Should Workplaces Ban E-Mail? - Email productivity seems like a contradiction in terms. That's why one company is making headlines by claiming they have outlawed this technology in the workplace.
Increase Productivity: Engaging With Others - Increasing productivity may be the objective, but most of the time it seems like we are only increasing activity. A clip from an old animated cartoon makes this point in a hilarious and poignant way.
The Productivity Double Standard - Business process improvement is a major initiative of many companies. So why aren't executives looking to improve their own efficiency?
Why Being On Time Matters - Process improvement mostly consists of tasks like analysis, optimization, and implementation. But sometimes the best way to improve business process is to simply focus on being on time.
Breaking the Code of Silence - An obvious part of any company is the process of payment. You do work or deliver a product and you receive funds for that payment. But what do you do when this business process breaks down, especially when you’re in a small business? Today’s guest post from Lorraine Ball discusses this question with frankness and sincerity.

February 2012

The Insult of "Employee Appreciation Day" - Employee appreciation is something we know we should do. Employee appreciation encourages productivity and retention, right? But it's also kind of insulting.
Productivity Tool from Facebook's Cofounder - A new employee productivity tool created by one of the co-founders of Facebook's gets a few things right about employee productivity challenges. But does it create as many problems as it solves?
Performance Reviews Still Stink! - Every employee dreads the performance review, and research shows they are a waste of time. A new Wall Street Journal piece notes they may finally be losing steam.
Fired for Clicking on YouTube - Corporate productivity depends on employee productivity, right? But what happens when workers are "scared straight" by backwards company policies?
The Negative Effects of Being Unaware - The World's Greatest Hobby on Tour (WGH) recently visited the Indiana State Fairgrounds. And, while the train displays were quite impressive, I found myself mesmerized more by the unproductive exhibits consumed by crowds.
Business Process Traps Woman in Airport - Business process is supposed to make everything efficient. In this case, however, a broken business process apparently left a woman stranded in the airport.
Work at Home for More Employee Productivity - Employee productivity is always a hot topic. A new study covers the impact that working from home has on employee productivity—and it might surprise you.
Increasing Productivity through Ifttt - Here at Slaughter Development, we're always looking for new ways to increase productivity. Well, our founder and CEO has discovered a new product that does just that!
The Clashing of Sales Teams - I love my house, but I can't deny there is a bit of quirkiness about it. And despite the fact that it was built in the 80's and has an abundance of outdated "perks" all over the place, perhaps the most noticeable oddity is the mismatching windows.
[VIDEO] Hard Work Pays Off In Seconds - When it comes to business process optimization in the office, many of us have the same goal in mind: to enhance productivity and increase satisfaction. And while process improvement is a great start in the journey, there's one key factor we should all keep in mind when setting our sights on achieving optimal results in any given process.
Delivra's Workplace Culture - "The culture of a working organization is both the common and collective viewpoint on both the meaning and the value of work." Some of you may recognize this as Robby Slaughter's personal definition of workplace culture defined in The Methodology Blog.
Increase Productivity by 5% In One Day - Every company and every employee wants to be more productive. Are there actually easy things you can do to make a significant productivity increase in only one day?
What Happens to a Dream Deferred? - Employee retention. It's something every company wants, but few achieve. But what if we knew the reason that employees leave?

January 2012

Email Productivity: The Psychology of BCC - We all want to increase our email productivity. One area where we tend to create headaches for ourselves is in the use of blind carbon copy (BCC).
[VIDEO] Routine Process Gone Bad - Business processes are supposed to be fairly smooth, especially when they happen all the time. But in this case, an everyday situation had a completely broken business process which upset a family and wasted considerable time and resources.
Successful Election, Wrong Candidate - In November, elections were running high. Candidates were campaigning, citizens were voting and positions were being filled. For one political hopeful however, the election was a bittersweet success.
Effects of Micromanagement On Employees - Being productive as an employee isn't just about getting work done. It's about performing assigned tasks thoroughly, efficiently and in a quality manner—whether people are watching or not.
Tips To Help Your Growing Business - If you are a part of a small to medium-sized business and have been looking everywhere for tips on increasing productivity, search no more. Whether you need one suggestion or perhaps ninety-five, a recent blog post provided plenty of tips for you to choose from!
The Ugly Truth About Working Late - Over at the Harvard Business Review blog network, Ron Ashkenas asks an important question to professionals: Should you stay late or go home?
This Is Urgent! - How many times have you heard that? Someone asks you to do something, and it is urgent. You consider your calendar, the day’s pressures, expectations, commitments, and whether you can drop what you’re doing to respond. At that moment, you’re weighing the various components of response.
Are Contract Employees More Productive - Employee productivity is always a hot topic. But is there a relationship between employee productivity and their status as a contractor?
Is "Work/Life Balance" a Myth? - It's almost certain that you know the phrase "work/life balance." This is a term which is meant to communicate the notion that people should not let either their personal or professional lives take complete control. But is the idea really possible or just another workplace myth?
Switching the Enterprise to the Mac - You don't have to be a technology pro to know that most companies don't use Macintosh computers. But could these machines actually increase corporate productivity?
When Your Emails Aren't Being Read - Business process improvement is the reason we send emails instead of memos. What do you do if someone doesn’t seem to read your messages because they ask questions you’ve already answered? What happens if they simply don’t do the work assigned?
How to Truly Stop Procrastinating - Personal productivity goes down the tubes when we procrastinate. How do we stay productive and keep on-task when distractions seem so enticing?

December 2011

Setting Our Sights On 2012 - Today many of us will spend the final hours of the year wrapping-up the business process improvement projects and tasks we set forth in 2011. The question is, come Monday, what is your plan?
Tremendously interesting, but not too much -
Did you know there are degrees of “interesting”? Sure, we’ve all met someone who is NOT interesting, but have you ever met anyone who is TOO interesting? If not, it is my honor to introduce myself to you: My name is Scott, and I am too interesting.
Just Another Day's Work - For most of us, a usual day at work revolves around some combination of emailing, computing, meeting, processing, selling, calling, writing, testing or perhaps creating. Yet, for one young man, a day at work is all about adrenaline and the only important function is staying alive.
Increase Productivity: Ditch Your Holiday Party - Increasing employee productivity is important all the time. But at the end of the year, we tend to put productivity aside for a tradition of a holiday party. Is throwing a company bash a good idea?
Empower Employees To Win Customers - Banks aren't known for making exceptions. If the employees of a branch had acted reasonably however, they might have kept the business of a notable Indianapolis resident.
Killing the Status Meeting - We're all familiar with death by PowerPoint and email overload. But one executive thinks we should kill the status meeting.
Misery Index: Becoming Happy - Previously on The Methodology Blog, we discussed why workplace rewards are typically not a good idea. Today, we'd like to address how to find happiness in your job.
The Meaning of "Workplace Culture" - Productive organizations are those with a healthy workplace culture. But what does that phrase, "workplace culture" really mean? How can a company improve its culture?
When The Right Answer is Wrong - Productive communication requires that we agree on questions and find consensus on answers. What happens when the way we confirm our understanding doesn't actually make sense?
Campfire Stories, Part 3 - Business process analysis is a complicated process, but the result is often easily retold. Once again we're featuring some "campfire stories" of great business process improvement here on The Methodology Blog.
Training: Can it Solve Unemployment? - According to government officials, about 14 million Americans are currently unemployed. One article asks if the secret to putting people back to work might be as simple as training.
Corporate Secrets and Blinders - Pretty much anyone who has ever worked in an organization has had to deal with the frustration of secrecy. Why do we keep so many secrets at work, and what can we do about it?

November 2011

Do’s and Don’ts with QR Codes -
Smartphone technology is awesome. And with each passing year, it's becoming easier to recognize just how much it positively enhances business. One such benefit to the technology is the unique and powerful function of the QR code.
Misery Index: Lack of Rewards - Recently, the team at Slaughter Development stumbled upon an article that listed the ten most despised jobs in America. And while there was validity in the complaints of those who work in such areas, we found one such agitation surprising.
Action and Allergic Reaction - The other night I landed myself in the emergency room with a severe allergic reaction. Despite the terrifying journey, I certainly learned one important lesson: to avoid troublesome reactions, take preventative action.
The Good Kind of Stress - We all stress about having too much stress, whether at work, at home or even on vacation. But it turns out that the sensation of being involuntarily excited comes in two categories—and one of them is actually good for you!
[COMIC] Avoiding Stress While On Vacation - We all benefit from a break from work. So why is it that we often bring our laptops, cellphones and other workplace items with us on vacation?
The Tech of Unintended Consequences - Technology can be used for good or for evil. In one recent email efficiency problem we heard about, however, a business system had some fairly negative unintended consequences.
Our Latest Failure: The 500th Post Contest - A few weeks back, we thought it might be fun to celebrate post #500 on our little blog with a contest. We invited readers to submit guest posts in exchange for the chance to win a $75 grand prize. Unfortunately, our sweepstakes was a total failure.
Conference Calls Almost Always Stink - Perhaps the most unproductive part of modern business is the conference call. They are almost always a complete waste of time.
The Empowered Coffee Shop Barista - Working at a coffee shop might sound like a mindless job that has nothing to do with professional organizations that want to engage employees and foster productive, collaborative work environments. However, one author notes the surprising humanity in this job.
Planning Goals In 2012 - As crazy as it might seem, 2012 is right around the corner. And if you're thinking man 2011 really flew by, we couldn't agree more! The fact is, we can't stop time from ticking away. So, as we wrap up accomplishing the goals we set forth in 2011, it's time we begin thinking about what we hope to satisfy in the new year.
Misery Index Rises - When we hear about unhappiness at work, it's easy to make assumptions as to why a person is dissatisfied in their job. It could be low pay, bad benefits, stress overload, rift between co-workers or trouble with the boss. But in a recent survey, two factors rose above the rest.
[VIDEO] The Future of Productivity - A new six minute video clip predicts how we will work in the near future with incredible embedded technology. Although the visuals are impressive and futuristic, many of the improvements in the video are possible today.

October 2011

Imagination At Work, Halloween Style - Today is Halloween! As we speak, kids across America are anxiously awaiting school parades, costume parties and candy. And while we certainly know the elation trick-or-treaters have for the fright night celebration, we as adults should view the evening as a source of inspiration rather than just tooth decay. After all, if creativity can take kids to a whole new world of excitement, why can't we do the same in the workplace?
Technology and Grilled Cheese - Comfort food comes in all shapes, sizes and flavors. But, as any elementary-aged child would agree, nothing tops a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup. Unless of course you're someone that not only wants comfort but convenience as well. If you fit in that category, it gets even better.
Self Checkout: Smart or Not? - Self-checkout kiosks are popping up just about everywhere: airports, movie theaters, subway and bus stations, photo labs and even supermarkets. And while the technology has improved productivity and efficiency in some of these venues, it has lagged in at least one.
The 500th Post Contest - The Methodology Blog is reaching quite a milestone in the blogging world: its five-hundredth post! So, we've decided to conjure up a little fun to help ring in this landmark event!
E-Mail Overload: Why E-Mail is like Oil - Once again Slaughter Development's founder tackled the topic of email. This time however, he utilized a simple analogy to demonstrate the powerful effects it has on business productivity: E-mail is like oil: indispensable if used right; despicable if used wrong.
A Complete Waste of Sponsorship - A few months ago we attended a major industry conference with a huge corporate sponsorship. As far as we could tell, however, that effort was nearly a complete waste of cash.
The Salesman Versus the System - I have a friend who works for a major consumer brand. I can't name the company, but it's certainly one you know. He's a great salesman and I'm happy to come buy products I want from him in his store. Unfortunately, this makes for a terrible customer experience.
Pulling An All Nighter - Now that another round of the 24 Hour Web Project is over, it’s time to comment on whether this is generally a good business process and a healthy business practice. Our answer in two words: Yes, sometimes.
Misrepresented Grant - Today's post on The Methodology Blog is from Ben Risinger, a freelance public relations professional in the Indianapolis area with over 10 years of experience. His stops include Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe, Bluffton University, ALL STAR Vacation Homes and the American Cancer Society to name a few.
Anti-Social Media - Here's a question for the day: How can you tell when a company's product has swept the nation? Answer: the moment it becomes the the running joke on television.
How to Waste $63 Billion Dollars - A new study from Harvard Medical School reports that US employers are losing $63 billion a year. The culprit is the familiar diagnosis of insomnia.
Unload the Backpack Weight - The American Occupational Therapy Association recently suggested that backpacks weigh no more than 10% of a student's body weight. With news such as this, manufacturers have begun tackling the challenge of creating ergonomic designs that are not just spacious but fashionable as well.

September 2011

Why Increased Productivity is Unpopular - People often think that the productivity consulting business should be in high demand. But there's a terrible secret: increased productivity requires change, and people hate change.
A Lesson from Six Months of Email - Every six months, I archive my Sent Items folder. This may sound geeky, but it's one of the most productive and satisfying activities I do all year.
The Productivity Loop - Today's post on The Methodology Blog is from Chris Arnold. He is the owner of Arnold Business Advisors, LLC which is a coaching and consulting business primarily focused in the areas of strategy implementation, leadership development, team alignments, and executive coaching.
The Postcard Paradox - Besides the occasional coupon booklet or greeting card, the majority of post that arrives in my mailbox each day can be categorized as either pointless junk or boring bills. Yet, every once in awhile a piece catches my eye.
Brain Aerobics - Easily escaping the normal humdrum of life may at times be difficult. After all, our daily routine is usually the map through which we navigate our lives. Yet according to an anti-aging expert, partaking in unfamiliar activity each day is an important step in keeping our brains in shape.

August 2011

Small Biz Spotlight - This summer, Slaughter Development received the privilege of being a part of the top headlines in the Develop Indy Newsletter.
Want To Get Noticed? - Today's post on The Methodology Blog is by Pam Ruster, a licensed clinical social worker and Owner/President of Supportive Systems, LLC, which provides EAP and Corporate Development services to corporations throughout Indiana. Pam has extensive experience as a consultant and trainer, presenting numerous workshops and seminars.
Remote Work Confession - Under the condition of anonymity, a friend recently admitted to me that he loved his new job but one factor frustrated him to no end. He explained that "99% of what I do at work could be done remotely, but I have to be in the office 100% of the time."
How To Hit Your Targets - Today's post on The Methodology Blog is by James Lawther, head of Operational Excellence for a FTSE 100 insurance company. As a veteran in the manufacturing, retail and service industry, he has learned quite a bit about operational improvement. Today, he tackles the idea of targets and what to watch out for when utilizing them in the workplace.

July 2011

Efficient System Gets Fried - The recent thunderstorms in Indianapolis have left one Slaughter Development colleague quite unhappy. Not only has the severe lightning fried her phone and computer lines, it's singed her confidence in a nationally recognized provider.
Making Your Customers More Productive - Founder and principal of Slaughter Development recently passed along a few words of advice to email marketing copy editors. Write your content so that it can be consumed and understood quickly and easily.
The Genius of Library Workflow - About once a month, I volunteer at St. Anthony's Padua Academy on the near east side of Indianapolis. Their elementary school library is a fantastic place to learn about workflow.
The Trouble with Workplace Heroes - Local entrepreneur Jeb Banner recently blogged about Herculean efforts at work. His message: beware the heroic worker.

June 2011

The Funneling Sales Call - Today on The Methodology Blog we tell the story of Joe, who has been in phone sales for over a year and has done pretty well for himself. He spends his days pitching a product and setting up appointments for potential customers. All in all, his phone calls appear successful. But are they really? We'll let you be the judge.
Not The Weirdest News - Bert Martinez, CEO of a business training firm in Houston, recently decided to implement a four day workweek. This notion, according to MSN, is unusual enough to be considered a top story in weird news.
The Most Important Idea, Ever - Writing blog posts that make sweeping claims for all time are like the story of the patent clerk who said that "everything had been invented." Still, Alfie Kohn's 1993 article for Harvard Business Review may be the most important and yet almost completely ignored idea in business.
How Not To View Job Security: Part 1 - As our economy continues to fluctuate, one major concern for Americans is job security. So it's not surprising that many of us turn to articles published on the Internet for assistance and inspiration on how to keep ourselves up-to-date on current trends and solutions to this common predicament. But what if the advice leads you astray?
Technique To Increase Productivity - Contemplating how to improve productivity in the workplace is certainly not uncommon. But when it comes to addressing it between employer and employee, it can be a sensitive topic of discussion. So is there a good way to broach the subject matter without creating tension or anxiety?
The Facetime Paradox - The essayist Paul Graham likes to point out that productivity is not about appearing productive. He writes, "If you work here we expect you to get a lot done. Don't try to fool us just by being here a lot."
The Menu That Backfired - I recently dined at a new Mexican restaurant in town. And though the atmosphere was inviting, the waitstaff polite and the food relatively good, I left the establishment less than satisfied. The problem? I had no idea what I was ordering.

May 2011

Why I Dislike Time Auditing - A popular technique among productivity experts is "time auditing." This is an approach where you obsessively record what you are doing every fifteen minutes in order to maximize your use of time. I think this is a terrible idea.
Increase Email Marketing Productivity - Today's post on The Methodology Blog comes from Lavon Temple of Delivra. She gives her perspective on the intersection of productivity and email marketing.
Convention Isn't Always Best - A surprising philosophy has landed three separate organizations onto the "best company to work for" list. Their secret? A positive, happy work environment that is fun, quirky and perhaps a tad unconventional.
Back to Basics - Warm air is on the rise. Flowers are in bloom. Our beloved daylight has been extended. Spring is finally here! And as joyous as a time this is to so many of us who have officially scorned the cold, wintry weather, it also marks one very important milestone: spring cleaning.
Mental Balance and Variation - To Slaughter Development's founder, balance and variation is key in creating and maintaining a proper diet. Likewise, it's essential in the continued development of our minds.

April 2011

Outstanding Confirmation System - As a working mother I have a lot to juggle when it comes to organizing my life. So when I discover something that makes my day run smoother—no matter how small it may be—I often feel compelled to share it with others. This is one of those times.
Ticket Woes for Superbowl Fans - In February, nearly 400 football fans were denied the seats they purchased at the Super Bowl. And despite the efforts at reconciling the situation, anger and outrage was ever present in the hearts of many. So what exactly happened?
CRM Value - Today’s post on The Methodology Blog is from Denise Speer, founder and owner of c3-indy. As a marketing specialist and entrepreneur, she is a strong advocate for Customer Relationship Management software in assisting the sales process. To her, it "increases efficiency while being indispensable in delivering high-quality customer service".
Stop It, You Big Bully! - When we hear the word "bully", it's hard to picture anything outside the typical image of a buff teenager who teases others and is the source of peer pressure in school. But we as adults know, there's no age limit when it comes to creating negative, unproductive environments dominated by power struggles.
The D&D’s of Social Media PR - Small business owners know that half the battle to successfully growing a company is by building a public image. And though the world of social media provides an endless opportunity for exposure, it takes a lot of time and energy to maintain. So, are there ways to have your cake and eat it too when it comes to social media PR?
Gaining Momentum in Resolutions - Being that it's now four months into the new year, some of us may be contemplating exactly how we can regain momentum on our otherwise abandoned New Year's Resolutions. Well, if motivation is what you need, Slaughter Development's founder has some advice on why starting over is not just refreshing. It's also productive.
The Lightyear Tickets - Every so often I like to treat my kids to BIG surprises. Usually, my creativity caps off somewhere between a trip to the toy store or the movie theater. But recently, I had a brilliant idea. I just didnt' realize that buying tickets to see Buzz Lightyear would take me years to arrange.
The Bowling Breakthrough - Athletes take on all sorts of styles and skills to help gain momentum in their sport. And as great as it may be always go by the book, sometimes it takes an unorthodox approach to bring an even stronger game. At least that's how Tim Wolchko became a champion bowler.
National "Avoid Your Email Day" - Today is quite special because it has officially become our nation's "Avoid Your Email Day". So what are you waiting for? Close that inbox window and experience the freedom it brings!

March 2011

Upkeep Made Simple - A recent article highlighted six different household tasks that, if done on a yearly basis, could save thousands of dollars in home repair. After reading the information, you may reach one simple conclusion: upkeep is important.
The Causes of Overwork, Part 2 - The economy may be slowly rebounding, but that's no reason to be exhausted. Here's part two of The Causes of Overwork.
Perseverance In Expediting Tolls - As a former Chicagoan, who has traveled to and from Indiana quite readily, I was once confident in my knowledge of the I-90 toll road workflow. Recently however, I found out otherwise.
Your Calendar Can Be More - Many of us utilize our daily planners to organize meetings and appointments. Yet, how can we leverage our calendars to not only remind us of future events, but keep us mindful of personal productivity?
Neophyte or Expert: Quality Matters! - Despite his frustrating car trouble, Robby Slaughter used his poor experience with a mechanical repair shop as a source of inspiration in a recent blog post. His message: "Quality matters!"

February 2011

Productivity and Mindfulness - Concerned that your inability to concentrate might affect your productivity at work? You might be interested in the results of a powerful new scientific study.
Email Marketing and Productivity - Today's message on The Methodology Blog: there's no need to associate email marketing with SPAM.
Disservice Notified, Not Rectified - Unlike usual water cooler discussions—where sports, weather, celebrities, and trivia tend to take over—a recent story circulating around an Indianapolis office is far from exciting or whimsical. In fact, it's down right infuriating.
Other Duties as Assigned - Often, an idle comment made by an employee speaks volumes about their work environment. Consider a message sent via the social networking site Twitter.
Business Artifacts In The Workplace - We're all familiar with the popular sign: “Employees must wash hands before returning to work.” What we may not know or realize is that such a sign may convey different meanings that could negatively impact consumers. So how can workplace artifacts be improved?
The Value In Seeking Expertise - Today's post on The Methodology Blog is from Denise Speer, founder and owner of c3-indy. As a marketing specialist and entrepreneur, she knows the exhilaration that comes with building a company, but doesn't deny that certain projects can be more difficult than others to accomplish. Her advice: don't be afraid to consult experts.
Surveys, Contests and Prizes (Oh My!) - Last week, we announced the winner of a promotion based around a customer survey and a chance to win a free $50 gift card. But as productivity experts, we have to ask: are prizes linked to surveys a good idea?
Take A Chance On Trust - Robby Slaughter, founder and principal of Slaughter Development, proposed an interesting idea recently in a popular business magazine. "Consider doing something drastic," he challenged the journal's readers. "Trust your employees."
Survey Contest Winner - Today we announce the winner of our 2010 Productivity Series Survey Contest! So, without further ado, the prize goes to . . .

January 2011

What It Means To Be Productive - There's an old adage that suggests "the cobbler's children have no shoes." As a productivity expert however, I don't think this saying is acceptable. I make it a point to get a tremendous amount of work accomplished in a given day.
14 Tips to Motivate Employees - A recent article lists "14 Management Do's and Don'ts to Motivate Employees." Yet, unlike many opinion pieces on this topic, every one of the suggestions is fantastic advice.
Underearning Problem - Believe it or not, there are people who are addicted to low-paying work. And though such an affliction is hard to fathom, it's one that should be tackled head on. After all, personal empowerment can make all the difference when it comes to satisfaction and achievement.
Bungled and Bulldozed - As 2011 rings in, so do the unanticipated mistakes that unfortunately occur. For one man in Pittsburgh, one such bungle did more than ruin his new year—it left him homeless.
The Worst Place to Work - We think of the office as where we work. Yet if you really want to focus on crucial tasks, heading to our desks during regular business hours is a terrible idea.
Dominate Your Destiny Conference - For entrepreneurs looking to become more productive and increase business, consider attending the upcoming Dominate Your Destiny Indy Business Conference.
Billion Dollar Quest - Today we have a fun riddle: What's the best way to make a billion dollars?

December 2010

Lights That Step It Up - Now that Christmas Eve is finally here, many houses are donning the holiday spirit with twinkling lights and joyous decorations. But none can compare to one student's vast display of creativity and vision.
The Power of Thoughtful Giving - We've all experienced the joy that comes with giving a gift. So how can we relay such positive energy in the office this holiday season when budgets are tight?
Small Changes, Growing Results - It's difficult to recognize all the minute changes that inevitably occur in a project or a person when you see and interact with them everyday. But it's precisely this type of natural progression that creates growth that is both positive and important.
Workplaces and Workspaces - In the last few decades, real estate has become more flexible when designing and utilizing spaces. Unlike previous generations where structures were built for one particular purpose, it's common nowadays to see homes with offices and commercial buildings with restaurants and shops. And though this flexibility certainly brings more convenience, is it actually increasing our inability to focus?
People Who Don't Like People - When it comes to choosing a career, certain criteria may help narrow down a person's decision. Some considerations include: salary, education, availability, interest or even talent. But what about basing it off of whether or not you like other people?
Over Simplified Text - When it comes to emails, phone calls and even texting, being long-winded or vague does more than lose the attention of your audience. It wreaks havoc on a person's productivity. I should know. It took three emails, three voicemails and nearly five hours to receive an answer to one question.

November 2010

Customer Service and Phone Calls - Over at the website Reddit.com, a commenter retold the story of the "best use of a cell phone" he has seen all year. The call was placed while standing in line to the same desk:
2010 Productivity Series Wrap-Up - On Wednesday, December 1 at 2PM Slaughter Development is hosting its final Productivity Series Session of 2010! The session is entitled Productivity + Satisfaction = Results.
Defining Limits - For toddlers who make mistakes, punishment in a time out chair is relatively standard. Yet, according to the judicial system, a four-year-old can actually be sued.
Health, Gender and Productivity - From t-shirts to cereal boxes to football cleats, everywhere we looked this past October pink was the fashion. Congratulations to all who participated in National Breast Cancer Awareness month. It had an incredible impact on our society as well as those who suffer from the disease—men and women alike.
The Two Taxi Problem - Calling a cab is a smart way to ensure that you have reliable transportation without having to deal with the hassles of parking. Calling two cabs, however, is potentially a disaster.
The Challenge to Stopping Short - Let's be honest, at some point or another we've all taken on a project that is never finished. For some of us, the choice to give up may be easy and guilt free. For others, the idea of throwing in the towel is more than just difficult. It's painful. For my friend Gary, it was a matter of life or death.
How Not to Forget - Attending a training seminar to positively enhance your work performance is quite beneficial. But what happens when it comes time to implement the information in the office? If you have problems retaining information or trouble finding the time to integrate new techniques, Slaughter Development's founder has some great tips that can help overcome such roadblocks.
A Foreign Mistake - To many Atascosa County residents, the ballot insert appeared fine. For one voter however, it seemed totally foreign.
Productive Text Messaging - The text message phenomenon has left the world of teenagers and moved into business. Yet for many professionals, texting is mostly frustrating and useless.

October 2010

Impostor Syndrome - When it comes job performance, it's not uncommon for individuals to ponder—and more so worry—whether or not they know what they're doing. In a recent issue of the Indianapolis Business Journal, Robby Slaughter explained the "Imposter Syndrome" and discussed ways to avoid suffering from the syndrome.
Repairing The Gap - If you've ever wondered how to measure the success of a company's branding, you could take a lesson from The Gap. Despite the retailer's plans to revamp its logo, the contemporary design recently hit the chopping block after dedicated shoppers voiced their extreme discontent.
Blog Talk Radio Interview - A few weeks ago, Robby Slaughter joined Blog Talk Radio personalities Victoria Finch and Jeff Dalverny on The Credit and Finance Show. The program is now available online.

September 2010

Goal Setting and Perspective - Reader Mandy Cooley pointed us to a recent blog post about goal setting. The message: perspective on objectives is as important as the goals themselves.
Coffee and Donuts Workflow - On occasion I help out with one of the hospitality programs at our church: coffee and donuts after the service. You might be shocked just at the level of planning involved in such a simple task.
Language and Weight Loss - Changing your habits at work doesn't have as much to do with work as you might think. For advice on how to be more effective in becoming more productive, we turn to the world of dieting.
Desktop is King - Still can't decide which email system is better: desktop or web-based? Robby Slaughter recently tackled this subject on The Marketing Tech Blog. In his view, there are several main reasons why desktop email reigns as king.
Spectator on Biz Etiquette - A local Indianapolis e-newsletter provides insight on cultural events and unsung hotspots. Last month, however, The IndySpectator included a piece on the importance of manners at work.
What Google Should Do - Last week, I explained why Google's new Priority Inbox feature was a terrible idea. This week, I'll explain what they should do instead.
Gmail Priority: A Sad Tragedy - The latest news from Google is an upgrade to their popular email service, Gmail. Now, instead of just one Inbox, users get to have two. This is a terrible idea.

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