And we're off

The Blinderclip List has moved to http://bindercliplist.wordpress.com/

Hope to see you there!

Power of the Word

"Take everything off your desk. Today we're having a vocab test!"

Unless you have children in middle school, you probably have not thought about a vocabulary test in years! Like it or not, the words we use (and the way we use them) help paint a picture of the type of person we are. A strong vocabulary and clear, intentional speech is such an asset for leaders. 

Words are tools we use to communicate thoughts and ideas. Increasing your word bank and ability to use it in everyday conversation enhance your power to communicate effectively!

Six Random Points about Vocabulary  

1. Be intentional with your vocabulary. Many people talk to fill empty space or to retreat from an uncomfortable position. As you build your vocabulary pay attention to what you are saying and when you are saying it.  If you say, "hello, how are you?" make an effort to actually mean it! 
2. Double check your motives. If you are using big words to impress people I guarantee that your strategy will backfire on you at some point. 
3. Commit to building your vocabulary over time. There are many tools and techniques available to help you build your vocabulary... books, CD's, classes, techniques.  My personal favorites are listed below. Find something, and do it!
   
   

Get Personal with your Office Supplies!

Doane Paper Daily Arsenal Kit Giveaway from The Pen Addict

Get personal about your office supplies! There are so many products out there, find ones that fit your needs and likes! There are several office supply blogs out there, a few to which are linked to in my blog roll.

One of my favorite, The Pen Addict, is currently running a giveaway contest.  Simply make a comment on his post and you have a chance to win a great package entitled, "Doane Paper Daily Arsenal Kit." This is the direct link to the contest entry from August 3, 2010.

Asset Building & the Calendar Conundrum

Check out this Work Smart Video from Fastcompany.com. I am trying to embed the video but am having difficulties. Work Smart: Take Back Your Calendar With Defensive Scheduling 

Tips like these are great! If you are like me they get my mind racing for new and exciting ways I can organize my life and become more productive. Yet once I begin thinking of new ways of organizing my mind immediately fills with questions that quickly throw all my old ways of doing things into question. Before you know it I'm spending hours building a brand new, fool proof process for planning and keeping my calendar. Then after one day of this new method I realize it is way too complicated and I ditch it completely!

If you can relate maybe taking an asset building approach to the calendar conundrum would help!