PPB March 2021

improve productivity. Laughter connects people easily with each other. It helps to develop a positive mental attitude, optimism and increases communication skills. So, take a five-minute work break to watch a funny video or play with your pet. Or, allow yourself to wind down at the end of a long day with reruns of your favorite sitcom. Learn to say “no” more often. Although most of us don’t like to say no, sometimes it is the most respectful thing you can do for the requester. It actually can save you both time. You get out of having to do something that you didn’t want to do and the requester moves on to proposition someone who really wants to participate. Saying “no” in the workplace can be anxiety-provoking, as employers are now expecting us to do more in less time. People say yes to these demands because they want to be a team player, look eager or simply be nice. At work, be sure to think before you respond. Hit the pause button and allow yourself time to evaluate the cost/benefit of saying yes. If you still come to the conclusion that “no” is the answer, respond in a timely manner and ask if there might be another way you could contribute. This lets the employer know you understand your limits, but also care about the task at hand and the company—a great characteristic for a leader. Stop owning other people’s stuff. How often do you hear yourself saying, “Never mind, I’ll do it myself”? Probably more often than you’d like, and this habit takes up your precious minutes in no time. The solution is to hold others accountable for their responsibilities. This includes your direct reports, your colleagues, your children and your spouse. Let “never mind” be the exception instead of the rule. In these strange times, you owe it to yourself to get serious about managing the limited minutes you have each day. Time is a precious resource, whether you are clocking in at a physical workspace or simply commuting from your living room sofa to your desk. By building a little extra discipline into your daily routine, you can optimize your workday, reduce unnecessary stress and enjoy your remaining free time however you wish. Jackie Gaines is the author of Wait a Hot Minute! How toManage Your Life with the Minutes You Have and Wearing the Yellow Suit: A Guide for Women in Leadership . She is an award-winning senior executive with more than 40 years of leadership experience. She currently works for Studer Group|Huron as an executive-level coach, senior director, national speaker and best-selling author. .com All Products Are Plastic • FDA Approved Materials • Prop 65 Compliant • Not Affected by China Tariffs ASI 61952 • SAGE 51641 • xII:B **+*.0 • DC 100413 MJBS1216 12oz/16oz Square PVC Mason Jar MJBS26 26oz Square PVC Mason Jar MJBR1216 12oz/16oz Round PVC Mason Jar • Great for Outdoor Dining, Take-Out & Delivery • Break-Resistant PVC Stock Lid Colors (Included) Straw with Tether Cap $0.20v 10 Stock Lid Colors - $0.35v EQP $ 2.58 R EQP $ 3.15 R EQP Special on all mason jar ORDERS Code: PPBMJ0321 Ex: 5/31/21 Must mention code on PO. 300 piece minimum order. EQP $ 2.58 R | MARCH 2021 | 75 THINK