Month: February 2012

2

What the iPhone Spell Checker and People Have in Common

Susan Mazza | 28 February 2012 | Personal Leadership

What the iPhone Spell Checker and People Have in Common thumbnail

Over the last year I have been migrating to Apple products from PC’s and a Blackberry.  I love them all, and will never go back. Yet it has nonetheless been frustrating to make the change. It’s a daily exercise in “who moved my cheese”.

Of all the things I have had to adapt to though, the one that remains the most frustrating is the spell checker on my iPhone/iPad.

Now I am clear I am not the only one (just google “autocorrect”). However, knowing that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Here is a great example:

It can be very funny of course, but it can also get in the way of productivity and result in sending embarrassing messages you only realize you sent after the fact.

I’ve been thinking to myself lately: so what is the big deal? 

I tried turning it off for a while, but I seem to need a spell checker.  So I turned it back on.  I reasoned it just works differently than I expect so get over it and adapt because your typing is less than accurate! [click to continue...]

4

How Well Do You Receive?

Susan Mazza | 21 February 2012 | Personal Leadership

Do you know someone who has a hard time receiving? It could be anything in particular – a compliment, a gift, a favor, etc.  Maybe you are one of those people.

There are 3 reasons I have observed in myself and others for feeling discomfort when it comes to receiving.

Being aware of how each of these factors may be at play can free you up to receive as well as support others in doing so.  It can also help you be a better giver.

1.  Your Personal Context for Receiving

I was reading a post from Erin Schreyer titled Are You Giving, Taking… or Stealing. Essentially Erin makes the point that at some point taking can cross the line into stealing even when what is being given is free.

She got me thinking about the big difference between taking and receiving. I started wondering if, for those who have trouble receiving, there could be a belief that these are the same thing. Clearly they are not, but your beliefs don’t always follow logic.

In fact you may not even realize you have a specific belief that is in the way of being able to receive the generosity of others with grace and ease. [click to continue...]

8

Don’t Just Meet, Make Meaningful Progress

Susan Mazza | 14 February 2012 | Leading Organizations

Have you ever been on a committee?

You know the drill.  A group is formed to address an issue. Volunteers are requested.  Some individuals are “urged” to participate.  A leader is designated by someone in authority, based on position, or is declared by default to be the one who schedules the first meeting.

The kickoff meeting is held.  Conversations happen and tasks are identified.   There is even a bit of excitement in the air.  We all agree there is a problem and something needs to be done.  Maybe this time we are actually going to accomplish something!

Tasks are identified and subcommittees are formed.  There is lots of agreement about the issues and what needs to be done.  It feels really productive.

The next meeting is scheduled and off you go – back to your already very long list of things to do and to face the pressing issues at hand.

And then…

The excitement of that meeting quickly fades and is replaced by the pressure you feel to now get even more things done.  After all you are likely the one who will make sure it gets done.  You know you probably can’t rely on most of your subcommittee members to do much either.  That is just the way things seem to go. [click to continue...]