More License Plates

RWABWA
Any thoughts?

MECHWAR
The bumper sticker says: WARNING Vehicle transforms into robot.

H8 USC
Says the Notre Dame customized VA plate.

DRVLES
Says the Prius

HBR: Handle Distractions by Doing Nothing

HBR Management Tip of the Day for 19 Nov 10

How often does your day go according to plan? If you're like most people, your day is full of interruptions, distractions, and even surprises. Some of those twists and turns require you to react and adjust, but sometimes the best response is to do nothing. Otherwise, you can get wrapped up in trying to manage the distractions instead of letting them pass. For example, if someone interrupts you, it takes less time and energy to let him finish than it does to confront him about his rude behavior. This of course requires patience and restraint. Next time things don't go according to plan, before you jump out of your chair to react, take a deep breath and ask yourself whether it might save you time to do nothing at all.

(for a short article behind the blurb, see HBR Blog: Peter Bregman, "Not Enough Time? Try Doing Nothing")

HBR morning email, Part Deux

This morning's HBR email...

3 Tips for Handling Surprise Criticism
Criticism is tough to take, especially when it is unexpected. Unforeseen negative feedback can be unsettling, but also incredibly valuable. Next time you are blindsided by what someone has to say about your behavior, take a deep breath and try doing these three things:

1. Move beyond your feelings. You're likely to feel hurt and angry. Notice those feelings and then put them aside so they don't negatively influence your reaction.
2. Look beyond the delivery. Giving feedback is really hard and very few people are skilled at it. Don't dismiss the feedback just because it wasn't delivered well.
3. Collect the data. Don't respond right away. You'll likely regret how defensive and angry you sound. Instead, listen. Take in the criticism. Once you've had time and space, you can decide how to react and whether to change.

HBR morning email

I was greeted by this Harvard Business Review email this morning.

Harvard Business Review (5 Nov 2010)
Do you feel trapped in a time-bind, unable to get to — much less complete — your most important work? Overwhelmed by back-to-back meetings and endless emails? Plagued by procrastination? Our updated Guide to Getting the Right Work Done will show you how to:

• Avoid endless "urgent" tasks.
• Write to-do lists that work.
• Renew your energy with simple rituals.
• Delegate effectively.

What are you trying to say, HBR?

Design is Cool

Saw these posters around campus.

Thought the design was cool where it was a skull and portraits of a couple getting married.
The play is Blood Wedding, by Lorca, being performed at Georgetown.