• Achieve Your Goals in 2008
• Steps to Better Time Management
• Keep Germs Out of the Office!
• Out and About Around the City

Happy New Year!  I hope everyone is starting to get back on track after the holidays because the pace is definitely picking up again.  I know the markets have been very unpredictable in the last few months and I hear people speculating how things will be affected.  We have continued to be very busy and our clients are reminding us everyday their strong need for great administrative talent.  Regardless of what happens in the markets, one thing to remember is you still have a staff that needs to be managed, mentored and grown.  When there are questions in the market, you know well, that you need to maintain your core staff to insure continuous profitability.  When you have turnover or change, things inevitably slip.  Therefore, I think it is important to move forward and do everything you can to insure a strong healthy staff.  The way to do that is set goals and training for your staff now!  As you begin to set your goals for this year, start to think about the things you can do to help yourself—and your co-workers—achieve all that you hope to in 2008.  One of the best things you can do for your business or department this month is to plan now for the next 12 months.  I believe it is very important that you outline to everyone, very clearly, what the objective is for the company at the beginning of the year and to create a focus. Your planning will create their planning. We have focused this month’s newsletter towards setting your goals, effectively working toward them, and combating what may stand in the way.  While setting goals, keep in mind the ways you can encourage productivity in the pursuit of them.  On behalf of the Mack staff, I’d like to wish you all the luck as you journey into this New Year full of opportunity!  I look forward to hearing from all of you about your successes in 2008!

Many Americans make New Year’s resolutions for all sorts of things they would like to improve, change, or achieve in a new year full of opportunity.  This year, bring some New Year’s goals into the office, and make them a reality.

With the start of a new year it is time to get busy developing a business plan and setting goals for the office.  Psychology professor William Follette, Ph.D. from the University of Nevada has created a “checklist” to keep you and your office on track in achieving these goals. 

Goals must feel attainable.  Before you begin, think about what is realistically in reach.  Setting the bar too high makes employees feel overwhelmed.  Keep morale high and keep reminders coming that they can make it happen.  If a goal seems out of reach, break it down into smaller steps.   

Once your plans are developed with clear cut goals, make them known.  Directly state to employees what the goals are and what the desired outcome is.  Make sure everyone knows what to aim for.  A publicly declared goal is much more likely to be a success than one that is kept quiet.     

Follette stresses the importance of celebrating when you achieve a milestone.  Even when small steps are achieved, a little praise goes a long way in keeping morale and motivation high.  It is important to not let a missed goal de-rail your efforts.  When faced with a drawback, examine all options all make a plan to get back on track.  Stress the big picture to employees with reminders that it is still attainable.

As with any plan, evaluate often.  Stay perceptive to what is going on around the office.  How are the employees feeling about the progress?  Follette reminds us that it is perfectly fine to adjust goals as time progresses.  Trust your judgment and keep moving forward to achieve your successes in 2008.

William Follette, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Nevada in Reno, NV.  His areas of study include Behavioral Research Methodology and Clinical Behavior Analysis.  He has contributed work on positive psychology including attending to the rewarding side of behavior to the Journal of Humanistic Psychology.   

Break it Down
If a large task is looming overhead, break it up.  Complete it piece by piece and don’t skip around if you can help it.  This will help you stay focused. 

Clear some time
Estimate how long a task will take.  Then, devote time to just that.  Clear your schedule as best you can.  Interruptions will not go away, but this will at least make it easier to return to the task at hand.

Prioritize
Think deadlines—what needs to be done when?  Put your work in order of importance, but also think about what times of the day you work best. 

Stay Focused
Sounds obvious, yet hard to do.  Do not let a phone call or e-mail get you off track.  If you need to stop what you are doing for something else, write down where you left off so you can easily return to your original task. 

Steps to Better Time Management are derived from Joni Rose, feature writer for Suite 101 specializing in corporate training and management. 

As we find ourselves once again in the middle of a cold Chicago winter viruses are running rampant.  This season, do what you can to avoid coming down with a cold—or worse – the flu!  

Most people do not even know how to differentiate between a cold and the flu, much less the difference in treating them.  A fever is a good indication that it is the influenza virus versus a common cold.  Aches and pains and headaches are also symptoms that are more commonly contributed from the flu than a cold.  A cold can come with a general feeling of tiredness or fatigue while the flu is accompanied by extreme exhaustion. 

If you find yourself experiencing common cold symptoms, head to your pharmacy for some quick over the counter treatments.  Antihistamines, decongestants, and anti-inflammatory medicines are all available over the counter.  However, if your symptoms feel more like the flu, head to your doctor so you can have some anti-viral medicines prescribed to you. 

Germ molecules linger in the air, so do your co-workers a favor and cover your cough and sneeze into a tissue.  Do not forget to wash your hands often—keep a bottle of hand sanitizer handy.  Disinfect your keyboard and mouse regularly.  Of course, if you feel yourself starting to get sick, remember to drink plenty of fluids, rest up as often as you can, and increase your vitamin C.

Chicago Boat, RV, and Outdoors Show
January 16-20
McCormick Place

Escape the winter blues for some outdoor adventure.  Check out the newest models in boats and recreational vehicles and browse all types of outdoor gear.  You can even find information for your next trip and book a vacation.  It is a family affair with everything from remote control boat races for the kids to an ATV demo course to exciting giveaways including a football theme boat from Maxum!  Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $4 for youths. 

2008 Chinese New Year Spectacular
January 25 & 26
Arie Crown Theatre

Enjoy the Chinese New Year with a vibrant, colorful celebration.  The stage is lit up with an authentic representation of the Chinese landscape.  Live performances of song and dance depict traditional Chinese culture. 

Strictly Sail Chicago
January 31-February 3
Navy Pier

In its 13th anniversary at Navy Pier, Strictly Sail Chicago is the nation’s largest indoor all sail boat show.  Featuring seminars for the seasoned sailor, to displays everyone can enjoy—this is something anyone can enjoy.