A Better Way of Working Blog

The Energy Coach: Dave: Computers and Blackberries are making us less productive
Energy Coach, Mental Needs 1 COMMENTS November 22, 2010
David and I met at a networking lunch a few weeks ago.  When he learned about our work at The Energy Project, he began to talk about the structure of his meetings. As the head of a business unit responsible for marketing and distributing auto parts in the US and Canada, David had twice monthly meetings with a team of approximately 20 people. The Rationalization:
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Catherine McCarthy
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The Energy Coach: Catherine: Sleeping in a bed that isn’t mine
Energy Coach, Physical Needs, Sleep 1 COMMENTS November 8, 2010
The Rationalization: I’m on the road at least a couple of days every week flying to client events, meetings, or conferences. It is part of the job and I take it in stride.  There are benefits to the travel—seeing different parts of the country, eating local foods, and developing a sense of confidence in finding my way around. 
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Catherine McCarthy
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The Energy Coach: Michael: “I’m incapable of focusing on one thing at a time”
Energy Coach, Mental Needs 0 COMMENTS October 25, 2010
I met Michael near the end of the summer as I prepared to speak at a financial firm.  The event was being simulcast—shown live in six different office locations across the country—and Michael was responsible for the video and phone hookups to the various sites during the presentation. I had sent the PowerPoint for my program prior to the session, and Michael had previewed it as he loaded it into their system for the event.   The Rationalization:
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Catherine McCarthy
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The Energy Coach: Kristen: Getting the Most Out of Renewal Breaks
Energy Coach, Physical Needs 0 COMMENTS October 11, 2010
I recently participated in an executive roundtable on workplace flexibility sponsored by SHRM, and had the chance to meet individuals who work for the government as well as people who craft public policy and conduct research about workplace issues. Over lunch, I struck up a conversation with Kristen, a public policy strategist, and we talked about the role of renewal in sustainable high performance.
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Catherine McCarthy
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The Energy Coach: Catherine: Finding the Big Picture on a Bicycle
Energy Coach, Exercise, Innovation, Mental Needs 1 COMMENTS September 27, 2010
The Diagnosis: My guess is that my workdays aren’t much different than yours.  I’m booked solid with meetings, conference calls, tasks that are tied to tight deadlines as well as the never-ending influx of emails that require my attention.  I’m often not sure how to respond when my husband, Paul, asks me at dinner how my day was.  I know I was extremely busy, but I didn’t do any strategic thinking or serious problem solving. In fact, I’m not sure that I substantially moved the ball forward in any particular area. On the days that I express that frustration, Paul asks, “Could you go for a bike ride tomorrow?”
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Catherine McCarthy
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