SHAMOKIN - Rhonda Campbell said going to The Container Store in Rockville, Md., was like a trip to heaven.
Her life - her profession - is all about organization, and to see all those containers and other tools to keep life in order was such a joy that she had pictures taken of herself in the store.
"I love organization. It's a huge thing to me," she said.
On Tuesday, Campbell transferred that passion into some practical advice as she addressed the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon, held this month at Original Italian Pizza, Shamokin.
Campbell, of Elliottsburg, Perry County, owns and operates Jarhon Communications, which does conflict management, culture change, leadership and other training programs and professional coaching for organization and businesses.
She told the approximately 30 chamber members and guests during her fun presentation that planning is important to success.
"I promise if you take the time up front (to plan), it will pay dividends in the future," she said.
Lack of planning results in lost time, increased stress and less productivity. She tells people to start their efforts to make better use of their time by creating a simple log to know exactly how their time is being spent.
Establishing organized routines isn't easy, however, and takes a concerted effort, Campbell said. It's a matter of changing behavior, because you can't add time.
She offered a quote to help people understand why they do the things they do: "You are the way you are because that's the way you want to be. If you really wanted to be any different, you would be in the process of changing."
Other advice:
- Make plans for next week on the previous Friday afternoon. It will get the new week off to a faster start, and clear your mind on the weekend knowing you've "captured" you thoughts.
- Save big chunks of time for big projects, and don't be afraid to delay phone calls, appointments and other interruptions for a later time. "It takes lots of energy and time to restart," Campbell said.
- For those dreaded meetings at work, be sure the right people are involved, identify key things to be accomplished and be sure the meeting is necessary.
- Improve communication. For example, Campbell said, having something done "ASAP" might mean two hours to one person but end of the day for another. Be more specific, she said.
- And for procrastinators, train yourself to "eat the frog early," Campbell said, a phrase that means do what you dread most, first, rather than allowing it bother you all day.
She challenged those in attendance to do an experiment where they create their ideal week. Write it down and be specific on how you could reasonably do it, she said.
"It might not be as hard as you think it is" to make it happen, she said. "It won't be exact, but I bet you can get it closer than you think."
Staff appreciation lunch
Campbell's hints about delegating likely had extra meaning for this month's chamber luncheon, which was the annual staff appreciation day, where chamber members were encouraged to bring along others from their staffs. A carnation was presented to all in attendance.
The luncheon was sponsored by Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Coal Township, which had seven employees in attendance.