“Mind Like Water”

RDML Mike White, PERS-4

What’s on your mind right now?

• How long is this guy going to talk?• Don’t forget to make that appointment?• The project is due tomorrow?• I need to answer that email?• I can’t forget to call so and so?• I have to pay that bill today?

Are these thoughts going through your head?

The Theory

• Your mind is always working…– But constant concerns can interfere with

undisrupted thought– You need an opportunity to apply your brain to

complex problems without interference• Every input is like a drop striking the surface of

smooth water creating ripples…• How can you keep a smooth surface in your

mind to operate at your best?

Example

• Have you had a conversation while you were thinking of something else you needed to do?

• What do you remember of the conversation?• Were you worried you would forget if you

didn’t stop thinking about what you had to do?

Smoothing the Ripples

• If you can, do it now!• If you need more time, mark it!• Note when it is due, and plan it!• Think about the issue– Can I solve it alone?– Do I need collaboration?– Do I need a sequential plan to resolve it?

Email Example

• You return from the brown bag lunch…• You have 10 new emails• You have 30 minutes until your next meeting

What do you do?

Email Example

• Do you quickly click through them all to see what they are?

• Did you just add concerns to your mind that you will carry to the meeting? Will the meeting get your full attention?

Email Example

• Click one at a time– If you can answer it now, do it…– If you can read it now, do it and file it…– If you don’t have time, leave it but mark it in a way

you won’t forget…and clear it from your mind• Sure…but at the end of the day, I have a bunch

of untouched emails…– You’re faster than you think you are!

Discussion Example

• Phone, or in person, follow the same process– If you can answer it now, do it…– Separate your notes• One side for notes and reminders• The other side for the longer term project

• Once you have noted the longer term project, clear it from your mind

Then, when you have time..

• Check your plan – prioritize what you need to work now and do it– Don’t look at your computer!

• Review your emails or project list– Think and work on the project• Scratch if off your list or keep it active

Why is it so difficult?

• We are a customer service organization– You can’t control the inputs– Priorities set by others

Keys to Success

• Gain confidence in your ability to mark tasks which you cannot complete now

• Practice your filing skills• Learn how rapidly you can accomplish things– You are the expert in your area– You can respond quickly and accurately

• Learn to assess what you can do in a period of time

Let’s Review the List

• How long is this guy going to talk? – Too Long

• Don’t forget to make that appointment?– Do it then or write it down

• The project is due tomorrow?– Prioritize

• I need to answer that email?– Answer it when you see it, or mark it so you will remember

• I can’t forget to call so and so?– Make a note in your book

• I have to pay that bill today?– File it so you find it today

I think you will

• Have better recollection and comprehension of meetings and conversations

• Make time to apply your thought to complex tasks and problems

• Enjoy your time off more

Parting Thoughts

• Subliminal thought– Leave a problem for a while… solutions are

working in your mind• Focus– Turn away from the computer when you are on

the phone – If you have your blackberry at a meeting, maybe

you don’t need to be at the meeting…

Questions?