The guiding principles of the Slacker@Work
I’ve been thinking lately about what overarching ideas guide folks like us (you know, smart people who want to do good work, but only when it’s good work we want to do). I’ve examined my own ways and I think I’ve isolated 15 16 (how convenient!) principles that I tend to follow. I’ll list them here, with brief explanations, but I’m curious to hear what others think I might’ve missed. Also, these 15 principles (and others that you point out) will probably get fleshed out into more extensive posts. Also, this list isn’t ordered at all–just a brain dump. Let’s roll:
- Find the best way. (not necessarily the fastest or easiest, though it often is)
- Procrascipline. Disciplined procrastination is the art of knowing why you aren’t doing something and when you might.
- Ensure balance. Even by guerrilla methods (see: 4 hour rule and mental health day)
- Find your place, for now. This is imperative, difficult and achievable. And you’ll do it over and over.
- Maximize the work you love, minimize the work you hate.
- Listen well.
- Develop (manage) relationships.
- Market yourself.
- Think laterally as well as linearly.
- Master the data. Using simple tools: Excel, SQL, etc
- Be curious.
- Pursue other pursuits.
- Develop your spiritual life.
- Read broadly.
- Have a system (of organization).
- Know how to decide.
What else do you see as guiding principles for how you carry on as a Slacker@Work?
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6 opinions for The guiding principles of the Slacker@Work
Craig Harper
Jan 2, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Hey Brendon - Great List!
I’d like to add one - “Get Uncomfortable.”
As an Exercise Scientist and Trainer I have spent much of the last twenty-five years helping people change their body. Smaller, bigger, lighter, leaner, more muscle, more flexibility, speed, power… Athletes, non-athletes, kids, mums, dads…..whatever they were after; that’s what I did my best to deliver.
Early in my career I discovered that whether or not someone achieved their desired goals had very little to do with what was possible, or their genetic potential, and everything to do with their ability to deal with discomfort.
If you want an amazing life and you’re all about creating positive change, then learn to deal with, if not embrace, discomfort.
Sorry Dude.
Just how it is.
Keep up the great writing Brendon!
Craig Harper
john@craigharper.com.au
http://www.craigharper.com.au
Bren
Jan 2, 2007 at 4:32 pm
That rings true with me, Craig. Thanks for the addition!
Kevin.Jarnot.Com » The guiding principles of the Slacker@Work
Jan 3, 2007 at 7:06 am
[…] Brendon @ Slacker Manager has hit the nail on the head yet again with this list: I’ve been thinking lately about what overarching ideas guide folks like us (you know, smart people who want to do good work, but only when it’s good work we want to do). I’ve examined my own ways and I think I’ve isolated 15 16 (how convenient!) principles that I tend to follow. I’ll list them here, with brief explanations, but I’m curious to hear what others think I might’ve missed. Also, these 15 principles (and others that you point out) will probably get fleshed out into more extensive posts. Also, this list isn’t ordered at all–just a brain dump. Let’s roll: […]
agulko
Jan 3, 2007 at 11:43 am
Love it! “2. Procrascipline. Disciplined procrastination is the art of knowing why you aren’t doing something and when you might.”
I developed Productive Procrastination when I went back to finish my degree (2 years of mostly grad level courses compressed into 1.5 years straight through). It works like this: you don’t want to work on the research project, but you have tons of reading for a seminar… sooooooo … finish the reading! You are accomplishing something while putting off another thing.
Andre
Jan 3, 2007 at 12:10 pm
I would have to add “Say hello to people”
Might not be a guiding principle and will most likely go under the managing relationships part but I think smiling and saying hello to people is a huge benefit for both you and the employee/co-worker. Nothing makes me less productive than knowing the people around me are just mindless, coffee drinking drones. Oh yeah, hopefully I’ll get my blog up soon :) Thanks Bren!
Bren
Jan 3, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Good addition, thanks, Andre!