Tag: workflow

The Value of Margin in Alumni/Development Work (and life!)
One of the most overlooked productivity hacks has to do with the concept of margin. That is, creating space in your workflow for not actively working on a project. That might seem counterintuitive, but building in empty space is actually integral to the overall project management process.

What a “Mind Like Water” Can Do
A mind that is untroubled by worries over the various inputs of the day is free to respond to the needs of the moment, and then return to a state of calm. GTD is all about restoring the calm.

GTD: My First Big Breakthrough
David Allen’s Getting Things Done methodology is not about getting things done. It’s about clearing the mind so that one can focus on the needs of the moment.

How a Gift Range Chart Can Reveal Gaps in Your Donor Base
Gift range charts are invaluable tools that can help drive fundrasing appeals throughout the year. One can see clearly how many gifts are needed at each level, and how many prospects are needed for each gift. There is one often-overlooked benefit, however, and that is their ability to reveal gaps in your donor base.

Managing News Overload Part 2, The Processes and Tools I Use
Getting to the most useful and helpful content is a lot like panning for gold. There is much detritus to sift through in order to find the best reads. With the right tools, however, the process can be made fairly easy and even enjoyable.

Managing News Overload Part 1, Four Rules to Follow
News feeds, blogs, websites, and print media are like an army that mounts a daily assault on your mind. We are constantly bombarded with “stuff,” much of which is poorly written and peppered with errors. With a few simple rules and the right tools, however, you can get control of the glut and increase the quality of what you read.

My 5 “Nonnegotiables” For Task Management Apps
With so many task management applications available, selecting and settling on one can be both time-consuming and expensive. Before giving an app serious consideration, I find it helpful to get clear about what I absolutely must have in an application.

Inbox Zero or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and “Love” Email
How emptying my email inbox everyday helped me keep track of things better, regain a sense of control, better prioritize what is actionable, and enabled me to leave work at work.