I've learned....

This piece which came to me in the mail, send by my colleague is a wonderful compilation of learnings we come across in life.

I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned.... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost, someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my dear ones that I love her/him one more time before they passed away.
I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

Best Practices in Recruiting and Retaining Talented Staff.

A. Retention
Retaining the most talented workers is a multifaceted process, but we’ve broken it down into practical steps in a series of key areas, from orientation to business development.
B. Employee Orientation
These steps can help your firm make a great first impression:
· Let people know what they’re getting into
· Formally welcome new staff to the firm
· Provide a manual
· Assign mentors
· Encourage follow-up questions
· Don’t be a stranger
C. Career Development
These best practices include general guidelines for all employees’ career development.
· Provide education
· Whenever possible, share decision making
· Acknowledge staff
· Let staff show their expertise
· Create detailed job description
· Set clear performance expectations
· Create a compensation plan
· Take advantage of the review process
· Reorient advancing professionals
D. Motivational Programs
· Offer professional compensations and benefits
· Allow staff to have client contact
· Treat employees like family
· Keep the door open
· Find out what employees want
· Involve relatively new hires in the recruiting process
· Create a pleasant office environment
· Pay for professionalism
· Keep your technology up to date
· Open up management meeting
· Be flexible
· Celebrate success
· Find the fun in the busy season
· Recognize important milestones or accomplishments’
· Set standards for the staff treatment
· Be aware of the need for change



Source: White paper from AICPA

Office Management - PIPRO Model

Several Ideas, models and framework are available in books and on web for effective and efficient work and task management. A colleague of mine recently discussed the PIPRO model for task management. PIPRO stands for:

P – Plan
I – Implementation
P – Process
R – Review
O – Orientation

Plan – Plan and prioritise the task in hand, Identify the critical, very urgent and urgent work to be completed and schedule the task accordingly. For example, Plan the task and resource requirement before executing the task.

Implementation – Perform the task as per the priority and schedule prepared earlier. For example, perform the task/job on time to complete it before deadline.

Process – Understand the process involved in performing the task, Identify and improve on the process of doing the task to reduce time, cost or work. For example, a task can be done using new technology, new practices or advance skills set. Collaborate and revisit the process.

Review – Review the task after completion and incorporate the learning, changes when the task is repeated. For example, many a times we repeat the old mistakes and hence keep a record of the learning and refresh yourself.

Orientation – Orient yourself to carry out the task in a way that improves work productivity. For example, practice and review time management, office etiquettes and job delegation skills.