Are there others like me who collect newspaper articles to read when they have more time?

One of those gems from the New York Times, 23rd November 2008, p 2, was by Alice D. Domar, entitled the ‘Upside of a Job Done Well Enough’.

The article explores the unhappiness that can ‘accompany perfectionist tendencies’. At university, Domar noticed many of her peers had far less time than she to complete their assigned study due to family and work commitments. The lesson for her with her own work was, ‘although definitely not up to her full potential, was (ok) if good enough’. She believes this lesson translates into today’s fast- paced work environment too.

If it translates then, does it matter? It seems to me that if ‘perfectionist tendencies’ stop you from performing or undertaking your expected work within tight deadlines, then maybe it’s time to stop and think!

How do you know if you have perfectionist work tendencies?
Domar suggests some examples –

• ‘the only way to get the job done right is my way’
• ‘I shouldn’t make mistakes’
• ‘I’m surrounded by idiots’
• ‘if I ask for clarification from my boss, he/she will think I am incompetent.’

Recognise any of these?

Fortunately Domar also suggests ways to relieve some of this self-induced pressure by –

• cultivating calm (with a schedule arranged at the beginning of the day)
• rewarding good behaviour (rewarding yourself for reaching mini-goals)
• watching your co-workers (Are they always at work on time? Is every report they write perfect?)
• stop trying to impress (pleasing others can take a lot of time)
• learning to say ‘no’ (when appropriate)
• prioritising, prioritising, prioritising (assigning each incoming task to a category – ‘getting done today’; ‘nice if it were done today’ and ‘must get done eventually’).

Try to let go a little at a time. As Domar says, remember practice makes perfect. I guess if we can remember this as individuals and as leaders or managers, it might just improve the workplace during those difficult times.

Helen Paige
Founder and Director
The Paige Group

While outside temperatures are falling, things are really heating up in the kitchen with Fun Food Focus.

The combination of cool winter days and extra indoor hours can really stoke up the appetite and get the creative juices flowing. So what could be better than home made pizza or sushi enjoyed with family and friends?

Our specialty hands-on pizza making classes are drawing in the crowds. Held on the second Saturday of every month, pizza making with pizza guru and Chef Kris is a fabulous and fun activity from start to finish. From dough making to sauce preparation and learning tricks to ‘top dress’ and add a little finesse to your pizza, we provide all the elements and expert guidance you need to produce gourmet fare that is sure to impress.

Book your place now
for the next Pizza making class on SATURDAY 11th July.
Call Helen on 8271 1173 or 0403 374 183.

Alternatively you can indulge in some skillful sushi making. Ever-popular, Sushi is an art in itself and yet simple to make. To get into the sushi zone, guests at our recent event indulged in Japanese green tea and Japanese snacks before Chef Fumito led on to the elegant preparation of sushi, chirashi-zushi, temaki and more. Learning the key to creating the perfect sushi rice and the preparation of fresh ingredients, guests then went ‘hands-on’ producing their very own style of sushi. A celebratory group meal followed the class, with guests sampling a range of Japanese delights.

We are delighted to announce that our next ‘hands on’ Sushi classes with Chef Fumito will be held regularly. Bookings being taken now – Call Helen on 8271 1173 or 0403 374 183.

All Fun Food Focus classes are open to individuals or groups. So why not bring some friends and enjoy an entertaining, interactive and innovative cooking experience that will have the hungry hordes lining up at your door.

Fun Food Focus proudly announces the addition of a new and exceptionally decadent class for chocolate lovers.

Due to overwhelming demand from our family of food fans we are delighted to unveil our newest cooking concept for devotees of all things chocolate – Chocolate Indulgence.

This class takes you on a chocolate adventure like no other. Under the expert tutelage of our highly skilled chocolate maker you will learn about the styles, tastes, smells and textures of different chocolate varieties. You will also learn to create a stunning selection of chocolate delights to take home and dazzle your family and friends. Your delectable and incredibly morerish chocolate collection includes chocolate biscotti, truffles filled with dried fruit, cream tart fillings, chocolate cup cases with white choc mousse and chocolate crème patisserie.

Your Chocolate Indulgence class includes professional tuition, ingredients, equipment, recipes, refreshments and snacks on arrival; plus your very own Fun Food Focus T shirt.

Suitable for beginners through to proficient cooks- the first Chocolate Indulgence class gets underway shortly. Details 8271 1173.

Corporate Events with Fun Food Focus
Fun Food Focus is also an experienced provider for the corporate market. Our ‘hands-on’ cooking classes can be expertly tailored to meet strategic business objectives such as team building and motivation, change management or purely as a staff reward. We offer a range of culinary experiences matched with a variety of venue options for a unique and unforgettable corporate event suited to your individual requirements. Hear more from our satisfied clients and view our video now at www.funfoodfocus.com.au

 
For your diary –
Recent and Forthcoming culinary events:
Pizza Making - SATURDAY 11TH July 2009
Sushi Class - bookings being taken now!
 

Helen has been involved in a number of Knowledge Management activities over the last few months.

As outlined in the Ideation March E-Newsletter, Helen attended the Ark KM for Experienced Practitioner Conference and Post Conference Workshop in Melbourne in February. With a smaller group and great presenters, it was great input all day. With topics on applying knowledge; collaborating with technology, making KM sustainable in organisations, employing social computing for KM, and a number of interactive sessions – there was lots to take away. The Building KM Competencies Workshop the following day, facilitated by Patrick Lambe was valuable and looked at 15 Archetypes of KM operators in organisations – very useful for me in matching organisational personalities and KM competencies.

Helen also attended the Adelaide Gurteen Knowledge Café held at the Woods Bagot offices in the city centre on 27th May. On this evening, Pru Mitchell, one of our members presented on Sustaining Social Networks, and as usual, a lively discussion ensued. If you would like to attend one of these Cafes please contact Helen on 8271 1173. All who are interested in Knowledge Management and related are welcome to attend.

In the Media:
Helen was also asked to comment on the area of Knowledge Management for an article in ’The Advertiser’ on 30th April 2009, where the focus was on ‘special jobs of the future’. >>Click here to read.

Read Helen’s recent article on Leadership, published in ‘The Advertiser’ 16 May, 09. >>Click here to read.

KM Calendar
KM AUSTRALIA – FROM DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES (www.KMaustralia.com)

4-7 August 2009, Crystal Palace, Luna Park, Sydney
At this major Australian KM Conference, Helen will be facilitating the World Knowledge Café: How can KM be used to assist organisations and individuals to survive in our current economic climate. Join us to hear inspiring International and local speakers and presenters including Dave Snowden, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Cognitive Edge Pty. Ltd, London; Jeanne Holm, Chief Knowledge Officer, NASA, and many others.

If you want to learn more about how a Knowledge Café can assist your business both financially and in employee motivation? Please log on to www.thepaigegroup.com.au/akn.htm or contact Helen at Advance Knowledge Networks on 82711173 or 0403 374 183.
You can view our video of a World Knowledge Café on http://www.thepaigegroup.com.au/aknvideo.html