Modern Mentor
Episodes
421 GID How to Tame Your Email Inbox with a Pencil and Paper
14 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Tame your inbox using a paper and pencil. Process your email in a way that fits with your current priorities; don’t let your actions be dictated by ...
420 GID How to Use the 80/20 Principle to Perfect Your Writing
08 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Turbo-charge your writing by using the 80/20 editing process used in professional newsrooms. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/2bizJvL Mode...
419 GID How to Use a Learning To-Do List
01 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Constantly dropping the ball is no way to keep a job. When people give you instructions, take notes that help you learn. Read the full transcript here...
418 GID How a Decision Menu Can Help You Meet Goals
25 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
When we get assigned tasks, sometimes we get them wrong. With more of the right information up front, you can get it right more. Read the full transcr...
417 GID The One Phrase That Makes It Easier to Share Bad News
18 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
It’s hard to know when you should check in to make sure relationships are working. Use this magic phrase as a template. Read the full transcript her...
416 GID Make Business And Relationships Stronger With One Magic Phrase
11 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Relationships need maintenance, but sometimes it’s hard to say what we need to repair a friendship - especially when mixing business and friendships...
415 GID 3 Secret Ways Markdown Improves Productivity
04 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Using Markdown is the way to go when trying to compose. Now take your Markdown use to the next level. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/29I...
413 GID Why 'No' May Be the Answer You Want to Hear
20 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We all like to hear a resounding “yes” in response to our questions. But sometimes, a “no” can get us what we really want... Read the full tra...
412 GID The Latest Tips for Streamlining Your Email
13 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Email is more than just your inbox. With a little care in how you send email, you can setyourself up for easier access to conversations and important ...
411 GID How to Choose a Communication Platform and Protocol
06 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
With more communication platforms than we can possibly handle, it’s important to choose the right one to make sure our message gets through. Read th...
410 GID 3 Thoughtful Questions to Help You Set Goals
30 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The goals we set aren’t always the ones we actually want to achieve. Here’s how to make sure you’re on the right track. Read the full transcript...
409 GID What's Better Than Being the Best? Being Different
23 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
There are other people who do what you do in the world. Weird right? There’s a way to distinguish yourself, though, and it’s not necessarily by be...
408 GID How to Not Mess Up Referrals
16 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
When you’re being introduced to a potential source of new work, it’s important to preserve the relationships involved in the process. Read the ful...
407 GID How to Come to Terms with Constructive Feedback
09 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Constructive criticism helps us get better at work and life. But sometimes it’s hard to hear what we’re doing wrong, and we need a better way to r...
406 GID How to Organize Contacts to Maximize Productivity
02 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Use your desktop address book to store your contacts now and forever. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/27ccV4y Modern Mentor is hosted by ...
405 GID How to Use Your Smartphone to Organize Receipts
25 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us have figured out some elaborate system involving folders and paper clips (or maybe a trough and shovel) to organize receipts. But now with ...
403 GID How to Ask for Feedback in Relationships
08 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Build strong relationships by explicitly working on maintaining and strengthening your bonds. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1T59Xah Mod...
402 GID How to Hit Every Deadline Every Time
04 Apr 2016
Contributed by Lukas
We define urgency as which deadline comes first. But how do you make sure longer projects get done when they need to when they have the same deadline ...
401 GID How to Turbocharge Your Productivity: An Interview with Bestselling Author Charles Duhigg
28 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
The most productive people use stories in their minds to set expectations for their day. Use Charles Duhigg’s tips on mental models and on combining...
400 GID 30+ Apps to Help You Work Less and Do More
20 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
For my 400th episode, let’s take a tour of the apps I use to run my life and my business. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1RCmbU8 Moder...
399 GID How to Write Better by Editing Your Own Work
14 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Here are three great ways to edit your own writing—quickly and successfully. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1psXVOt Modern Mentor is h...
398 GID Want to Expand Your Network? Look to Provide Value
07 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Reaching out to expand your network takes a bit of research, but will pay off handsomely in creating powerful relationships. Read the full transcript ...
267 GID Do Your Research Before Negotiation
29 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Many of us negotiate as parts of our jobs. Here's how to prep to improve your chances for success. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1M6qNF...
397 GID Build, Deepen, and Maintain Your Network for Success
22 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Your success in any organization depends on other people. By creating a networking plan and monitoring your progress, you’ll greatly increase your a...
396 GID How to Apologize for Lost Time
15 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s world of hyper-convenience, an inconvenient apology carries a lot of weight. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1SRMs6U Modern ...
395 GID How to Make Time to Work Out
08 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
You can get great effects from a workout without devoting your whole life to it. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1UliAPZ Modern Mentor is...
394 GID How to Value Your Time
01 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
When you have a lot on your plate, valuing your time gives you a way to decide how to best use it. There are many ways to decide the value of your tim...
393 GID Know Your Workplace Currency to Get Ahead
25 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
You may think that doing a good job is a good way to get ahead. Indeed, there was once a company where this worked. It was good. In most companies, ho...
392 GID Keep Profiles of Important People
18 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
Profiles help you keep track of what makes your colleagues and co-workers happy and productive! Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/23s47pi M...
391 GID Use Removable File Folder Labels to Save Time and Money
11 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
File folders are convenient to use, but to use them fully, you need to be able to deploy them quickly and call them back to base just as quickly. Remo...
390 GID 3 Numbers You Should Know Before Negotiating
04 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
How to prepare for a negotiation includes knowing critical numbers: your reserve price, your dream price, and your goal. Read the full transcript here...
388 GID How to Achieve Perfection in Product and Process
21 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
When you’re striving for perfection, how you reach it may be key to success. Read the full transcript here: bit.ly/1OPrcaF Modern Mentor is hosted b...
387 GID Fix Computer Problems with This Fast, Simple Trick
14 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t be a victim of your computer’s whimsical crashes. Using a maintenance log can keep you from repeating the same mistakes over and over. Read ...
386 GID How to Overcome Delegation Hesitation
06 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
How to delegate is easy, when you know they can handle the responsibility. But if you’re not sure, trial delegation framed as learning is the way to...
209 GID How to Overcome Procrastination
30 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Give yourself procrastination help by changing your approach to tasks. Use baby chunks. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is avail...
385 GID How to Hack Your Mind with Sir John Hargrave
23 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Fear, anger, sadness, frustration… you can learn to become the “superuser” of your own mind, and reprogram it to do anything you want. Read the ...
384 GID How to Create a Self-Maintaining Filing System
16 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Let your files determine when and what you do with them, so when it’s time to simplify, you have everything you need to do it quickly and completely...
383 GID How to Gain Independence from Your Boss
09 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
As you master your job at work, you can (and probably should) be more independent from your boss, so you can get stuff done more quickly and efficient...
382 GID How to Be on Time for Meetings
02 Nov 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Some people are hyper-schedulers, others aren't. If you're someone who is chronically late, learning certain cognitive tips can help. Read the full tr...
381 GID How to Create a Personal Reference System
26 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
We have access to more information than ever before. But if you store it using the right tools, you'll find you can recall on demand. Read the full tr...
379 GID How to Make Better Purchase Decisions
12 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
It's not enough to consider pros and cons when making a decision. You also need to consider pros and cons over time. Read the full transcript here: ht...
378 GID How to Signal Your Intent Through Actions
05 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes we want people to understand us, but we can't just say what we mean. Instead, we signal our intentions through our actions. Signaling is som...
377 GID A Simple Tracking Form to Better Estimate Your Time
28 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
You can't manage your time if you don't know how long things will take. A simple tracking form will help you estimate better than a pro. Read the full...
376 GID 7 Ways to Give Presentations That Steal the Show
21 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Port, author of the new book Steal the Show, shares essential advice for giving great presentations. Read the full transcript here: http://bit...
375 GID The Best To-Do List Is Actually Your Calendar
14 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Follow this secret advice to better manage your schedule and time. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1UTj01Y Modern Mentor is hosted by Rac...
374 GID Clean, Organize, and Declutter with Marie Kondo's Magic: Part 2
06 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Marie Kondo's book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up has changed my life. Here's the second episode about her awesome method and why I think it wo...
373 GID Clean, Organize, and Declutter with Marie Kondo's Magic: Part 1
31 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Marie Kondo's book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up has changed my life. Here's what happened when I used her method, and why I think it worked. ...
277 GID Choose Your Battles Wisely
24 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
"Choose your battles wisely” is age-old advice. But which battles are “wise”? Here’s how to tell when you should charge ahead and when yo...
371 GID How to Make Absolute Decisions Using Rules
10 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Too many of us spend our time trying to make good decisions. Sure, that's important. But you can do even better by making some of those decisions into...
370 GID A Fail-Proof Way to Get Coworkers to Keep Their Promises
03 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
It's easy for colleagues to promise they'll deliver at work. But making sure they really follow through? That's another matter entirely. Here's a fail...
369 GID How to find a romantic partner
27 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
They say that like attracts like ... and that opposites attract. But like what? And opposite whats? Knowing how your brain works gives you the insight...
368 GID How to File Things in Two Places at Once
20 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Folders are a time-honored way to store information. But you can think outside the folder for more flexible ways of filing both offline, online, and i...
276 GIDG How to Make Decisions
13 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Good decisions consider consequences over a timeframe that works for that particular decision. Learn to use the right time frame for the right decisio...
279 GID How to Deal with Flaky People
06 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
When someone is consistently flaky, you need a way to plan for that. Or, when planning isn’t possible, set up accountability that even they will buy...
367 GID Give Thank You Gifts in the Right Love Language
25 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
People give and receive recognition differently. Knowing the five love languages and how to use them can be the secret to good romantic and work relat...
366 GID How to Have Difficult Conversations
22 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Some conversations are just tough to have, especially when emotion is in play. These difficult conversations become easier once you realize that there...
365 GID Customer Retention for Service Providers
15 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Good customer relationship management is the secret to client and customer retention when you're a solo practitioner. Read the full transcript here: h...
364 GID How to Use Triggers for Behavior Modification: An Interview with Marshall Goldsmith
08 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Becoming the person you want to be requires behavior modification, but there's an easier way: you can modify your behavior by modifying your environme...
363 GID Stop People From Being Late to Meetings
01 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Keep people on time through extreme psychological manipulation, and it'll be fine. Read the full transcript here: http://bit.ly/1ETOMh8 Modern Mentor ...
362 GID Asking Several People an Once, Nicely
25 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Making limited offers and requests to several people at once can be tricky. Here's how to navigate it to first-come, first-served, without upsetting t...
361 GID Capture Your Smart Ideas with an Ideas Log
18 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
We all have great ideas, but it's easy to get distracted and lose them. Create a system that helps you capture and tame your good ideas. Read the full...
360 GID Use Reputation Management, Even on Social Media
11 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In the 21st century, first impressions come through social media, so reputation management has to begin with how you present yourself in text and thro...
359 GID Keep on track with a daily 5-minute check-in with your boss
04 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Each day a simple alignment with your boss and team can help make sure you're all aligned and moving in the same direction. Read the full transcript h...
358 GID How Todoist Can Help Manage Your Meeting Agenda
27 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
When you're juggling a project that spans several departments or people, keeping track of what to tell and to whom can be a huge task. But with the ri...
357 GID What's Better Than an Elevator Pitch?
20 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
An elevator pitch is old-fashioned. Sam Horn shows us how to capture an audience's attention instantly, with several different techniques from her new...
356 GID Reduce Stress and Restore Work-Life Balance
13 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
How to deal with stress is a mystery to many of us type-A personalities. Get-It-Done Guy shows you that a little, explicit work life balance and self-...
355 GID Use the Right Approach to Get Motivated
06 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Using the right motivational words are one way to get yourself and others unstuck and moving. Get-It-Done Guy explains. Read the transcript here: http...
354 GID Boost Your Performance by Finding a Bottleneck
30 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
When you identify the choke points in your most important deliverables, you can eliminate bottlenecks and boost your productivity. Read the transcript...
353 GID What Is Risk Assessment?
23 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Project managers know that step one of project management is stopping predictable failures from happening... Predictably. Read the transcript here: ht...
352 GID Unsubscribe from Everything to Take Charge of your Inbox
17 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Is your "to read" folder overflowing because you can't find any spare time to catch up? Get-It-Done Guy shows you how unsubcribing from all ...
287 GID How to Run a Decision-Making Meeting
09 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Decision-making meetings have the potential to become minor wars. By considering elements in the right order, you'll make your decisions much more smo...
350 GID How to Find a Job When You Have an Unusual Background
23 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
When you are a square peg looking for a square hole, life is good. But when you don't fit neatly into a job search box, you might need to change the q...
349 GID How to Screen Your Calls
16 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
The days, when you want to be social, it's all about being social online, at arm's length. When someone actually wants to call? pshaw What a nuisance....
348 GID How to Criticize (Without Looking Like a Jerk)
09 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Get-It-Done Guy helps you keep things running smoothly by delivering criticism without the sting. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/1zTWGrP Modern Me...
347 GID How to Get the Most Out of Conferences
02 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Attending a conference can be a smorgasbord of opportunity. But make sure to plan your menu first. Otherwise, you might end up having too much salad a...
346 GID Using a Short-Term Memory Folder
26 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Instead of using your email inbox to jog your memory, create a short-term memory folder where you can put everything you need for follow-up and connec...
344 GID Get a New Inbox and Free Your Mind
12 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
It's the beginning of the year - are you still mired in your cluttered inbox? By archiving your yearly backlog and starting fresh, you can clear your ...
278 GID No, No, a Thousand Times No!
30 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Saying “No” is the key to setting boundaries and protecting your time, space, and energy. It can also be risky. Here’s a framework for how to sa...
343 GID How to Build Your Personal Brand
22 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Knowing how you show up in the world (your personal brand), gives you tremendous power to control your own destiny. Get-It-Done Guy interviews brandin...
342 GID Get a Lot Done One Step at a Time
16 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Break up your workflows into small tasks, and do them as you have the time. Pretty soon, you'll find yourself completing everything on your to-do list...
341 GID How to Accept Delegation
08 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
We hear a lot about how to delegate to others. But when you're the 'other' being delegated to, it's important to know how to set yourself up for succe...
340 GID How to Decide Wisely
01 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
The nature of the task you're delegating, as well as the skills needed to complete that task, determines who you should choose for the delegation. Get...
339 GID How to Be Happy by Using Gratitude
24 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Gratitude isn't just a nice-to-have. It's an essential component for success and good mental health. And you can actually learn to practice gratitude ...
338 GID How to Network with Former Employers
18 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
When building your professional network, re-establishing contact and deepening relationships with former employers can be a great place to start. Visi...
337 How to Be Memorable (Part 2): Crafting a Story
11 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Storytelling is the foundation for effective, memorable communication. Once you've hooked your audience, you need characters, plot arcs, and resolutio...
336 GID How to Be Memorable (Part 1): Storytelling Tricks
03 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Story-telling is the foundation for effective, memorable communication. Do it properly to hook your reader, draw them in, and keep their attention thr...
335 GID How to Meet Every Deadline
27 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
We live in a deadline-driven world. But sometimes, even with firm deadlines, one simple trick is all it takes to relieve the pressure. Read the transc...
334 GID How to Measure Your Productivity
20 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Measuring your productivity can be a challenge. How do you know which aspects of your work dictate success? Get-It-Done Guy has the best way to measur...
333 GID Responsibility Lessons from the U.S. Secret Service
13 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Even though we hate to admit our mistakes, it's a powerful thing to do. Cover-ups, however well-intentioned, are usually a disastrous choice. Just loo...
236 GID Managing Email When Your Inbox is Overloaded
06 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Handling Email When it's Too Much to Manage. Read the transcript: http://bit.ly/1nbY0Dv Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is avail...
332 GID How a Responsibility Matrix Can Help You Manage Projects
29 Sep 2014
Contributed by Lukas
When a project is hampered by duplicated work, poor lines of communication, and the right hand not knowing what the left is up to, a responsibility ma...
331 GID Use Technology Audits to Tame Your Technology
22 Sep 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Rather than assuming your technology is what's helping you be productive, doing a technology audit might show that sometimes, it's the biggest obstacl...
329 GID Delivering Bad News Gracefully
08 Sep 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Get-it-Done Guy's take on bringing bad news, while reducing your chances of being blamed as the messenger. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A ...
328 GID Use Your Online Calendar to Streamline Scheduling
31 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
One of the few tools that's really better online than off-line is the calendar. For people with complicated schedules, Get-It-Done Guy shares 5 simple...
327 GID How to Stay Young? Expand Your Social Circle
25 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Get-It Done Guy reveals his secret to staying young at heart (and mind): as you get older, find ways to ensure you have new friends coming into your l...
326 GID How to Teach Your Child Independence
18 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Be involved in your child's life, but stimulate self-reliance, not dependence. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at S...
325 GID How to Handle Email Overload by Deleting...Everything
11 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Get-It-Done Guy helps you master your inbox by understanding how your brain works, and reveals a much better way to deal with email overload. Visit th...
323 GID How to Make Efficient Multi-Store Shopping Lists
29 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
If you need to get numerous things from several different stores, one specially-designed list can help make planning and shopping easy. Read the full ...
321 GID How to Work from Your Car
14 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
If you have a job that causes you to work from your car, you may find yourself living in clutter. Get-it-Done Guy has tips and tricks for getting orga...
320 GID How to Deal with Conflict by Using a Resolution Plan
07 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Don't let messy emotions get in the way: With Get-It-Done Guy's tips for creating a resolution plan, you'll be prepared to deal with any type of confl...