Most people could use more career independence.  Many have some big idea they want to offer the world.  A few thrive on building authority by taking on greater responsibility.

But these do not necessarily go hand-in-hand—they often make for a risky and stressful formula.  If you want freedom, impact, or authority, let’s talk about some paths to these beyond the “go launch a business” suggestion we hear all too often.

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This summer, Cutter Benchmark Review invited me to create a workplace productivity survey with Joe Feller.  We were able to collect some interesting data and publish our analysis of it.

Normally $50, I’m able to offer both mine and Joe’s analysis, along with the survey results, as a free PDF to Technotheory readers.  Read on for a couple snippets and a link to download the full article.

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Do you deliver or do you delight?  The difference–and this applies to personal relationships as well as it does to business—is all about thoughtfulness.

When I look at who I value most, the top of the top are thoughtfulness personified, and they’ve been that way all along.

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Last week I offered advice on selecting and contacting panelists.  Once the panel is formed, most people slack off until the day before the event.

Don’t.  Here’s what to do next to create a great experience for your audience and panelists alike.  Disagree?  Let me know…

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We’ve all been to events where the panel was a waste of our time.  It’s because it’s not as easy as “get people on it and then ask them to talk.”  It takes preparation.

But it doesn’t take that much preparation.  Here’s what I’ve been doing for the last half dozen or so panels I’ve organized/moderated.  And I’d love to hear what’s worked for you…

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I’m flying back now from 7 weeks in Barcelona, and the one greeting I’m looking forward to is my dog’s.  That’s because we Americans suck at affection.

I’m taking a step back from productivity to pass on the most important lesson that Spain has offered me.

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I haven’t had the privilege of reading Trust Agents yet.  But I do know authors Chris Brogan and Julien Smith—I know their writing, I know their reasoning, I know what they’ve given.  I respect and look up to them.

So I hope you’ll take my faith in them when I ask that you to consider their book today.  I’ve learned that today’s sales will affect the long-term impact of their book’s message, so I’m taking their advice and passing along this book recommendation today.

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Being in a very different time zone than my team and clients this summer, it becomes clear who gets things done and who is suited for government work*.

Of which sort are you?  It’s easy to fall into the government camp from time to time, so this is a quick reminder of how much you can do on your own.

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Whether you have 5 or 5,000 people to whom you ought to respond today, you still have just 24 hours and an infinite number of decisions.  I can’t offer you a solution.

But you can stay in people’s lives.  You can make enough time for a select few.  And, no matter what your decision, people will judge your actions.  This isn’t the internet, it’s the real world of real people.

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There are few expressions I’ve picked up as quickly as “low hanging fruit”—such a simple and expressive analogy.  And yet, it stinks.

All tasks are not created equal.  Those easiest to complete often deserve to be most avoided.

What should we work on first?

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