Since I’m a independent contractor interviewing for new gigs happens quite often. As I’ve mentioned before I’m a visual thinker so I prepare for interviews in a way that works for me. During a recent interview one of the interviewers noticed my notes and she asked to see them. Not exactly what I was expecting but hey you have to roll the dice.
What I do
Before most meetings, interviews included I tend to make mindmaps to make the information I need easy to access. One glance and I get a cue as to what is going on and why. For interviews I create 2 separate maps, one map contains the meeting details and the second one is usually just a bunch of questions that I want to ask. I usually put more interview questions than I need and check off the ones I want to ask either before the interview or during the process since sometimes the questions I have get answered during the process. No point in asking the same question twice.
The Interview MindMap
The Questions MindMap
Get the files:
Customize and use freely. I add relevant information as needed to make it work. This map can be modified to accommodate other kinds of meetings as well. Download MindManager from Mindjet or use whatever mindmapping software you prefer.
Can innovation be reduced to a process? Well that debate has been raging about design thinking for several years. Some think it’s a failure others believe it works. With any process or idea the question ultimately is..does it work? It depends. Not every process works for every situation.
Thinking like a designer can transform the way you develop products, services, processes—and even strategy. ~ Tim Brown
Here are several articles, resources and videos about design thinking. Some are for it, others describe its failures and other discuss what it is and how to use it.
The average American takes about 15 minutes for lunch and usually eat at their desk. Oh and before I forget they don’t stop working while they eat either. What sort of a lunch break is that?
I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met who never leave the office during the work day. People who smoke have a built in excuse to leave the office. Depending on their habit a few times a day and usually with friends. So it’s a social activity.
In a study from 1999 Cornell found that -
Workers who used computer software to remind them occasionally to assume good posture, take short breaks and occasionally stretch do more accurate work and as a result are more productive
Most “traditional” creatives need time away from their desk to come up with ideas. Forcing yourself to sit at a desk to produce usually leads to frustration. Everyone creates something…needs an idea to spark their work.
Go to the gym, a yoga class, take a nap, go on a coffee run with a co-worker or your pet if you work from home but take a break…especially if you’re stuck. No excuses.
The “I don’t have time” is just that an excuse. Make the time to take a break. Your work will improve and so will your mood.
Flickr Photos
