Heidi Higgins

Heidi, over the last few years you have become quite an established fashion designer, have you always been interested in fashion, how did it all start?

Yes, I’ve always been interested in art and design. After school I applied for NCAD (National College of Art & Design) and was lucky enough to get accepted. I studied art and design in first year, then specialised in Fashion for my degree.

Your business is going from strength to strength, I see you and your work featured in many newspapers and magazines. Tell me about your decision to establish your own label.

I always thought that someday I might like to have my own label but wasn’t sure how I was going to make that happen until I decided to give up my job and just give it a go! After graduating from college I worked with Irish Designer Louise Kennedy which was a fantastic experience for me as a young designer. But ultimately I wanted to have my own label. I made the leap and I’m fortunate that my business has been growing every season.

'Phoebe' Dress

Does the clothes you design reflect your own personal style? Is there a message or an ethos you try to communicate through your work?

Yes. I love colour and beautiful fabrics. Both are very dominant in all my collections. I particularly love classic styles but with a modern twist.

Is there anything you would never wear in public?

I’m not a fan of UGG’s!

Where do you get your design inspiration? What other designers or indeed artists from other mediums inspire you?

I get inspiration from lots of different things. It’s not something I go out looking for prior to designing a collection. I have lots of notebooks and I keep sketches or photos on my iPhone of objects or colours I see around me. Something like a texture or the shape of an object might have me recreating it on the mannequin in fabric. I particularly like to work on the stand and drape fabric on the mannequin rather than sitting and drawing. I’m much more of a tactile person.

Of course you are not just a designer; you are a business woman too. How do you balance the creative side of your work with the reality of running a business?

It’s a big challenge to keep both sides going as one is as important as the other! I need to be very organized with my time and as a creative person that is not always the case. Designing is the easy part but there is much more involved in creating a collection and getting it to the shop floor! I enjoy the challenge and try to keep everything running smoothly and on schedule as best I can – we are still a small team but we are very passionate about what we do and we give every task our best!

'Alicia' Dress

What was the biggest challenge you have overcome in your fashion career?

It’s still early days and I know there will be many challenges ahead but in the short space of time since I set up the label I am very proud to have my own Boutique in Portlaoise and stockists nationwide selling my designs each season.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I enjoy the fact that no two days are the same. I could be designing in the morning, meeting customers in my boutique during the day, organising a photo shoot, speaking to my Italian mills ordering fabrics and lots more in between! I’m very privileged to be able to turn my passion for fashion and design into a career and to be working in the industry every day.

I know many people reading this would love to be earning their living by doing the work they love to do, or by following their creative passion. From your experience what advice would you pass on to them?

Start small and see if there is an opportunity or market for your product or talent. Make contact with people in your particular specialty and find out more about it. Research all the set up costs and what’s involved. Do your homework, brainstorm all the challenges, but if you believe that you have what it takes then what have you got to lose? Baby steps are really important. You have to have a solid foundation before you can grow.

Heidi at work

What’s next for Heidi Higgins? What are your dreams or aspirations as a designer?

The list is very long and keeps getting longer but I would love to sell my designs outside of Ireland – so export is the next big step I hope to take!

What advice would you give to aspiring designers out there?

Give it a go! If it doesn’t work out at least you know you tried and have no regrets!

Any plans for launching a men’s collection? You’d have me as a client!

Thanks James.
No! Not just yet but who knows what the future might hold!

Heidi, here are some questions I think you will find interesting. My aim is to ask every person I interview the same questions.

What’s your most cherished possession?

It would be my sewing machine. It allows me to create my designs each season!

What are you currently reading (or learning)?

Coco Chanel by Axel Madsen

What’s your idea of happiness?

A balanced lifestyle – a happy medium of work & play!

Who or what inspires you?

At the moment I’m so inspired by all the creativity that is buzzing around every town in Ireland. So many creative people are starting up businesses and seeing niches in the market for their product, they are thinking outside the box.

What character trait do you most admire?

Ambitious, Passionate & Hard-working

If you could send some advice back in time to your twenty-year-old self, what wisdom would you share?

Grasp all the opportunities that come your way. There’s no time like the present!

If you had a motto what would it be?

Eloquence is in simplicity. Simplicity is never out of style.

Heidi, it has been a pleasure speaking with you, thank you.

HEIDI HIGGINS graduated from The National College of Art and Design in 2008. After spending an exciting formative year working with Louise Kennedy she proudly introduced her own label to the Irish market in May 2009. Heidi presents a confident contemporary label that is sensitive to emerging trends, with canny detailing that gives a sage nod to the catwalk while remaining fearless in pursuit of its unique aesthetic. The look is timeless while exuding both femininity and substance. Her gorgeous garments enrobe the female figure like a dream.

To view Heidi Higgins’ current collection and for details of stores that feature her range visit www.heidihiggins.com
Heidi can be contacted via email at info@heidihiggins.com or by phone 00353 (0)57- 8689027

Sound familiar?

It is said that the fear of being hit is worse than actually being hit. It is the same principle that makes Sunday evening a challenge. When you are at work, you can deal with any issues that crop up, but at home on a Sunday evening, your mind is at work, but physically you are at home and you feel powerless in the face of the events you are predicting for the week ahead.

Here are 5 tips for overcoming Sunday Night Syndrome:

1. Close the week

Before you leave work on a Friday evening give some thought to the week ahead. Make out your ‘to do’ list for the following week, so you are not trying to remember tasks over the weekend. This serves a dual purpose, it closes the week, but it also means you know what to your priorities are when you arrive in work on Monday morning.

2. Plan your weekend a little better

It is easy just to ‘go with the flow at the weekend,’ but from my experience weekends are more rewarding and somehow longer, when specific plans are made. I love the phrase ‘let organisation and planning be your springboard, but let fun and spontaneity be your splash!’Unless you have specific activities to occupy your mind, work-related stuff will usually fill the vacuum.

3. Gratitude

When we think about it, there are millions of people in the world who would love to have the luxury of having ‘Sunday night syndrome.’ Gratitude is an antidote to many negative emotions. For example, it is difficult to be grateful and anxious at the same time. When the Sunday evening blues kick in, make a list (mental or written) about everything you are grateful for.

4. Managing the symptoms of Stress

Sunday Night Syndrome is a manifestation of the stress in your life. Stress is always a symptom. What are the causes of stress for you? When we are stressed we breathe high and fast in our chests. Consciously lower and slow down your breathing. Perhaps consider having a relaxing bath on Sunday evening, it will also help you sleep.

5. The real underlying issue!

For many people the dread of Monday morning is a reminder that another week has passed and they still feel trapped in a job which at best they tolerate. When we feel ‘stuck’ we usually know deep down what we should do, but we lack the courage to take even the baby steps required to explore other options. Sunday night is the time of the week when we are reminded that our working lives are not what we hoped they would be. It is the time of the week when we feel trapped in a vicious cycle and with every passing week, the thinking ‘better the devil you know’ further calcifies our comfort zone into a rut.

With this thinking in mind, here are some questions worth pondering-

• What would have to happen for you to feel excited about the week ahead?

• What would you be doing, if you couldn’t wait for Monday morning to come around?

• What would your ideal working week look like?

• If you weren’t afraid, or knew you couldn’t fail, what would you do?

People often over-estimate what they can do in a short period of time, but dramatically under-estimate what they can achieve over a longer time period. If you set yourself the goal of curing yourself of the ‘Sunday Night Syndrome’ over the next two years, what would your blueprint for change look like?

I recently came across this poem by the American writer Ellen Goodman. It packs a punch.

“Normal is getting dressed
in clothes you buy for work
and driving through traffic in a car
that you are still paying for –
in order to get to the job you need
to pay for the clothes and the car
and the house you leave vacant all day
so you can afford to live in it.”

Ellen Goodman

Eoghan thank you for agreeing to meet with me.  You are a well-known photographer, specialising in landscapes, were you always interested in photography, how did it all start?

I always knew I wanted to work outdoors. I would say I was about 18 before I thought of taking up photography.

You are living many photographers’ dream because you have this wonderful gallery here in picturesque Kenmare. Tell me a little about your journey, your career as a photographer?

Once I decided photography was the career for me, things happened very fast. I applied for a place in college and started a course in Kevin St. DIT. It was a part-time programme which meant I was also able to look for work as a photographic assistant. I worked with many photographers in different disciplines. I was fortunate to work with a core group of photographers who were doing great advertising work. This is really where I learned my craft.
It was at this time I started shooting landscapes. At the age of 21 I started my own photography business. I went after the best work, thinking I should get it, and sometimes I did. The innocence of being 21! Sometimes it’s good not to know the obstacles that might be in your way. Having said that, I think it is important to set your sights high, knowing where you want to get to is half the battle. I continued working in advertising and design, but as the years went by I had a growing sense of frustration. A lot of the work just wasn’t interesting enough for me. I would go out and shoot landscapes simply to stay excited about photography.

Was there one moment when you decided ‘right I’m giving this a go, I’m going to be a full time landscape photographer?’

I remember the exact moment I decided to move away from the commercial work and become a full time landscape photographer. I was standing in the middle of a rocky river shooting a cover for a large bank’s annual report. Each moss covered rock was supposed to represent one of the banks’ network of branches, or some sort of rubbish like that. I remember I was freezing and wet, but the surroundings were beautiful and I was having a great time. But I couldn’t get the thought ‘why am I doing this for them?’ out of my head. Right then, in the middle of the river, I said that’s it, I am going to set up my own gallery. A couple of years later we opened Skyline here in Kenmare.

Why did you decide to specialise in landscape photography, or was it just something that evolved?

I’ve always had a love of the outdoors. I also found I was good at landscape photography. There weren’t many people doing what I thought was good work and ultimately I wanted to show others how I saw the Irish landscape, not all blue sky and green fields, but the storms, the flashes of light on a cloudy day.

What was the biggest challenge you have overcome in your photographic career?

For me, finally deciding that I couldn’t just wait for people to commission me, accepting that what I really wanted was to do the work for myself, to shoot what I was interested in. I also think we have to keep challenging ourselves, to do the work that keeps us interested.

Are there themes that you explore in your work, or is there a particular message you aim to communicate through your work?

I am interested in showing places that you may know in ways that you may not have thought of. I’m also very interested in how time affects a landscape. I visit the same locations over and over to see how they have changed.

Who are your influences? What photographers or indeed artists from other mediums inspire you?

I deliberately don’t look at much photography. I admire anyone who has a vision and the discipline that it takes to bring a project to completion.

How do you balance the creative side of your work with the reality of running a business?

I’m not sure about balance, I’m always working! The reality is if you don’t sell, you cannot continue. I spent many years trying to second guess what other people wanted to see me do. Now I do my own thing, but I’m always appreciative of the people who buy my work, because without them, I wouldn’t be able to continue to do what I love.

Here’s the technical question, what camera and equipment do you currently use?

I use an Ebony large format field camera. It uses 5×4 sheet film that must be individually loaded in the darkroom. It forces you to take your time and to compose each image carefully. I prefer to shoot film, but film or digital, who cares? Like vinyl or CD, it’s all music and it’s a personal choice.

How much emphasis do you put on post-production, everything that happens after you take the photograph?

It is very important to bring out in print what you see as you view it on location. Post production is a supportive tool, but it will never replace skill and vision. Photoshop is the best and worst thing that has happened in modern photography.

I see there are several wonderfully shot videos on your website, are these a collaboration or is video another medium you are interested in?

It’s collaboration, but I am very interested in moving stills. This is something that I plan to develop further in the future.

I know many people out there would love to be earning their living by doing the work they love to do or by following their creative passion. From your experience what advice would you pass on to them?

Almost every day I get at least one photographer in the gallery asking about how they could do this. They invariably ask can you make a living from it. I always say it’s a way of life not a way to live.

If you could photograph anywhere in the world where would it be?

I don’t see the point in traveling all over the world in pursuit of wonderful landscapes; we have a vast amount of great images here in Ireland. Usually I don’t take my camera when I travel. What I do requires a lot of planning and I don’t think you can just land in a foreign country and expect to get great images. I spent 2 weeks traveling in the Rockies and was totally blown away by the landscape, so much so, that all I could do was look and look again. I couldn’t even begin to comprehend taking any images.

What’s next for Eoghan Kavanagh? What are your dreams or aspirations as a photographer and artist?

The next big project will be a book. I have the title and some images now all I need is a deadline.

Eoghan, here are some questions I think you will find interesting. My aim is to ask everyone I interview the same questions.

What’s your most cherished possession?

A really nicely designed magnifying glass, I got from my dad.

What are you currently reading (or learning)?

I’m reading the biography of Steve Jobs

What’s your idea of happiness?

Space and the time to enjoy it.

Who or what inspires you?

I have never looked for inspiration, just ideas.

What character trait do you most admire?

Perseverance

If you had a motto what would it be?

Fear causes hesitation and hesitation causes your worst fears to become reality. (from Point Break!)

Eoghan, it has been a pleasure speaking with you.

Eoghan Kavanagh’s work can be viewed in the Skyline Gallery, 27 Henry Street, Kenmare, Co. Kerry or online at www.skyline.ie. Eoghan can be contacted at 064 6648621 or 087 2522807.

Over the last few months I’ve been visiting the town of Mitchelstown in Co. Cork. The guest house I stay in and a restaurant I frequent, are examples of what is great about the Irish Tourism and Hospitality industries.

BallinwillinHouse Guesthouse

Pat and Miriam Mulcahy not only run a jewel of a bed and breakfast, they operate their own winery, a farm, their produce is shipped around the world, they cater for functions and even host their own music festival – how’s that for diversification! Their freshly cooked breakfast, (the eggs, bacon, sausages, pudding) is all sourced from their farm. The bread is homemade as is the marmalade. If the climate was better I’m sure the orange juice would be local too! No pre-cooked breakfast being kept warm under lights in this establishment.

A typical bedrrom in Ballinwillinhouse (in fact the bedroom I stay in!)

The slogan for Ballinwillinhouse is ‘arrive as guests, leave as friends.’ When I read it first I thought that is a little too much. But it is absolutely true. If you are travelling in the area, want to experience genuine, warm, Irish hospitality you should consider making a reservation. It costs no more than a standard hotel, but as for value for money, there is no comparison.

Market Place Restaurant

Located in the square in Mitchelstown, this relatively new restaurant (only opened November 2011) is worth a detour. Managed by John O Connor and Aisling O Mahoney, it provides top quality, locally sourced food at very reasonable prices. Even though they are only open a few months, they continue to innovate (complacency and good customer service usually do not mix) and have just introduced a Tapas menu. I’ve been fortunate to eat several great meals in the restaurant. The service is genuine and friendly. If you are travelling from Dublin to Cork it is worth turning off the motorway to visit.

What are these two businesses doing well? What’s make for great customer service?

1. Make customers feel important and appreciated.

We all like to feel valued. Equally, we like to be treated as individuals. I love the fact that when I return to a restaurant or shop that the fact that I’ve been there before is acknowledged. It is even better when someone remembers my name. Of course all interactions need to be sincere. I can tell when someone is only asking me how my meal is because it says so ‘on page 12 of the customer service guide.’ As customers we are sensitive creatures and we know whether or not the service provider really cares about us or not.

2. You have to be a ‘people person.’

Customer service is not just about what you do, it is about who you are. You have to have a genuine interest in people to be willing (not just able) to listen to them and identify, even anticipate their needs. One evening in the Market Place restaurant I had to take a phonecall. Without prompting, my plate was taken back to the kitchen so the food could be kept hot – a lovely touch that showed attentiveness and empathy.

3. Appreciate the power of “Yes”.

Always look for ways to help your customers. When they have a request (as long as it is reasonable) tell them that you can do it. Look for ways to make doing business with you easy. Most businesses say they place the customer first, but how may customers would say they feel like a firm’s number one priority? (As a customer I can certainly list businesses where the manager’s ego, or out-dated business practices, or simple laziness, all precede the customer in their true hierarchy of priorities.) Businesses that excel at customer service have business processes that support quality customer service.

4. The extra mile

Great customer service is about giving more than is expected. Since the future of all companies lies in keeping customers happy, it is always beneficial to think of ways to elevate yourself above the competition. Here are some questions to reflect upon:

• What can you give customers that they cannot get elsewhere?

• What can you do to follow-up and thank people even when they don’t buy?

• What can you give customers that is totally unexpected?

5. Know how to apologize.

Mistakes will happen, that is just human nature. Firms that excel at customer service apologise immediately and take ownership of the issue. The customer may not always be right, but the customer must always win. Deal with problems immediately and let customers know what you have done.
The first time I ordered streak in the Market Place it was over cooked (I’m a medium rare guy!) I was happy to eat it, but when it was noted that it was over-cooked, without hesitation it was replaced. It let me know that my experience as a customer was important to them, being ‘happy enough to eat it’ was not enough, they wanted my meal to be exactly what I ordered.

The benefits of delivering quality customer service are substantial. Happy, satisfied customers are easy to deal with and they become an unpaid sales force that will recommend your products and services to others. Customers, who have a good experience once, are likely to return, thereby generating repeat business. Lastly, loyal, satisfied customers have a greater tolerance for change and price increases as long as they consider the product or service value for money.

‘Do this because I’m the boss!’

The old style of management was command and control. In the same way as a child was told what to do by their parents and a pupil was told what do to by their teachers, an employee was told what to do by their employers. If employees are expected to use their initiative, be proactive and empowered, then they have to have the freedom to make decisions for themselves and not be ‘punished’ for making the wrong decision.
Sadly, there are still many managers whose main method of influencing is to shout -‘do this because I’m your manager,’ often followed by ‘you’re lucky to have a job.’ As well as advertising their lack of people skills, these managers also fail to realise that their staff volunteer their enthusiasm and proactivity at work. In the short term, they may have to continue to show up for work, but how they show up depends on how they are treated.

Centralised decision-making

Dictators make their decisions and expect them to be carried out down the hierarchy. Centralised decision making by managers who are often far removed from the issues that staff have to deal with everyday, can be short-sighted. By not harnessing the input of staff across the board, authoritarian managers are not tapping into the depth of knowledge and experience that exists in the organisation.
Some managers in companies still view information as a precious commodity. Their mindset is –‘the more information I have the more powerful I am.’ Information is shared only on a need to know basis (like in the old East Germany!) Modern organisations know that the more information that is shared in a proactive way, the more empowered people in the organisation will feel.

Confusing ‘Giving Orders’ with ‘Communication Skills’

What naive managers don’t realise is that just because something is said (or even worse only emailed ‘to all staff’) doesn’t mean it is heard or understood. Effective managers shape meaning. By this I mean in addition to communicating facts and figures they interpret them for their audiences. They also check for understanding by asking questions. Of course inviting feedback is one thing, being will to listen to it and encouraging staff to offer feedback is quite another. Questions like ‘what are your thoughts on that?’ ‘Does that make sense?’ ‘How might we use this?’ will transform monologues into dialogues and all healthy communication is about dialogue. Asking ‘any questions’ after a lengthy diatribe is not fostering feedback.

No Praise

Too many companies fail to retain talented staff for the simple reason that managers are unable or unwilling to give praise where praise is due. Failure to acknowledge efforts and failure to thank staff for a job well done are the primary causes of cynicism and scepticism in organisations. Of course feedback needs to be constructive as well so people can learn, but if the only feedback that exists in a company is scapegoating, then a toxic working environment is being created.
In a working environment characterised by fear staff will resign. The good ones will resign and leave; others, who don’t feel they have other options, will resign and stay. The company will be populated by zombies who will conform to the low expectations of their manager. Absenteeism will rise and people will seek greater compensation for having to endure a toxic working culture. They will be afraid to challenge the status quo for fear of repercussions and any fresh ideas or initiatives they may have will be left at the door.

The case for autocratic leadership

Now there is a time for autocratic leadership. For example, in emergencies when quick decisions are needed, where there is no time for debate or discussion, or when immediate action on a narrow number of tasks is required. Equally in some firms where staff are not required to use their initiative, where they are not required to multitask and where the skills staff are expected to have are easily replaceable, then an autocratic style can suffice. But today how many organisations fit this description? Not many.

As we continue to see in the Arab world people want the freedom to express the best of themselves. This is equally true in organisations.

We sink by allowing ourselves to become overwhelmed by the doom and gloom that bombards us every day. We sink when we succumb to pessimism and cynicism and perpetuate it in our daily conversations. We sink by continuing to do what we have always done in the vain hope that we do not have to make changes.
If we choose to swim, we examine what the reality of the current economic climate means for us directly. We swim when we focus on what is within our control. We swim by seeking to develop new skills, new strengths and new attitudes. We swim by getting more flexible, thinking outside the box and by getting hungry for new solutions.
Here are five ways to ensure you are propelling yourself forward.

1. Beware the Doomsayers!

Do you really need to tune into the news at 6pm every evening for the daily dose of depressing statistics? Seriously consider controlling your exposure to the news. That doesn’t mean you don’t stay informed. Get the facts and ask ‘how will this directly impact me?’ Equally some people are getting a tremendous perverse pleasure from the current economic climate. Don’t buy into their depressing interpretation of the world. We can control the information we absorb and we can control our responses to it, if we become just a little more self aware.

2. It is ok to be scared

Stepping up to the challenges we face doesn’t mean we won’t be scared of change, or that there won’t be obstacles along the way. But in difficult times inaction is usually not an option. Burying your head in the sand usually means unpleasant decisions are just postponed. If you are trying something new, moving outside your comfort zone, you are going to feel anxious and self conscious. Learning, opportunities and new solutions will always lie outside your current safety zone and in challenging times your safety zone is no longer that safe.

3. Connect with your inner strength.

As Martin Luther King said ‘the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.’ It is at the time of crisis when our backs are to the wall that we show what we are made of. It is amazing what you can do when you have no choice but to take action. Think about times in the past when you achieved something you put your mind to, or when you overcame challenges and persevered to achieve the tasks at hand. What qualities do you tap into when you are being the best of yourself?

4. Give away what you want.

If you are looking to feel more positive, more confident, more focused, help others to feel more positive and confident. When times are tough we can sink into the habit of ‘poor me.’ This might get us attention or sympathy but it usually doesn’t move us forward. How can you contribute to the lives of others either through your work or personal life? How can you serve your customers better? How can you add more value?

5. Get support

Share your concerns and proposed actions with others who have your best interests at heart. Rarely do we achieve much in isolation. Who do you know that you could have a new conversation with? Who inspires you and what can you learn from them? If you are looking to earn more, it usually means having to learn more. Learning starts by asking new questions of ourselves and others.

This ‘great recession’ as it is being labelled is non-discriminatory. Public or private sector, blue or white collar worker, everyone is impacted. Because we did not actively contribute to the current difficulties it is easy to see ourselves as victims. Unfortunately sometimes we behave like victims.
The only real choice we have is to swim, often against a strong tide. We have to look to the future and prepare for the time when the recession ends, because all recessions do end. There is no point in clinging to the past; we move forward by taking action today which in turn shapes our future tomorrow.

1. When it comes to time management, be ruthless with time, but always gracious with people.

2. Put in time to save time. Spending ten minutes sorting out paperwork or planning the week ahead, is time well spent.

3. Do big/ complex tasks first. Do the things that require maximum brain capacity or energy when you are at your best.

4. Fix deadlines and timebox activities. Work will fill a vacuum. If you say you will do a task over an afternoon, it will take you the whole afternoon. Time box it to 90 minutes and you will be more focused and productive.

5. Don’t postpone unpleasant matters. Unpleasant tasks will not go away and the longer you ignore them, the more serious they will become. Often the best time to tackle them is first thing in the morning, so you don’t spend the rest of the day worrying about them!

6. Know your outcome. Think through each task before you start it. What do you want to achieve by doing it. It will only take a few seconds but it will increase your focus tenfold.

7. Develop a good filing system. Don’t waste time trying to find that phone number or piece of paper. Develop a filing system (tangible and on-line) so you can access information quickly.

8. Collect all your ideas in one place. As the saying goes ‘ink it, don’t think it’. If you write something down, you don’t have to use up energy trying to remember to phone someone or do something.

9. Measure your progress. Keep an action list of all your tasks and tick each one off as you complete them. It will give you a sense of achievement and keep you motivated.

10. When returning some phone calls, particularly if you just have a brief message to relay, consider going straight to the other person’s voicemail. This is easily done when phoning a mobile number; just insert the digit 5 after the 087 or 087.
11. When on hold. When listening to the message ‘your call is important to us, please continue to hold,’ have something else that you can be doing whilst you are waiting.

12. Use you commute to catch up on phone calls (but only if you have a hands free set in the car!)

13. Analyse your interruptions and take steps to diminish their effects. In a study carried out by the University of California business people were on average interrupted once every 11 minutes and again on average it took them 25 minutes to return to the task at hand.

14. Practice saying “no”, but always trying to maintain a positive relationship with the other person. Acknowledge that by saying ‘no’ to something or someone, you are really saying ‘yes’ to your own priorities.

15. Take short regular breaks. No matter how interesting the task or how motivated we are, a break every 90 minutes will keep you fresh.

16. Celebrate your achievements. Reward yourself when you have completed an unpleasant task.

17. Don’t check emails first thing in the morning. Wait 30 minutes and get one item clear from your ‘to do’ list.

18. Time Management is not only about self management, but it is also about energy management. The more energised you are the more productive and effective you will be. What do you need to do to keep your energy levels high?

19. Learn to use small bits of time. Often it is not the large chunks of time that will make the difference. For example, if you are waiting in reception to meet a client, could you clear an item from your to do list by making a call rather than reading a magazine. Leave meetings as soon as they are over, rather than standing around chatting!

20. Priorities. The word priority mean ‘’the most important’ so strictly speaking you cannot have more than one priority. Get in the habit of asking yourself, at this moment in time, what is the most important thing I could be doing? What is my priority? Try this for a week and it will dramatically increase your effectiveness and productivity.

If you have a favourite time management tip, why not add it to the comments below?

Initially I spoke with Nick about his book ‘Resisting The Soul,’ then using an adaptation of the famous Proust Questionnaire, I endeavoured to discover more about him as a person and his inspirations.
I learned a lot from speaking with Nick and I think you will too.

Nick, your most recent book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading, is ‘Resisting The Soul.’ Knowing that the topic of inspiration is one close to your heart and the subject of some of your earlier work, let me start by asking you what inspired you to write ‘Resisting The Soul?’

Over the years, I’ve come to realise, both personally and professionally, that inspiration has an evil twin. When we move close to our higher purpose, our calling and projects that are more meaningful or inspired, we tend to distract ourselves, procrastinate, get busy and generally not follow through. I have come to call this dynamic resistance. I see resistance as our ego’s response to the magnificent and creative impulse of our soul. Its not a character defect, we all do it, it’s just part of the software of being human.

I can identify with that for sure. So, what’s the central theme of ‘Resisting The Soul’ and who should read it?

Having battled with my own resistance and having helped thousands of other people through theirs, I have come to understand its workings. So the central themes of the book are illuminating, understanding and knowing how to beat this force of resistance. The book is for anyone who knows their life could have greater meaning, who knows what they are inspired to do but don’t follow through, who know they could be happier and more successful. Anyone who knows they have a bigger game to play but aren’t playing it. That’s pretty much all of us!

I love the sense of spirituality that runs through your writing. One of my insights from reading ‘Resisting The Soul’ was recognising the distinction between the work that is done by me and the work done through me. Can you expand on this?

So many artists – whatever their canvass of expression – speak of a flow, of things coming into existence in this world through them. I believe each of us is a portal in time, a link between the eternal and the time-bound realms. Ultimately I think we are all instruments, here to bring into existence what doesn’t yet exist. We all have a pipeline to the divine. I like the idea of spiritual electricity, and we can all plug into it. Resistance is the ego’s response to that flow – and resistance wants to block that so that it stays in charge. The best place to get to is letting your creative heart lead the way and your personality can serve your inspiration. I do believe we need the potent marriage of heart and head to be successful, when they work together, we can create masterpieces.

What have you learned yourself about ‘resisting your soul,’ as a result of writing this book?

One of my biggest resistances to writing this book was a voice in me that said, “This stuff isn’t universal – it’s just you being neurotic! Write about it and people will laugh at you and will think you are stupid!” Even in the two months this book has been out I have been touched by the feedback from readers about how universal resistance is and how many amazing things people have gone on to do as a result of reading it. So I have learned that resistance tells lies again and again! Writing the book has brought to an end a chapter of my own resistance. I have learned that each of us has the power within us to beat our resistance too. That gives me so much hope. I do believe that as we all learn to beat our resistance, the world is being transformed.

You have now written 7 books. How do you feel your work has developed over the years?

I think I have continued along the same themes of: awakening to who we truly are and remembering our calling. I have taken certain areas of that terrain and expanded them along the way as my understanding has grown and evolved. I like to think that I have deepened and broadened my understanding – or maybe I am just repeating myself!

I know many people reading this interview will feel they have a book inside them or have a message they want to communicate, what is your advice to them?

Write, write, write! Honour the impulse and just write regularly. Your resistance will shriek, but keep writing anyway. I am a great advocate of Julia Cameron’s tool of writing morning pages that she advocates in her book The Artists Way. I write three pages of long-hand every day. No-one is ever meant to read these pages, but they help free you up to write. Secondly, write authentically. Believe that there is a place for your authentic voice in the world, and that people need to hear your ideas. You don’t have to be original, you do need to be authentic, and then your authenticity makes you unique and original. Often the market for what we want to do or say doesn’t exist but we create the market as we show up and share ourselves and our message. Also, seek to serve and contribute, rather than get caught up in our self-absorption about what people may think of us.

As a writer myself I’m always curious about how other authors approach the work and craft of writing. Can you share with us how you write? Do you have a routine? Do you plan the structure of the book in advance or does it develop organically? And of course do you have a strategy for overcoming your own resistance as a writer?

I find that certain topics come into my consciousness through a combination of inspiration and conversation. When that feeling becomes strong I know it is something to write about. So I begin to put some structure in place about what the book could be about. I also find that writing the “cover blurb” early on is powerful. When I have the 200 words that will appear on the cover, I feel I really know what the book is about and that really inspires me to continue writing it. Then, I know what I am writing and it all becomes more real and exciting. I don’t particularly have a routine or a discipline. When I know I have something to write, I see it more as a devotion, and I can’t not write. I think the big lesson I have learned as I mature is to make myself accountable – to other people and to myself. I no longer take much pseudo-pleasure in coming up with 27 fabulous excuses why I haven’t done things and justifying my resistance. I take far greater genuine pleasure today in the completion and delivery of my creative projects. I have become positively addicted, not to drama and excuses, but to execution, to delivery, to contribution and showing up. Playing small and not showing up cause me greater suffering.

Are there more books in the pipeline? With many of my readers based in Ireland, do you have any plans to return here in 2012?

Currently I have no travel plans. My calling and focus at present is building community in London – it can be damn lonely at times and I am creating a place for meeting like minded souls on a regular basis. I have several ideas incubating at present but I’m not sure whether it’s one book or several. The subjects are: what does it mean to be spiritually intelligent? How you create a brand around your particular brilliance? I am also creating a little on-line programme sharing how I have got myself writing and used writing to evolve my work and business called The Book You Were Born To Write.

Nick, here are some questions I think you will find interesting. My aim is to ask everyone I interview the same questions. Ready?

Go for it.

What’s your most cherished possession?

Probably my smart phone I am embarrassed to admit

What are you currently reading (or learning)?

The Artists Way by Julia Cameron (again) and A Course in Miracles (again)

What’s your idea of happiness?

Loving myself and others, and on a good day, just being alive

Who or what inspires you?

Love, generosity and authenticity in anyone inspires me

What character trait do you most admire?

The courage to be authentic and fully human

If you could send some advice back in time to your twenty-year-old self, what wisdom would you share?

You are loved so much more than you realise

If you had a motto what would it be?

Listen to my heart’s wisdom, not just the world’s shrieking voices

Nick, it’s been fantastic speaking with you, thank you for sharing your wisdom.

Nick Williams serves a worldwide community of spiritually intelligent entrepreneurs who are unifying their work and their love, and have their work and business be inspiring and meaningful. He is the author of seven books including the best selling The Work We Were Born To Do and is co-founder of www.inspired-entrepreneur.com

I’ve come to realise that before a company can start the work of boosting staff morale and motivation it has to cease the behaviours that are de-motivating staff in the first place.

Uncivil Behaviour

I’m frequently amazed how people will tolerate rude behaviour at work when then wouldn’t for a moment tolerate it outside of work. Naive managers don’t realise that just as customers volunteer to do business with your company, staff volunteer the qualities they display at work. Staff may feel they have to turn up for work to earn a living, but who they are at work, the attitude they display, is optional.
In recent research 50% of employees surveyed who had experienced uncivil behaviour at work said they intentionally decreased their effort levels as a result. Two-thirds of those surveyed admitted they spend a lot of time avoiding the offender and a similar number admitted their performance declined as a consequence of their treatment.
So what constitutes uncivil behaviour? Shouting, making threats, demeaning comments, rebuking or giving negative feedback in front of others and ignoring colleagues are all examples of uncivil behaviour (and very poor people management skills.)
Company culture is contagious, so if uncivil behaviour is tolerated at management levels, staff will see that this behaviour is acceptable and will replicate it.
In a recent Mercer study of 30,000 employees in 17 countries people where asked what factors motivated them at work. Top of the list was “being treated with respect.” In essence, it is respect that is damaged by uncivil behaviour. Without respect what hope is there for positive morale and motivation?

Avoidance of Reality

Effective leadership is a balance between realism and optimism. Staff become disillusioned when they feel management are ‘not living in the real world,’ are too focused on the future and are not dealing with the issues and challenges they are facing in the present.
When I hear comments from staff like ‘management are too removed’ ‘they don’t know what it is like to do my job’ or ‘they haven’t a clue about what I have to deal with’ it doesn’t matter what lofty plans exist for the future, staff have other pressing issues to cope with in the present and future strategy will seem just like pie in the sky to them.
Falling into this ‘lack of realism’ category is beautifully worded but intangible mission and vision statements. Unless mission statements, vision statements and company values are translated for staff in a tangible and practical way, they remain meaningless concepts that no one remembers because they are irrelevant to their experience of what it is like to work in the organisation.

Allowing a Communication Vacuum

It is rare that I will work with an organisation where lack of communication or poor communication is not an issue. Staff want to be kept informed and unfortunately when there isn’t frequent and proactive communication in an organisation gossip will fill the vacuum and gossip is never positive.
Managers often ask me what should I do if there is no news to communicate. My answer is always the same. From staff’s perspective the cliché that ‘no news is good news’ doesn’t apply. From their perspective it is ‘no news is the worst news.’ So even if there isn’t new information to communicate, share that fact.
In these challenging times what people crave is certainty and even if there isn’t certainty about future business, salaries or bonuses, staff need to feel certain that their manager appreciates them, knows their concerns and is keeping them informed. Staff want to feel part of something meaningful and it is only through regular communication which really means conversations, that this will happen.

So what’s required to reverse the behaviours that de-motivate staff?

Self-awareness is the first step. You have to be aware of your current behaviour and in particular the impact you have on the people around you. Secondly, many managers have little understanding of the basics of human psychology which underpins all effective communication and motivation strategies. If this is an area of weakness, up-skilling is required. Lastly, mangers must always remember that their success is dependent on the people they manage, and simply put this means having people management issues and staff well-being at the top of their agendas.