Aftermarket Insider Issue 68 - (Page 11)

dOWntiMe at WOrK We often dream of having downtime at work. But when we actually get it, we don’t know what to do with it. This is the perfect time to complete the tasks you’ve put off, such as organizing your office space, or to pick up some new skills, like signing up for a seminar or workshop that will help move your career forward. Although a little downtime now and again is unavoidable in most workplaces, use that time to get ahead, personally or professionally, and it will soon become a valuable part of your workday. toolbox INSIDER volUME 68 Get the Most From Your Downtime All year, we battle to create time. But what happens when our workloads dwindle? Too often, we use that time to Internet surf, grab long lunches or gab with our peers. There’s nothing wrong with slowing the pace at times, but downtime is more than looking busy and slipping out early. It is a time to reflect, plan and position yourself to get ahead. To get the most from the slow times, consider the following: status quo. It saves us from questioning our assumptions and effectiveness. Challenge this and rewrite the rules. Use your downtime to evaluate, test and implement solutions. Don’t forget the big picture. Think about emerging social and management trends (and the undercurrents driving them). How can you apply them to your operations, product development and branding? Focus on areas that can make your organization measurably more efficient and competitive. Imagine As children, we were warned about daydreaming. Our elders feared we’d miss something. In reality, the dreamers are the ones who create lasting change and set themselves apart. Become that dreamer. Look at your day-to-day routine. What takes up your time, produces bottlenecks and redundancies, and stymies your morale, objectives and growth? Too often, we simply accept the Grow Professionally In business, you adapt or starve. Your career is no different. Look at downtime as a chance to invest in yourself. For example, enroll in your company’s training programs, whether they’re live, online or in audio sessions. Identify books or magazines that will deepen your perspective, creativity and motivation. Attend a course or seminar to continued on page 12 AFTERMARKET INSIDER | VOLUME 68 | 11

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aftermarket Insider Issue 68

Aftermarket Insider Issue 68
Contents
President’s Message
The Automotive Aftermarket’s Green Story
Consumer Alert: FTC Responds to Warranty Misinformation
Government Affairs
Industry News
Member Profile
Toolbox: Downtime at Work
Toolbox
International Focus
Industry News
Technology Update
Market Intelligence

Aftermarket Insider Issue 68