Mainebiz

V O L . X X I X N O. V I I I A P R I L 1 7 , 2 0 2 3 8 B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S N E W S F RO M A RO U N D T H E S TAT E Thomas College in Waterville announced a partnership with MEMIC, a workers' compensation insurer in Portland, to extend gradu- ate education to all its employees. The University of Maine at Augusta received approval as a NAADAC Approved Educational Provider for the Graduate Certificate in Sub- stance Use Disorders program. Aca- demic programs with this approval are assured that the continuing edu- cation and academic credits provided will be accepted by many of the indi- vidual state licensing and certification bodies in the substance use treat- ment field and other helping profes- sions and towards licensure with the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals. Western Foothills Land Trust in Nor- way acquired three forested parcels protecting 100 acres in the Sebago Lake Watershed, located near the Crooked River in the towns of Otis- field and Norway. The acquisitions will A S K AC E A n s w e r e d b y D o n n a B r a s s a r d , S t r a t e g i e s + The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a non-profit association of independent consultants who value "Success through Collaboration." The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com. Q: I need to jumpstart my business, but I need a tested guide that shows me how to accomplish a do-over without losing work-life balance. What can you recommend? ACE advises: I recommend Stephen Covey's classic, "7 Habits of HIghly Effective People." I take it out every few years to remind me of how to be more effective at work and home. I use "7 Habits" when training new managers. I have also found that the habits help me manage my personal relationships. The seven habits are common sense, expressed in ways that help you internalize their significance, and implement them in daily life. Covey tells us to be proactive, put first things first, but begin with the end in mind. "Beginning with the end in mind" is a framework for prioritizing time and resources. Managers prioritize their own time, their employees' time and the com- pany's time. New managers are easily distracted by "squeaky wheels," which seem urgent but are not necessarily important. This "white noise" prevents them from focusing on priorities that will move the company forward — even as the busy work gives them a sense of accomplishment. New managers must develop the habit of prioritizing what is important and allocat- ing resources accordingly. Covey tells us to develop a habit of trying to understand before expect- ing to be understood. Managers can- not manage diverse personalities with a one-size-fits all management style. Incorporating standards of cooperation and synergy into per- sonal interactions elicits an employ- ee's best performance. Finally, Covey wants us to adopt a balanced approach to life and work. This was my biggest take-away from the book, and my greatest challenge. No one is effective when they are overworked and burned out. Self-care and lifetime learning preserve our strength for work and home. Covey took the guilt and constant battle of work vs. home life away for me. It's useful to reread the book to remind us of its common- sense advice. Share it with co-workers and family. It can stimulate great conversations and learning opportunities. Donna Brassard, an ACE member and former publisher of Mainebiz, is owner of Strategies+, a business consulting firm that helps businesses maximize their potential. Learn more at strategiesplus.biz, and you can reach Donna at db55me@gmail.com Register for ACE's May 19, online program, "Intentional leadership: How to consciously create your vision for the future." consultexpertise.com/event-5228064 @ N O T E W O R T H Y C E N T R A L & W E S T E R N C E N T R A L & W E S T E R N

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