Gary's Story In one of our coaching sessions, Gary told me he wanted to expand his social circle yet didn't have time because he worked from 7.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. most days. He said he'd been doing this for years and that it was 'the norm' in his profession.

As I continued to question him about why it was standard procedure to work these ridiculous hours, he realised that those colleagues who succumbed to this belief were all very unhappy individuals. Most of them were divorced just like he was and had no-one to go home to. They used work as a way to avoid loneliness.

Gary was divorced because he didn't pay attention to his relationships. He would arrive home at 7.30 p.m. most nights and his wife wouldn't bother communicating with him. She was busy looking after their two young boys and meeting their needs. At that time of night his wife was putting kids to bed.

Gary would read them a story if they hadn't already fallen asleep.

He was missing out on everything that was important to him.

Unfortunately Gary didn't wake up to himself in time and got caught up with being 'Mr. Important' at work. He paid a heavy price with divorce which followed.

Bringing Up Kids In his book "Raising Boys", Stephen Biddulph categorically states: If you routinely work a fifty five or sixty hour week, including travel times, you just won't cut it as a dad.

He says: Your sons will have problems in life and it will be down to you.

The Final Word If you seriously want to make changes to your life, then take action now. If it's too hard to do by yourself, get a coach. If you've been a workaholic it can take awhile to break your old habits and to instill new behaviours. After all you've got everything to gain by working less and everything to lose by continuing way you are.

Lorraine Pirihi, principal of The Office Organiser is Australia's Personal Productivity Specialist. She is also a Business and Life Coach.

Take action today! Contact Lorraine to discuss how she can help you on (613) 9532 5497 or email lorraine@office-organiser.com.au

Whether that's true or not, doesn't matter because that's perception I got about company.

What Image Do You and Your People Portray?

Image is very important. We judge people on way they look and behave. Do you dress appropriately for your role? Do your people?

Is image you portray professional? Does it instill confidence, trust, reliability?

Image is not just about physical aspect of a person. The environment you work and live in also says a lot about you. So does vehicle you drive.

For instance a cluttered environment gives impression of chaos, disorganisation and sloppiness. Whereby a clean and tidy area portrays harmony and control. Terrific Timesaving Products Have you visited our online product catalogue? CLICK HERE

Pack 1 For any one who seriously wants to get organised - The Getting Organised Program

Only $99!

[ORDER ONLINE]

Pack 2 Small Business Program Ideal for all business owners. Only $225!

[ORDER ONLINE]

Points to Ponder

Do you and your people dress appropriately?

How is telephone answered? Whoever answers telephone can create a positive or negative impression to caller.

Is your environment clean and uncluttered or does it look like an earthquake zone? Take stock of outside areas. Are they clean and inviting?

Your signage. Sandwich boards, banners, car and shop signs are part of your image.

Your car - is it clean on outside and inside?

Your home - is it clean and tidy on inside and outside?

The Final Word So take stock today. Look at yourself first. If you're a manager, business owner or team leader assess your own people and environment and see what can be improved, then take action.

You only get one chance to make a great first impression. And it's that encounter which can make difference between you gaining business or losing it.

Lorraine Pirihi, principal of The Office Organiser is Australia's Personal Productivity Specialist. She is also a Business and Life Coach.

Take action today! Contact Lorraine to discuss how she can help you on (613) 9532 5497 or email lorraine@office-organiser.com.au