You’ve probably experienced “information overload” on time management advice. Forget the others. Here are the most important strategies...

• Only have two top projects at a time. Focus on completing those. When you are bored or blocked with one, move over to the other. Once one is completed, replace it with another project but never have more than two projects on your Intense Focus list. Those who “multi-task” tend to “never- complete.”

All lawyer jokes aside, some of the nicest people we know are employment attorneys. Savvy managers, however, know that employment defense attorneys and managers can run into communication barriers. Consider these tips...

• Take a detailed chronology of events with you to the lawyer’s office. Preparing it will help to clarify your own thoughts and having a clear outline of who did what, when, where and why can save the attorney’s time and your money.

Not all management books are equal and some are downright dangerous. Here are a few of the best.

Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge by Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus. (New York: Harper & Row, 1985). One of the best books on leadership. A fascinating read.

Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the Box by The Arbinger Institute. (San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, Inc., 2002). This book contains valuable information for people who have fallen into a cycle of blame.

Wooden On Leadership by John Wooden and Steve Jamison. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2005). Ignore the fact that John Wooden was one of the most successful basketball coaches in history. Drawing as far back as his days before coaching at UCLA, Wooden explores his theories on leadership and life. It is an extraordinary book by an extraordinary person.

The OFCCP has been busy issuing both proposed and final regulations that affect employers with government contracts:

• The OFCCP has published long-anticipated final regulations defining an internet applicant. The new rules are effective February 6, 2006 and have many ramifications for federal contractors.
  
  
• On January 20, 2006, the OFCCP announced its intention to eliminate the Equal Opportunity Survey, the super-charged report on a federal contractor’s workforce and personnel activity. While this action is not yet final, we don’t expect any additional Surveys to be sent out.
  
  
• The OFCCP has also proposed regulations to implement the changes to veterans affirmative action requirements that were made by the 2002 Jobs for Veterans Act.

If you want fast and customized advice on some pressing management topics, here’s a handy way to get it...

Michael Wade will be conducting a Management Solutions Briefing on February 9 in Phoenix at Heritage Square. This information-filled session is two hours in length. In order to maximize personal attention, the session will be limited to 12 people. Participants can bring their questions on managing difficult people, motivation, communication, leadership and time management and receive tailored solutions. The cost is $105 per person. For additional information or to register, contact Erica Johnson at (602) 788-1717 or via email at Erica@sandersandwade.com.

Sanders & Wade is growing...

Louis Rodarte, a former HR manager with Verizon Wireless and Qwest, has joined our firm as a management consultant. Lou is working primarily on EEO/Affirmative Action projects and has lots of experience in AAP implementation and diversity management. Erica Johnson is our new Consulting and Training Coordinator and guru of all things technical. We are happy to have Lou and Erica on board. We have also created an alliance with José Franco (The EEO Doctor) and are pleased to be able to tap into his experience and expertise.