Core Identities and Metrics

I have been thinking about how our client’s core identities and metrics are important in our professional discussions and understanding of client patterns and types. Knowing what some of the basic client components are, will in turn be useful in seeking solutions or strategies.

Core Identities

Our clients will fit in what I like to call Core Identities.¹

Sex, Age, Marital Status, Domicile, Clutter Hoarding Scale, Relevant Life Stages, Medical Status. Pets, Other Interested parties

Here is the “why” of the utilization:

Sex – Communication styles usually vary depending on the preferred sex or gender of the client.

Age – Contact methods may differ depending on technological understanding and preferences. More senior clients may be less able to bend, stretch and lift. They may have visual or hearing concerns. Sensory decline increases clutter.

Marital Status – This helps you to consider legal rights of property items within a dwelling. Does your client have the right to dispose of the spouse’s or domestic partners possessions in the mist of a divorce or separation?

Clutter Hoarding Scale² – This is useful in discussing environmental situations and concerns.

Domicile – This is best described by utilizing the amount of rooms, square footage, levels of a home, type of household. Example – 2,000 square foot, one story, 3 bed, 2 bath home with fenced back yard with one shed and attached garage. It may help to think about a real estate listing for describing the dwelling. You can also consider which of the Seven Types of Households³you are to be working in.

Relevant Life Stage(s) – The Life Stage Scale⁴ is a useful tool in determining where a person is in terms of possession acquisition and disposal.

Medical Status – Knowing any current medical or mental health issues affecting the client or client’s household members will be useful in selecting communication and organizing techniques. Note – this is for more experienced professional organizers who have been receiving education and training through the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, ICD.⁵

Pets – Household pets require “living/sleeping spaces”, food storage and equipment. Understanding this component is part of the project is useful. It also helps to know if the household pet quantity exceeds code local code enforcement requirements.

Other Interested Parties – This might include local code enforcement, a conservator, adult child of an elderly/senior adult residing outside of the dwelling.

Facts about your clients at the onset and through the progression of work will help you develop and utilize the best strategies and techniques

Terry Prince, CPO-CD

Metrics

The definition of metrics – metrics are a means of measurements, or the result of something obtained by this.⁶

Sometimes portions of your client’s core identity will change. This change is likely to have some effect on your work process, style and the client’s backsliding. Examples of this are: adding a family member or pet to the home, remodeling to add an extra bedroom or bathroom, an adult could suddenly become under the care of an adult child or move into an assisted living complex. Emerging or changing medical conditions will also affect your work.

I will discuss more on Metrics in a blog post later this year. Be sure to check back for some interesting reading.

Having these facts about your clients at the onset and through the progression of work will help you develop and utilize the best strategies and techniques.

1. First used in ICD Case Study Discussion February 2010 developed by Terry Prince, CPO-CD
2. The ICD Clutter Hoarding Scale co-developed by Terry Prince in 2004
3. Seven Types of Residential Households developed by Terry Prince 2010. See Slide Share Presentation page 4 for more specific information on seven types of households.
4. Life Stage Scale 2010 by Terry Prince, CPO-CD
5. The Institute for Challenging Disorganization ICD
6. Oxford Languages Dictionary on Google” Metrics” definition online retrieved on 3/23/2023

Backsliding – Why we all need to understand this concept!

by terrysthinking August 8, 2022

Maybe – Five is all we Can Handle

by terrysthinking July 10, 2022

Get Your Daily Structure Set for 2021

by terrysthinking December 30, 2020

Client Management Strategies, Communication, Communication Strategies, Knowledge, Organizing, Productivity, Techniques, Terms, Thinking

The Hospital Visit Scale

Dear Readers:

Because of my many  trips to the hospital to visit family member or other loved ones,  I started to think about my variety of stress levels I experienced upon making an entry  or upon departing the hospital. One (1 ) being least stressful of visits, five (5) being most. My perspective is from being the primary caregiver of the hospitalized patient. General visitors are likely to be less stressed, except when they have first time entry into specialized units such as Burn Centers, Cancer Units, Pediatric NIC units.

 

I created The Hospital Visit Scale by Terry Prince 2016© to help visualize this.

 

 

 

I am calling myself a Covert Hidden Hero. Covert because end stage caretakers of military disabled veterans are not necessarily the ones at the onset of a military disability.  From 2002 to 2013,  I served as my father’s primary caregiver. My father was a WWII veteran who lost his leg at age 20  (as well as hearing ability in one ear) in military service in 1944 from a V2Rocket while in Belgium.  He was British and in the RAF and deemed 80 percent disabled but was able to live a full life (marrying, pursuing a career in aerospace engineering, having 3 children, sailing and motorcycling). However in his late 70’s  his medical care became much more complex when his meniscus in his only “real” leg tore and he had to have surgery. In his later years he had stage 4 kidney disease with dialysis for 2 years (likely caused by high use of over- the- counter pain medication for his osteoarthritis in his remaining leg and normal use of prescription medicine when he had phantom pains in his missing leg), neuropathy, steroid induced type II diabetes and heart issues. My father in his last 4 years of life had an annual average of 2 major hospital visits (all exceeding 1 week), with follow on transitional care in rehabilitation facilities and follow on skilled nursing either in home or in a facility.  He had at least 12 doctors or specialist services  (primary PPO Doctor, Cardiologist, Neurologist, Nephrologist(kidney)  Pulmonary, Orthopedist, eye doctor, audiologist, dermatologist, US Veteran System Primary Doctor, Sleep Apnea Specialist, Wound Care Clinician, Anticoagulation Clinic)  as well as many revolving hospitalists each time he was hospitalized.  

Having experienced hospitalization exceeding 10 months of a loved one in many ways, in many different times and hospital settings, I feel confident that this scale reflects most of the instances of hospitalization. But I am open to suggestions, any thoughts out there?

 

 

The Three Losses in Five Years Syndrome

Over the past 10 years, I have come across a subset of individuals who begin a sudden onset of chronic disorganization. These are individuals who are serving as family caretakers who have experienced at least three significant losses in their life over the span of 5 years. This subset has usually served as primary caretaker for either parent(s), spouse or sibling(s). Many of them also serve as the executor of one or more of these estates. Many of these individuals seem to take about 7 to 12 years after the final loss to come to terms with this in their life.

What I would like to see is a more active approach to treating this, more on the onset prevention than as an after effect treatment.

It would be beneficial to have physicians and their staffs work to identify caretakers who are already at two losses in five years, and encourage them to get additional support through grief counseling, caretaker support group participation and for those financially able, consider the services of a skilled professional organizer. A skilled professional organizer can do wonders to help the “primary caretaker client ” in terms of time management, goal setting, project planning and management. Many professional organizers can help establish bill paying and document management systems to handle the growing paperwork that complex and long-term medical conditions usually entail as well as documents for estates probate. A professional organizer can help the client simplify his or her life and environment as well as serve as a body double for difficult and often procrastinated tasks.

While a professional organizers services are not inexpensive, they are a valuable tool that may help the primary caretaker live a more vibrant and fulfilling life while and after experiencing heavy losses in their life.

The Three Losses in 5 Years are primarily death losses. For some, however, one of those losses can be the loss of a pet, divorce or significant job loss.

I believe more research and education is needed in this area. Let’s hope that this syndrome can be more clearly understood and helpful strategies for success developed and promoted to the general public.

 

This is a best of post

Humor and Productivity

Sometimes you just need to laugh. Laughter is, after all, the best medicine. Medical experts have found laughter stimulates blood flow, reduces stress and can actually lower your blood pressure.

Over the years I have become aware that my life is just better if I don’t take myself too seriously. Our clients also benefit from our humor. It uplifts their spirits and has a beneficial effect making them more productive.

While looking at humor I realized there are at least 3 ways in our organizing businesses we deal with humor; first humor with self, then with clients, and finally, with our colleagues.

Humor with Self

Sometimes as organizers, coaches and consultants we tend to think of ourselves as needing to perfectly embody the heart and soul of our profession. I think we all have our foibles and areas of disorganization. My specialty is a compulsion to collect and maintain an extensive lipstick collection. The other day I had 12, a few months ago while on a 2-night vacation I tallied 17.

Now most of you that have actually seen me in person may realize my lipstick is not always apparent. How can this be? I am, unfortunately, not yet skilled at continuous and productive lipstick application. I might need a course in this.

In my office I have a series of humorous organizing cards I have collected over the years. One features a woman with a cluttered desk, 2 pair of glasses on her head and lots of interesting “stuff”. The inside of the card says, “Just as soon as I get organized.” Having this in my office makes me smile and is especially helpful now that I have transitioned to reading glasses. Put up some fun stuff in your office to provide some comic relief.

Humor with Clients

Using humor with your clients can bring a touch of levity on a tough subject, or a break from the monotony or stress of a situation. A well placed humorous remark can bring a much-needed smile and defuse a moment of anxiety. Clients, like employees, work better in a happy state rather than a depressed one.

It actually helps to admit a few (note – I say few not all!) of your areas of disorganization to your clients. This allows your clients to realize that you, the expert, are not perfect and have your areas of shortcomings. This helps to diffuse judgment later on when you end up being five minutes late or temporarily mislay a document.

Take some time to laugh with your clients and colleagues and finally start laughing at yourself. You will find that you create a more productive and enjoyable environment.

 

This is a revised best of post – you might also enjoy: 

Routine Reflections

 

 

Time for Kudos

Kudos means a praising remark. We all like to be appreciated and acknowledged for our work or contributions. Let’s spend some time exploring kudos.

Why Give Kudos

There are a few reasons to give kudos. First, we all like to be acknowledged and appreciated. Second, appreciating someone’s work or efforts can sometimes be the catalyst to develop or deepen a new or existing personal or work relationship. Third, kudos are sometimes the sustaining embers in people’s lives.

How to Give Kudos

Kudos can be verbal or written. Kudos can be physically given as in a handwritten note, card or with a small token gift. Kudos can also be given via an email or on a blog posting can be made from time to time.

Receiving Kudos

It is nice to receive kudos. Kudos can be put up on a bulletin board or display shelf. Verbal kudos can be transformed to penned lines and inserted into an appreciation journal.

Appreciating the Giver of the Kudos

It is polite to acknowledge the sender for their sentiments or gifts, either by verbalizing your appreciation or by sending an acknowledging note.

Making Kudos Part of Your Routine

Take time to routinely reflect and send appropriate kudos to those around you. Kudos giving can be a nice break in a full or busy week. Kudos giving makes us look outside of ourselves, which can be helpful when we are too inward thinking.

Who can you give kudos to in your life?

Make Time for Kudos

Kudos means a praising remark.  We all like to be appreciated and acknowledged for our work or contributions.  Let’s spend some time exploring kudos.

Why Give Kudos

There are a few reasons to give kudos. First, we all like to be acknowledged and appreciated. Second, appreciating someone’s work or efforts can sometimes be the catalyst to develop or deepen a new or existing personal or work relationship. Third, kudos are sometimes the sustaining embers in people’s lives.

How to Give Kudos

Kudos can be verbal or written. Kudos  can be physically given as in a handwritten note, card or with a small token gift.  Kudos can also be given via an email or on a blog posting can be made from time to time.

Receiving Kudos

It is nice to receive kudos. Kudos can be put up on a bulletin board or display shelf. Verbal kudos can be transformed to penned lines and  inserted into an appreciation journal.

Appreciating the Giver of the  Kudos

It is polite to acknowledge the sender for their sentiments or gifts, either by verbalizing your appreciation or by sending an acknowledging note.

Making Kudos Part of Your Routine

Take time to routinely reflect and send appropriate kudos to those around you. Kudos giving can be a nice break in a full or busy week.  Kudos giving makes us look outside of ourselves, which can be helpful when we are too inward thinking.

Who can you give kudos to in your life?

Rushing – All in Your Mind?

Last week I covered the physical reasons for rushing – now I want to cover the other causes of rushing a project or activity, along with some preventive strategies.

We tend to start rushing if we find we were spending too much time in our “head”  concentrating on something else and need to catch up. The key here is to first acknowledge that you have been unavailable and then secondly work out a schedule to complete your task safety and productively.

The second reason for rushing can also be caused by allowing ourselves to  follow the pace of others. This can be dangerous and have less effective results. Again the key is to first acknowledge that you are “doing this”. You might identify the “doing of this” by observing your talking speed or your walking pace. If you find yourself speeding up your voice pace or copying the walking or movement pace of your client or co-worker you have likely caught their rushing bug. After observing and identifying your case of rushing, it is time to take a deep breath and physically slow your pace down. A short five-minute water break might be in order to help you go back to the more normal calmer state of your being. Your client will likely be able to use the break to slow themselves down.

Rushing is a way to create problems for yourself, your company or client. By being aware and understanding how rushing can affect you or your client,  you can consciously work to avoid it. This will allow you to create a more productive,  safer and calmer working relationship and working environment.

Link to earlier Stop Rushing post.

This is a best of post from 2010.

Screen Free Days

Have you thought about how it would be to have a “screen free day”. Since I have become the proud owner of an IPhone,  I am finding this harder to do. I can even reduce myself to playing solitaire. There is always something fun and interesting to check out besides phone messages and texts. Now there is potential email, Words with Friends and when in a networked area, the whole world wide web to explore. We are becoming screen sucked (excuse my language but that is a word used by experts these days). Screen Sucked was introduced in the 2007 book CrazyBusy by Edward Halloway. Screens are pulling the life out of us.  Halloway says – Held by a mysterious force, a person can sit long after the work has been done or the show he wanted to watch is over, absently glommed on to the screen, not especially enjoying what he is doing but not able to disconnect and turn off the machine.

What have you been doing to prevent excessive hours of screen time?

I have found using the timer apps (available on IPhones and smartphones) can help one be more aware of potential time breaks.  I have been attempting to avoid morning screens. Now I have gone back to reading an actual newspaper or non fiction book in paper format. This helps me start my day in clearer form.

I’d love to hear more suggestions.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Quiet: The Power of Introverts  by Susan Cain is an insightful read. At the onset of this book, the author theorizes that a shift has occurred in our western culture from one that rewards introversion and introspection to our current “culture of personality” that shapes our current negative outlook on introverts.

Some of the areas covered in this book include the biology of personality traits, a perception on Asian cultural difference, (which in my opinion could cover some European cultures as well in terms of politeness and taking up people’s valuable time), and how to love and how to work best within your introvert/extrovert style.

I definitely think professional organizers and life coaches might want to take in part 4 (How to Love, How to Work) of this book to think about how this applies not only to them but to their clients. The concept of individuals developing “Restorative Niches”, attributed to Professor Brian Little, is briefly explored. The idea being that it is a place where you go to return to your real self. This can be a physical place or a temporal one such as a break or buffer between appointments. This is to me an important part of helping a client improve their self-care. Defining and knowing this as an important part of one’s being is critical for optimum success.  Space design from an introverts prospective is another useful concept and applicable to professional organizers and specifically, productivity coaches, in their work. Finally, an interesting exploration of “Flow” is briefly discussed and some works of Mihlay Csikszentmihalyi are referenced. Cain suggests introverts should seek to use their “gifts” and stay true to their own nature.

I would have liked to see more exploration and comparisons on the intricacies of introverts/extroverts. Perhaps a chart or two to clearly point out the distinctions by the various theorists presented (Jung, Myers Briggs, “Big 5”). In addition, I would have also liked to learn more about ambivert ( a combination of both) which after reading this book I am beginning to believe fits me best.

My one other nagging thought about this book, is on early group work, especially as it pertains to creative writing. While this book nay-says the value of group work in creative writing for introverts, which is obvious and makes sense to me, I think more research work needs to be done in delving into those who “think” in their head or those who like to “speak it out” in order to process their thoughts and ideas. I know for myself I was a poor writer until I learned to “talk it out” in my head. Facilitated work with a teacher (not an untrained group of student as some classwork is now designed) might have helped improve my writing skills at an earlier age, and actually improved my intellectual thinking skills.

The author’s TED talk made in Long Beach, California in March of 2012 is an interesting overview of some portions of her book plus gives a few takeaways on making three final points. 1) Stop expecting group work to work for all – don’t disparage the introverts and work to let extroverts experience working solo   2)  Go experience the wilderness – unplug! and she is not meaning just go out into nature. I think she means the wilderness of free time and space to think internally.  3) Introverts be willing to share what is inside.

I hope Ms. Cain will expound upon her work and explore this subject in a broader fashion, helping extroverts understand introverts and introverts understand extroverts.

So if you are introverted read the book, or if you are extroverted watch the TED Talk, let me know what you think.

Six Thinking Hats – Perhaps Seven!

Have you ever thought about thinking styles? The book Six Thinking Hats may be a good read to get you started in understanding your own style as well as how you participate in a group. Beyond this, it is a wonderful definitive way to add thinking dimension to group work.

Six Thinking Hats was written by Edward De Bono in 1985 and revised in 1999.

De Bono’s concept of hats and specific focused thinking styles is very helpful when brainstorming or approaching something difficult or new. This book and concept is great for the classroom and the boardroom.

Hats can be used singly to request a type of thinking or they can be used in a sequence to explore a subject or solve a problem.

• White Hat Thinking: Facts, Truths and Philosophers
• Red Hat Thinking: Emotions and Feelings
• Black Hat Thinking: Careful and Cautious
• Yellow Hat Thinking: Speculative and Positive
• Green Hat Thinking: Creative, Lateral thinking, Alternatives
• Blue Hat Thinking: Control

Let me put forth a Seventh Hat – The Orange Hat. This would be the Zig Zag Hat that performs all other hat functions. It’s purpose is to create some creative chaos and perhaps spark a new direction or strengthen a quiet hat’s viewpoint or soften a noisy hat’s enthusiasm. The Orange Hat is energy and chaos. The Orange Hat participates only in the middle of the planned conversations and group work. The Orange Hat would have limited time and interruption parameters and can be overridden by The Blue Hat.

For those of you that have read the book, let me know what you think about it as well as my proposed “Orange Hat”. If you haven’t read this book, I highly suggest you add it to your reading list.

This is a best of post from 2009.