Simplify, simplify, simplify - Customers Crave Simplification.

Customers Crave Simplification.

In the Internet era, a certain amount of complexity was assumed and tolerated.  For example, people were willing to spend hours and even days learning an application like Excel or Word.

In the smart phone era, customers assume everything should be as intuitive as a tap-and-go app.  They expect even the most complex concepts and decisions reduced something that's easily grasped and easily acted upon.

What this means to you: Simplify, simplify, simplify. Even if (especially if!) your product does something complicated, make it simple to grasp, simple to buy, simple to get, simple to support, and simple to upgrade.  Then make it even simpler.

Thought I would like to share this piece of information.  Intuitively, it really helps me plan my daily schedule.

If you have interesting piece of information that you would like us to share, please send us an email at fortunebagsampler@gmail.com

Fortune Bag Sampler.

 Check out Fortune Bag Sampler Gadget Store for more and latest deals and finds available.
Free Shipping.  

http://fortunebagsampler.blogspot.ca/p/gadgets.html

Just pay for the transaction fee and tracking number.

"+-POWER" External 12000mAh Power Bank Charger w/ 4-LED Indicator Lights / Flashlight - Silver

"+-POWER" External 12000mAh Power Bank Charger w/ 4-LED Indicator Lights / Flashlight - Silver

 

 

     

SKU: 224410

 

Brand +-POWER
Quantity 1 Piece
Color Silver
Material Aluminum alloy
Compatible Models iPhone / Samsung / Nokia / Android cell phones
Battery Type Li-ion
Battery Voltage 5 V
Capacity 12000mAh
Charge Power Input 5V / 1A
Output 5V / 2A
Other Features With LED flashlight & 4-LED indicator lights; Great for travel use
Certification CE
Packing List 1 x Emergency power charger
1 x USB adapter cable (32cm)
1 x USB cable (52cm)
4 x Adapters (Nokia DC 2.0, Micro USB, Mini USB & iPhone4 /4S)

 

Dimensions: 4.80 in x 2.80 in x 0.83 in (12.2 cm x 7.1 cm x 2.1 cm)
Weight: 10.58 oz (300 g)

 

Price:  $56.98 CAD

 

Shipping Included

Ship to Canada Only.

 

        
Free Shipping. 
Price includes shipping.

 

Dispatch:
----------- 

 

Ships within 7-10 business days

 

Terms and Conditions (Must Read):
===================================

 

 

 

Shipping:
-------------

 

1. Please check your shipping address carefully before checkout, it can't be changed if order completed.
2. Orders placed on weekend will be shipped within 7 days.
3. Please allow 3 to 5 business days to process.
4. Please allow 8 to 10 business days to delivery (after we process the order). Delivery time varies and is estimated based on Canada Post and USPS delivery standard.
5. Package will be sent as regular parcel via a logistic company with the most affordable rate to the nearest Canada Post Station and will then be delivered by Canada Post.
6. Ship to Canada Only.

 

 

 

Payment:
-------------

 

1. e-interact payment (email electronic transfer) is the only method of payment which Fortune Bag Sampler accepts.   e-interac payment should be sent to a designated email only.  Please contact for details.

 

 

 

Returns:
------------

 

Due to the Expensive Shipping fees and nature of the products, No

 

Returns or Exchange can be accepted.

 

Contact us:
-------------

 

1. We offer a wide variety of bath and body products as well as small tools, all our products are either handcrafted in Vancouver, Canada or chosen from various reputable manufacturers, and are also tested before ship for quality assurance purposes.
2. You will get good quality, low price and great service. You will get what you need here. We take every efforts to offer Five Stars Service to our customers.
3. Work Time: Monday to Saturday. If you have any questions,

 

please send us an email or call us by phone.

 

Phone (Voice Mail): 1-778-776-9103

Email:  fortunebagsampler@gmail.com

====================
All Sales Final.
====================

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:
-----------------------------

 

How long it will take to process my order?

 

Your order goes through several steps before reaching your door.

 

(The estimated delivery time is quoted by carrier, it may few days

 

delay during rush season. e.g. Christmas, New Year etc.). Here are

 

those steps:

 

Step 1 (1-5 business days): Products are collected from our suppliers.
Step 2 (1-2 days): Order waits to get packaged.
Step 3 (1 day): Order is packaged and shipped to carrier.
Step 4 (3-14 days): Order is enroute.

 

Estimated Delivery Time:
---------------------------

 

Free Shipping Airmail: 10 to 21 days.

 

Paid Shipping: 7 to 14 days. (We only offer Paid Shipping at the

 

Customers' request. Customer is responsible for the shipping fee.)

 

 

 

Phone (Voice Mail): 1-778-776-9103

 

 

 

Unique Simulation Dummy Canon Zoom Lens Thermos Mug Cup (300ml)

Unique Simulation Dummy Canon Zoom Lens Thermos Mug Cup (300ml)

 

SKU: 51995

 

Price:  $ 24.54 CAD Shipping Included

 

 

Is this item a Cannon zoom lens? Both "yes" and "no". It looks amazingly the same with a real Canon Zoom Lens. However it is actually a cup for tea/coffee/milk/etc. What a fabulous design. When you enjoy your drink with a Cannon zoom lens, you'll be the center of attention. 1:1 scale, the same with real zoom lens in the appearance. Can be used as a cup or a decoration at home, in office or in tour.Also a great gift for friend

 

- Unique dummy Canon zoom lens designed
- Materials: durable non-toxic plastic + stainless steel thermos cup
- Capacity: 300ml
- No internal electronic working parts
- Great for gift or personal collection

 

Dimensions: 5.91 in x 3.23 in x 3.23 in (15.0 cm x 8.2 cm x 8.2 cm)
Weight: 9.17 oz (260 g)

 

        

 

Free Shipping. 
Price includes shipping.

 

Dispatch:
----------- 

 

Ships within 7-10 business days

 

Terms and Conditions (Must Read):
===================================

 

 

 

Shipping:
-------------

 

1. Please check your shipping address carefully before checkout, it can't be changed if order completed.
2. Orders placed on weekend will be shipped within 7 days.
3. Please allow 3 to 5 business days to process.
4. Please allow 8 to 10 business days to delivery (after we process the order). Delivery time varies and is estimated based on Canada Post and USPS delivery standard.
5. Package will be sent as regular parcel via a logistic company with the most affordable rate to the nearest Canada Post Station and will then be delivered by Canada Post.
6. Ship to Canada Only.

 

 

 

Payment:
-------------

 

1. e-interact payment (email electronic transfer) is the only method of payment which Fortune Bag Sampler accepts.   e-interac payment should be sent to a designated email only.  Please contact for details.

 

 

 

Returns:
------------

 

Due to the Expensive Shipping fees and nature of the products, No

 

Returns or Exchange can be accepted.

 

Contact us:
-------------

 

1. We offer a wide variety of bath and body products as well as small tools, all our products are either handcrafted in Vancouver, Canada or chosen from various reputable manufacturers, and are also tested before ship for quality assurance purposes.
2. You will get good quality, low price and great service. You will get what you need here. We take every efforts to offer Five Stars Service to our customers.
3. Work Time: Monday to Saturday. If you have any questions,

 

please send us an email or call us by phone.

 

Phone (Voice Mail): 1-778-776-9103

Email:  fortunebagsampler@gmail.com

 

====================
All Sales Final.
====================

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:
-----------------------------

 

How long it will take to process my order?

 

Your order goes through several steps before reaching your door.

 

(The estimated delivery time is quoted by carrier, it may few days

 

delay during rush season. e.g. Christmas, New Year etc.). Here are

 

those steps:

 

Step 1 (1-5 business days): Products are collected from our suppliers.
Step 2 (1-2 days): Order waits to get packaged.
Step 3 (1 day): Order is packaged and shipped to carrier.
Step 4 (3-14 days): Order is enroute.

 

Estimated Delivery Time:
---------------------------

 

Free Shipping Airmail: 10 to 21 days.

 

Paid Shipping: 7 to 14 days. (We only offer Paid Shipping at the

 

Customers' request. Customer is responsible for the shipping fee.)

 

 

 

Phone (Voice Mail): 1-778-776-9103

 

 

 

 

Stylish Protective Case w/ Display Window for iPhone 5c - Yellow (Online Free Shipping)

Stylish Protective Case w/ Display Window for iPhone 5c - Yellow

 

SKU: 244554

 

Brand N/A
Quantity 1 Piece
Color Yellow
Material Plastic
Type Full Body Cases
Compatible Models iPhone 5c
Other Features Convenient display window design; Protects your device from scratches, dust and shock
Packing List 1 x Protective case

 

Dimensions: 4.92 in x 2.40 in x 0.51 in (12.5 cm x 6.1 cm x 1.3 cm)
Weight: 0.92 oz (26 g)

 

 

Price:  $16.98 CAD

Free Shipping. 
Price includes shipping.

 

Dispatch:
----------- 

 

Ships within 7-10 business days

 

Terms and Conditions (Must Read):
===================================

 

 

 

Shipping:
-------------

 

1. Please check your shipping address carefully before checkout, it can't be changed if order completed.
2. Orders placed on weekend will be shipped within 7 days.
3. Please allow 3 to 5 business days to process.
4. Please allow 8 to 10 business days to delivery (after we process the order). Delivery time varies and is estimated based on Canada Post and USPS delivery standard.
5. Package will be sent as regular parcel via a logistic company with the most affordable rate to the nearest Canada Post Station and will then be delivered by Canada Post.
6. Ship to Canada Only.

 

 

 

Payment:
-------------

 

1. e-interact payment (email electronic transfer) is the only method of payment which Fortune Bag Sampler accepts.   e-interac payment should be sent to a designated email only.  Please contact for details.

 

 

 

Returns:
------------

 

Due to the Expensive Shipping fees and nature of the products, No

 

Returns or Exchange can be accepted.

 

Contact us:
-------------

 

1. We offer a wide variety of bath and body products as well as small tools, all our products are either handcrafted in Vancouver, Canada or chosen from various reputable manufacturers, and are also tested before ship for quality assurance purposes.
2. You will get good quality, low price and great service. You will get what you need here. We take every efforts to offer Five Stars Service to our customers.
3. Work Time: Monday to Saturday. If you have any questions,

 

please send us an email or call us by phone.

 

Phone (Voice Mail): 1-778-776-9103

 

====================
All Sales Final.
====================

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:
-----------------------------

 

How long it will take to process my order?

 

Your order goes through several steps before reaching your door.

 

(The estimated delivery time is quoted by carrier, it may few days

 

delay during rush season. e.g. Christmas, New Year etc.). Here are

 

those steps:

 

Step 1 (1-5 business days): Products are collected from our suppliers.
Step 2 (1-2 days): Order waits to get packaged.
Step 3 (1 day): Order is packaged and shipped to carrier.
Step 4 (3-14 days): Order is enroute.

 

Estimated Delivery Time:
---------------------------

 

Free Shipping Airmail: 10 to 21 days.

 

Paid Shipping: 7 to 14 days. (We only offer Paid Shipping at the

 

Customers' request. Customer is responsible for the shipping fee.)

 

 

 

Phone (Voice Mail): 1-778-776-9103

 

 

 

Stylish Protective Case w/ Display Window for iPhone 5c - Blue (Online Free Shipping)

Stylish Protective Case w/ Display Window for iPhone 5c - Blue

 

SKU: 244559

 

Brand N/A
Quantity 1 Piece
Color Blue
Material Plastic
Type Full Body Cases
Compatible Models iPhone 5c
Other Features Convenient display window design; Protects your device from scratches, dust and shock
Packing List 1 x Protective case

 

Dimensions: 4.92 in x 2.40 in x 0.51 in (12.5 cm x 6.1 cm x 1.3 cm)
Weight: 0.92 oz (26 g)

Online Free Shipping

 

    

Free Shipping. 
Price includes shipping.

 

Dispatch:
----------- 

 

Ships within 7-10 business days

 

Terms and Conditions (Must Read):
===================================

 

 

 

Shipping:
-------------

 

1. Please check your shipping address carefully before checkout, it can't be changed if order completed.
2. Orders placed on weekend will be shipped within 7 days.
3. Please allow 3 to 5 business days to process.
4. Please allow 8 to 10 business days to delivery (after we process the order). Delivery time varies and is estimated based on Canada Post and USPS delivery standard.
5. Package will be sent as regular parcel via a logistic company with the most affordable rate to the nearest Canada Post Station and will then be delivered by Canada Post.
6. Ship to Canada Only.

 

 

 

Payment:
-------------

 

1. e-interact payment (email electronic transfer) is the only method of payment which Fortune Bag Sampler accepts.   e-interac payment should be sent to a designated email only.  Please contact for details.

 

 

 

Returns:
------------

 

Due to the Expensive Shipping fees and nature of the products, No

 

Returns or Exchange can be accepted.

 

Contact us:
-------------

 

1. We offer a wide variety of bath and body products as well as small tools, all our products are either handcrafted in Vancouver, Canada or chosen from various reputable manufacturers, and are also tested before ship for quality assurance purposes.
2. You will get good quality, low price and great service. You will get what you need here. We take every efforts to offer Five Stars Service to our customers.
3. Work Time: Monday to Saturday. If you have any questions,

 

please send us an email or call us by phone.

 

Phone (Voice Mail): 1-778-776-9103

 

====================
All Sales Final.
====================

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions:
-----------------------------

 

How long it will take to process my order?

 

Your order goes through several steps before reaching your door.

 

(The estimated delivery time is quoted by carrier, it may few days

 

delay during rush season. e.g. Christmas, New Year etc.). Here are

 

those steps:

 

Step 1 (1-5 business days): Products are collected from our suppliers.
Step 2 (1-2 days): Order waits to get packaged.
Step 3 (1 day): Order is packaged and shipped to carrier.
Step 4 (3-14 days): Order is enroute.

 

Estimated Delivery Time:
---------------------------

 

Free Shipping Airmail: 10 to 21 days.

 

Paid Shipping: 7 to 14 days. (We only offer Paid Shipping at the

 

Customers' request. Customer is responsible for the shipping fee.)

 

 

 

Phone (Voice Mail): 1-778-776-9103

 

 

Free Starbucks Coffee Tasting (3 days Only) Canada Only. Celebration of National Coffee Day on September 29

In celebration of National Coffee Day on September 29, we are hosting a coffee tasting for three days in our stores across Canada. We will be featuring Canada's very own True North Blend and two brand new coffees available for the first time in Canada. A flavourful world of coffee awaits you. 


 

 
September 25:  Starbucks True North Blend

September 26:  Ethiopia

September 27:  Starbucks Thanksgiving Blend


 
 Come join us in celebrating our collective passion for coffee.*

*Limited space available. At participating stores from 2-3pm on 9/25 through 9/27.

If you know great deals and would like to share with us, please send us email at fortunebagsampler@gmail.com

 

Free QuickOffice for Android, IOS, and Ipad (plus 10GB extra Google Drive Storage new accounts only)

 

Free QuickOffice for Android, IOS, and Ipad (plus 10GB extra Google Drive Storage new accounts only)

Because some of us like getting work done on the road without having to bust out a laptop, Google has made Quickoffice for iOS and Androiddevices a free download. What was once a premium paid app is now free for anyone which we certainly won't complain about. With Quickoffice, you'll be able to edit Microsoft Office documents and access them freely through your devices using Google Drive. As an added bonus, those that sign into their Google Account and download the app by September 26 will get an extra 10GB of Google Drive storage space free for two years.

• Download Quickoffice for Android
• Download Quickoffice for iOS and iPad

 

I thought I would like to share this great deal.  Good until September 26, 2013.  (3 days only)

 

Today is September 24, 2013

 

Great tools for Team Work .

 

If you find great tools and would like us to share, please email us at fortunebagsampler@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

Healthy Style: What is MRT?

Spending a Rainy Sunday at home and reading Shape Magazine.

 

I figure I need to do some indoor exercises to stay healthy.  Not just keep shape.

 

I found this piece of information interesting and this may help many of you out there to figure out how your own body works and create your own set of exercises.

 

 

 

What is MRT?

Metabolic resistance training is accomplished by performing a total-body, strength-training workout as a circuit with little to no rest between movements. This style of training is excellent at increasing excess post-exercise   oxygen consumption (EPOC), which is just a fancy way of saying that you'll burn more total calories. In fact, research shows that a very demanding MRT session can elevate EPOC for up to 38 hours after your workout is over.

 

 

Fortune Bag Sampler

 

fortunebagsampler@gmail.com

 

                   

Weekend Thoughts: Pessimists Vs. Optimists

Life isn't fair.

Everyone hears that statement from the time they're in diapers but even so, many people pretend it isn't so.  Rather than accept that simple reality, they go on and on about "equality of opportunity," "equality of outcome," and "meritocracies."

But life isn't fair.

Some people are born into rich families; some aren't.  Some people are born smart; some aren't. Some can get a great education; some can't. Some people have supportive friends and family; some don't.

Yes, life isn't fair, which is why you MUST be optimistic.

Pessimists pretend that life should be fair and then get upset when it isn't. When the unfairness of life smacks pessimists down, they tend to stay down.

Optimists know life is unfair but still try to make things better. When the unfairness of life knocks them down, optimists get back up on their feet and try again.

Think of it this way: you've been dealt whatever cards you've been dealt.  You have two choices: 1) complain that other people got better cards than you or 2) concentrate on playing the cards you got as well as you possibly can.

Optimism is the only "cure" for the unfairness of life.

 

 

8 Small Daily Changes for Weight Loss

8 Small Daily Changes for Weight Loss

 

Looking back to a year ago, I was reckless with my food and drink. When it came to exercise, I was pretty sporadic. Today I have a weight-loss routine that keeps me focused and makes healthy choices come naturally to me. I no longer have to think about it—it's just what I do. And it's all thanks to small weekly and daily changes that have transformed my world.

 

1. Wake up and drink a glass of water (sometimes with lemon). I start my day like this to stay hydrated and get my metabolism moving.

 

2. Never skip breakfast. I eat a protein-packed meal every morning.

 

3. Exercise. Some days it's a run around the neighborhood, other times it's a weight-training session, yoga class, or tennis.

 

4. Eat mindfully. Snacking all day or not paying attention to how much I was eating was harmful to my weight. Late afternoons were especially dangerous for me because when my hunger soared, my eyes would scour every shelf in the pantry or fridge looking for something to eat—healthy or not. Now I always have smart choices to nosh on: a basket of fresh fruit, baggies of sliced veggies, raw nuts, all-natural granola, and cans of chickpeas, which I coat with olive oil and spices, then throw on foil and place in the oven at 400 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. (Try it!)

 

5. Eat a veggie- and protein-packed lunch and dinner. Normally I eat a salad at lunch, but sometimes I enjoy leftovers from the night before. Whatever the case, I plan my midday meal and dinners long before I'm hungry.

 

 

6. Take 10,000 steps daily. In addition to exercise, staying active throughout my day has proven to be very beneficial for me. It's amazing how much more energy I've had since I've started aiming for my step goal.

 

7. Avoid late-night munching. I've heard that most people consume the bulk of their calories late at night, and that was me in my former life. Today I occasionally have a snack after dinner, but most of the time I just drink tea or water. I've noticed that when I do, my stomach feels lighter in the morning.

 

8. Skip sugar and alcohol. Both of these empty calorie treats were detrimental to my sleep and waistline so I said goodbye to both a couple of months ago, and now I sleep so well every night. Plus it's fun watching the number on the scale go down!

 

 

Fortune Bag Sampler

 

fortunebagsampler@gmail.com

 

 

Wednesday Takeaway: Natural Sweetener for your health benefit.

Wednesday Takeaway:

 

5 Natural Sweeteners to Add to Your Diet
by Kelsey Lay | on September 9th, 2013 |

 

Do you want to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding empty calories or chemicals to your diet?

 

If so, you may want to try natural sweeteners.

 

Natural sweeteners can help you get your sweet-fix with the bonus of added nutrition. So instead of reaching for a treat loaded with processed sugar or artificial chemicals, try one of these natural sweeteners to get a little more nutrition from your sweet treats.

 

1. Honey
Honey is a natural super food containing a multitude of beneficial vitamins and minerals. Manuka honey in particular is thought to have special antibacterial properties, which may help fight off colds and prevent gingivitis.

 

Honey is also known to help reduce anxiety, and treat indigestion. It's one of the best natural sweeteners to use in nearly any bread or pastry recipe, and its high carbohydrate content makes it a perfect post-workout snack.

 

2.  Agave Nectar
One of the more popular natural sweeteners is agave nectar, which is extracted from the cactus-like agave plant. It works well in place of sugar in beverages such as herbal tea or homemade lemonade, and can also be used as a breakfast syrup.

 

Because of its low glycemic index, agave nectar will not cause a rapid spike in your blood sugar levels. However, use with caution, as it has high levels of fructose (fruit sugar) which have been linked to increasing levels of Type 2 Diabetes, and so is best used in conjunction with other natural sweeteners.

 

3.  Coconut Sugar
Coconut sugar is made from sap extracted from the coconut tree. Its flavor is often compared to brown sugar with a hint of caramel, so it works well as a substitute for sugar in desserts.

 

Manufacturers of coconut sugar claim that the natural sweetener is a low glycemic food, and so it takes longer for the digestive system to break it down into glucose. It is also high in glutamine which is claimed to be an anti-inflammatory agent.

 

4.  Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is extracted straight from the sap of the maple tree. It contains zinc, magnesium and iron, and helps to boost the immune system. It also contains antioxidants that are reported to have anti-cancer, anti-bacterial and anti-diabetic properties.

 

Maple syrup can be used to top pancakes, sweeten oatmeal, or used as an alternative to sugar or molasses in baking. But beware, some cheaper brands add high fructose corn syrup or other sugars to the product, so it's always worth checking the label to make sure you're buying 100% pure maple syrup. Cheaper products are no better for your health than ordinary refined white sugar.

 

5.  Stevia
Stevia is one of the few pre-packaged sugar alternatives that is not chemically processed. It comes from the leaves of the Stevia plant, and is sold in powder and liquid form. Stevia tastes sweeter than sugar, so even a small amount can sweeten any dull food or snack.

 

Because stevia is a calorie-free food, it's a great alternative to natural table sugar for anyone monitoring their diet or trying to lose weight. However, be sure to avoid buying any product which has been mixed with sugar or xylitol if you want the best value for money.

 

Out of all the natural sweeteners available, Stevia is likely the best if you're watching your waistline.

 

 

8 Ways to Stay Calm in the Midst of Chaos BY KEVIN DAUM

8 Ways to Stay Calm in the Midst of Chaos BY KEVIN DAUM

When the world around you goes crazy, will you stay sane and hold things together?

Here are 8 tips for staying calm and steady in the storm.

 

1. Maintain Your Routine

 

2. Take a Break

 

3. Slow Down and Breathe

 

4. Identify and Manage Your Stress Points

 

5. Call for a Timeout

 

6.  Keep Perspective

 

7. Control What You Can Control

 

8. Smile
===================================

 

It's the nature of business to create panic and chaos. Everyone dreams of a company that runs smoothly and efficiently, but ambitious entrepreneurs, managers and salespeople can't help but push for speed. Rather than slow down on a product release or turn down a customer or two until processes are ready, decisions are made that tax resources and send teams into a frenzy.

 

Whether you are the chaos creator or just caught in the fray, the best way you can bring sanity back to your team is to be an island of stability. It's harder than it sounds when people are running and screaming with their hair on fire, so here are 8 tips for smooth sailing.

 

====================================

 

 

 

1. Maintain Your Routine

 

When things get hectic and excited, people tend to abandon what they're doing so they can try to put out fires. Certainly problem issues need to be addressed, but if you totally abandon your regular responsibilities, you'll create new problems and more chaos. Assess and prioritize issues within the context of your current workload. Communicate honestly with customers and superiors so you can manage their expectations. Better to tell the truth up front so you can accomplish most of what's needed than to let everything fall apart when no one expects it.

 

2. Take a Break

 

A craze of activity can act like a magnet pulling more people into the mix and raising the level of chaos. Don't become a bigger part of the problem by jumping into the fray. Excuse yourself for a bit so you can step outside and regain your objectivity. Even if you stay at your desk, take a mental break with a short distraction. This will let you think through solutions for settling things down. Then you can address your colleagues or employees calmly.

 

3. Slow Down and Breathe

 

There is a saying among race car drivers: slow in the cockpit equals fast on the track. When you're going too quickly, carelessness is bound to occur, making an already chaotic situation much worse. Encourage your team to slow down the pace just enough so they can be methodical and careful. Hyperventilation never helps anyone, so take a few deep breaths and relax. If everyone stays focused and steady, much more can be accomplished in less time, making everyone more comfortable.

 

4. Identify and Manage Your Stress Points

 

If all the people on the team have reached the breaking point, then the whole place is sure to blow. You can't take care of everyone else, but you can surely manage your own stress. Practice self-awareness. Know what pushes your buttons and prepare for the inevitable by monitoring your stress level. Disengage before you get past the point of no return. Be open with others about what drives up your blood pressure so they can avoid a blow up and help keep things happy.

 

5. Call for a Timeout

 

Often chaos starts unnecessarily and builds momentum because people leap into action without consideration. Soon they are racing around screaming without thinking about whether there was actually a need for panic. No matter your position, you can be the voice of reason. Call for a momentary halt to the chaos, and quickly explain that 5 minutes of contemplation and calm discussion will help everyone be better organized. Then apply necessary measures to achieve the required objectives. If words aren't enough, bring in some food, which usually gets everyone's attention. Over pizza or cookies, you can help everyone assess the situation and define clear roles and actions.

 

6.  Keep Perspective

 

Some situations spiral out of control because people only focus on the difficulty in their specific area.  In many cases, the problem doesn't impact a large portion of the business, yet a sense of urgency travels throughout the team. Take a hard look at the repercussions of the problem as it relates to the big picture. Once you assess the potential fallout, isolate the issue to only those affected people so everyone else can go about their business.

 

7. Control What You Can Control

 

When the world is in a panic, you can't afford any effort to be wasted. Most likely there are issues beyond your reach. No need to waste valuable energy on those problems. Identify and resolve the issues you can solve quickly and efficiently first, so you have more resources later to calmly confront the bigger, more difficult problems.

 

8. Smile

 

Attitude is half the battle in a chaotic situation. High-stress teams dealing in trauma and emergencies are able to maintain not only their cool but also their humanity. They don't dismiss the seriousness of the situation; they simply relax and smile in a comforting (not fake) manner. With a simple honest smile, you can put yourself and others at ease and let everyone focus on the work rather than the emotion.