Our banter may start with two sisters, but it’s getting families, friends, and even classrooms talking.
| You’d think by now I’d have learned. I know that once upon a time, when my life was simpler, my “To Do” lists were easier to keep under control. Not to mention they were much “prettier”. I had a basic system for keeping things organized and, although nothing close to your extremely organized lists, it fit my needs. But after my “crisis”, my lists seemed to multiply, especially as the girls got older and we got busier with Red & Black. And before you say anything, yes, you’ve definitely helped me a lot over the years, but my lists have gotten out of control again! Now I’m overwhelmed not only by the number of tasks but because everything seems to be high priority. |
| Are you finished? First thing is to stop thinking you can have perfect “To Do” lists. Second, as I have told you countless times over the years, is that you have the process backward … you are too focused on making lists versus deciding what you need to do and then creating lists. Imagine you are starting with a “clean slate” or blank piece of paper. Identify your overall goals or objectives, then list what tasks are required, starting with the most important ones. Make sure the tasks are specific and feasible. And, do not clutter the list with things that take only a few minutes or little effort. Do not overcomplicate this process. Especially as lists are supposed to help you — not overwhelm you. |
THE CONVERSATION STARTERS
- Do "To Do" lists help you accomplish things or hurt your productivity?
- Do you currently use "To Do" Lists? If not, why not?
- If you use (or have used) "To Do" lists ... What worked well? What didn't work?
Sometimes, the hardest part of a meaningful conversation is simply getting started ...
| I love that people told us they were using our sisterly banter to start conversations with family, friends, coworkers, and even in classrooms. But I had to laugh when you then decided to create an assortment of CONVERSATION STARTERS. |
| | It seemed logical to me. Begin with us looking at a real-life topic and providing our very different (to put it mildly) perspectives. Then, provide a few questions to help continue the conversation, consider other viewpoints, and perhaps learn something new. About the topic and one another. |
| The best part is that there are no “right” or “wrong” answers. You may not agree, but you can still listen, be polite, and respect differing viewpoints and opinions. The point is to … |
Red assets.rebelmouse.io Stop, think, listen, and talk.
Red & Black Conversation Starters … Pick a topic. Read the banter. Choose a question that interests you. Or create your own. The questions are simply there to get the conversation started — where it goes from there is up to you.
P.S. – Readers are telling us that our weekly newsletters are getting them thinking, talking, and even laughing. But don’t take our word for it, sign up at the bottom of this page and see for yourself!
Our banter may start with two sisters, but it’s getting families, friends, and even classrooms talking.
| When I first heard the term "digital literacy," I wasn't exactly sure what it meant, but I'll admit that I feel like a dinosaur when it comes to technology, and usually turn to my daughters for help. I don't know if it's just generational, but I'm intimidated by my computer, and although I can do the basics, any time things go "wrong", I default into panic mode, followed by feeling lost and frustrated. And the thought of buying a new computer? Well, it gives me a headache — not only the cost but especially learning how to use it. And if I lose internet service, I feel disconnected from the world. (I guess that can sometimes be a good thing.) Then there's my cell phone, and I admit that smartphones often make me feel stupid. I remember when phones were landlines, and cordless was a big deal. Now I'm walking around with a small computer that also makes phone calls and takes photos. I've learned how to text, load some simple apps, and even how to set the alarm clock, but that's about it. |
| I know us "older" people think younger people are technology-savvy, but many are merely technology-dependent, which is very different. Technology is much more than access and setup. Being able to use computers, smartphones, and the internet covers a wide range of "basics" (such as emails and other communication tools, web browsers, and search engines), and there are specific computer skills that improve our productivity (such as word processing and spreadsheets). Plus, you often need web conferencing skills (like Zoom or other audio and video applications) to interview for a job. But, that is only the beginning. Since we live in a digital world, we need the skills to find and analyze information, and also make sure it is accurate and credible. (What is that adage, "Garbage in — garbage out"?) However, it is not only finding the right information, it is then knowing what to do with it. Including what and how to share. |
assets.rebelmouse.io 
Black assets.rebelmouse.io THE CONVERSATION STARTERS
- How would you describe digital literacy? What skills do you think are necessary to manage daily life? To be successful in the workplace?
- Why does using technology correctly seem so daunting?
- What do you think is the best way to learn about technology and become digitally literate?
- How do you decide whether online information is accurate and credible?
P.S. – You might be interested in this animated video on Research & Analytical Skills we did as part of a soft skills series for The Greater Houston Partnership's UpSkill Houston initiative.