One of my favorite blogs each year is my report on Waves of Kindness, a partnership in our community to help non-profits. Each year I volunteer Productivity Coaching to different non-profit organizations. Some organizations will tell me of the transformations they experienced. Here is the experience from New Pathways for Youth. New Pathways for Youth provides after school programs and mentoring to children in need. These children experience cycles of poverty, homelessness, violence and substance abuse, convincing generations of youth that there is no alternative to what they see around them. New Pathways for Youth helps stop these cycles and close opportunity gaps that reshape children’s lives. Here’s what New Pathways for Youth gained from productivity and organizing sessions.
New Pathways for Youth received productivity and organization coaching from Margo Crawford with Wave Productivity. She transformed our office and our workflow! Margo provided 1:1 coaching to several members of our staff and organized all of our storage spaces. Margo’s counsel and coaching has impacted every level of our organization, from how we communicate with each other to our interoffice email protocols to how we maximize the space in our offices. The greatest challenge that Margo tackled was our attic space. As a nonprofit, the attic had become a catch-all for everything and anything we did not know what to do with. When Margo began working in the attic, there was absolutely no room to walk. Now staff can walk in and pull the supplies they need!
One of the most powerful characteristics of Margo and her work is that she is a keen observer and knows how to ask the key questions. Those questions and observations help her to identify one’s blocks to productivity. She doesn’t just treat the symptoms of disorganization; she finds a cure to one’s productivity challenges! Margo’s work is intentional, inspirational, impactful, and intensive!
“When I entered into a new position at work, I had no idea how to organize my work flow. I realized I was disorganized, flustered, and could not figure out how to prioritize all of the tasks and goals I had in order to do my job. Margo came in and made simple adjustments that increased my productivity and even my own desire to be around my desk. She asked me questions and helped me to create ways to organize myself based on how I am as a person. I’m thankful that she was able to help me and more importantly, help New Pathways for Youth.” – Katie
“When I first started working with Margo, I didn’t know what to expect. I thought I was organized and didn’t need a whole lot of coaching. However, what I didn’t realize is the depth of coaching Margo provides and how it came at the perfect time in my life. I was starting a new job and quickly realized that my previous way of doing things was not going to suit my new position. Thanks to Margo, I have been able to develop a new system for organization that allows me to be more productive and has helped me gain greater balance between my personal and professional life. Thank you Margo!” – Marlo
“Margo supported me in managing how the Center’s major traffic areas are up kept, this major project was definitely not something I looked forward to as we would be tackling a majorly flawed system. During our sessions everything came out, but not everything was to go back in! This mind set provided by Margo along with her support really benefited how we organized our Center, everything had to serve a purpose, be easily accessible, and be labeled. Now we have a designated office supply closet, organized electronics storage, and a clean kitchen to help make our staff’s day a lot easier. Moving forward with this mind set helps how the center looks during events, with visitors, and our daily programs.” – Jorge
“Margo has brought efficiency and effectiveness to our team through her organization and productivity coaching. Our team is more clearly focused on priorities and staff manages their day and individual work space to be contributors to the goals. Margo has helped me create boundaries with an overtaxed schedule. I have a more realistic view of my effectiveness by having time for meetings, workflow, and emerging issues. Most importantly, I see Margo’s impact on our team. She has truly developed and evolved us in not only becoming more effective but a much healthier and happier workforce.” – Christy
“Margo has been very instrumental in helping me overcome personal obstacles that have prevented me from professional organization and workflow. Margo was very observant in recognizing some of my inefficient workflow strategies and helped guide me toward more effective and helpful ways of organizing and planning. Her professional background allows Margo to be a kind and supportive coach and encourage while being honest in delivering critical feedback. Anybody would be lucky to have the opportunity to work with Margo!” – Richie
“Margo completely redefined the way I set up my work space and work day. When we first started working together my goal was to have a cleared off desk and empty to do list at the end of each day. Through her sensitive and sensible approach, I learned a new way of managing my paperwork and my email so I that could be more intentional and productive in my day. Now, my desk is cleared off, my to do list is empty, and my email inbox is empty each day. Margo is a miracle worker!” – Mary Beth
If you would like to volunteer to be a mentor with New Pathways for Youth, please contact [email protected]. For more information check their website. https://www.npfy.org/get-involved/mentor/
Margo Crawford is a Productivity Coach and Professional Organizer with Wave Productivity. She works with entrepreneurs, small business owners and business professionals to help them get more focused, organized and productive in their workplace. She coaches nationally by phone and in person in Phoenix, Providence and Boston. If you want to get more organized in your office call 602-677-8275 or email [email protected].