Attempts to increase productivity by multi-tasking, working longer hours, and remaining constantly tied to technology often backfires. The harder we work to get more done, the more likely we’ll feel frustrated by our lack of attention span and reduced performance. The solution to decreased productivity isn’t that we should try to work even longer hours. Instead, we can take steps to work smarter instead of harder and we’ll get the same job done in less time.
Working smarter is something that we all strive to achieve and most top inspirational sites and blogs have covered it in one way or another – here is a compilation of the best ideas for working smarter, not harder.
Limit
your to-do list
One way to do this is by choosing 1–3 most
important tasks. These are the big, tough tasks for your day that you really
need to get done - The ones that will keep you in the office past finishing
time or working after dinner if you don’t get through them. The rest of your
to-do list can be filled up with minor tasks that you’d like to do, so long as
you’ve prioritized 1–3 most important tasks. Make sure you work on these before
you move on to anything minor and you’ll probably find you feel a whole lot
more productive at the end of the day.
Make
a “to don’t” list.
Prepare a list that contains all the things you
shouldn’t waste your time on – useless tasks, unnecessary meetings, worthless
phone calls, and so on. Then place it next to your “to do” list – and stick to
it
Guard
your calendar.
Make sure your time is focused on your one or two
top priorities. Ask yourself: “Is this how I want to be spending my time right
now?” Remember: you are your calendar. So treat your calendar with
respect.
Never
say up front that you can beat a deadline.
Just turn your work in early and look like a
hero. Related advice (which is ancient but unassailable): Under-promise,
over-deliver.
Work
in chunks.
Instead of sitting down to complete an entire
project, sit down to accomplish one goal element or work for a certain number
of hours. Forcing yourself to complete the entirety of a project or complex
task will stress you out and make you less productive. Instead, allow yourself
to work in shorter “bursts” to keep your mind fresh and reduce your
anxiety. That way, you can work to the very best of your ability.
Prioritize
your work
80 percent of your accomplishments come from
20 percent of your efforts. So think strategically: What 20 percent of your
work is the most valuable—to you and to your employer? Once you’ve identified
it, try to focus the lion’s share of your time and energy in that
direction. Learn to say no to nonresidential demands. And don’t
waste time perfecting every interoffice memo when you could spend the time
more profitably on something else.
Schedule
Concentration Time
Block out some time every day when you
can’t be disturbed except in an emergency. Use that time to get the most
important tasks of the day done. If someone stops by your desk and asks for a
moment of your time, you can honestly and
politely reply, “No,
I’m in the middle of
something right now, and I can’t
give you my full attention.”
Close the door to your office if you can.
Be
Social at Work
Chitchat can be very important because it builds
relationships and helps you stay plugged in to the office grapevine. Share
a joke, anecdote or personal story while standing at the photocopier or waiting
for a meeting to start. Schedule a coffee break with an office buddy. Also
consider helping organize the company sales’ drive and annual activities.
Establish
a closing ritual.
Know when to stop working. Try to end each work
day the same way, too. Straighten up your desk. Back up your computer. Make a
list of what you need to do tomorrow.
It does seem strange, but slowing down can
actually speed up your productivity. Be more in the moment, but make sure to
rest when you need it and you’ll certainly find that your productive time is
even more productive.
At RG Group of Companies Ltd, we believe in
working smarter, not harder and wish you the best in achieving that goal.
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