Being active doesn’t necessarily mean that you have been productive. At work, the metric that makes the difference is “growth”. Every leader starts off with the vision to grow the organisation. But that is easier said than done. More often than not , rather than focussing on the core activity that will ensure results, their time & energy is expended in putting out fires in different facets of their businesses. As a result of which the time that was originally set aside to perform productive activities, shrinks. The challenge therefore is in having to do a lot more in less time. A leader must be smart about how they spend their time and energy to drive growth for their businesses.
“We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in.” – Arianna Huffington
Another pattern that unknowingly yet surely sets in when one is dragged into this melee, is that many managers appraise themselves on the number of hours that was spent at work, even if the results were not achieved. Keeping “busy” at work then becomes the focus, and the end result gets clouded.
Here are some simple tips to stop ourselves from falling prey to this pattern of “busy”ness
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- The good old diary :
We could write down the activities that need to be accomplished for the day. All the while asking ourselves, the relevance of this activity to our stated goals. One must begin by classifying them into urgent, important and others. Always stop as many times as you can, during the day to check on the progress being made in these areas.
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- Preparation is as important as action :
Anticipate chaos. Anticipate that unscheduled meetings are bound to come up. One of the most important steps of being productive is being as well prepared as possible. Knowing what to expect and how to carry out the task already puts you in a favourable position. Developing a solid plan can help save leaders a lot of time and effort by helping them avoid any foreseeable mistakes or complications that may arise along the way.
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- The devil is in the delegation :
“When we tell people to do their jobs, we get workers. When we trust people to get the job done, we get leaders” – Simon Sinek.
A common shortfall noticed amongst many under performing leaders is that they don’t delegate their tasks well. A good leader must focus on their strengths and trust their teams to deliver the tasks assigned. Evaluating your team and charging the most capable person/s with important tasks takes a lot of the pressure off and helps you perform more important activities while also developing your team.
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- The eye of the bird
Multitasking is overrated. It’s a sure shot way to drain your energy. This has a negative effect because you will go through the day just being a participant. Instead, focus solely on the most important task at hand and try to complete it as soon as possible because as the clock ticks, the energy to contribute effectively will wane.
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- Take a break :
This is as important as any other item on your schedule for the day. As counter productive as it may seem, taking a short break between tasks is great as it not only helps leaders refresh and reset, but also provides the much needed space for their reportees to carry out their work without the pressure of having their leader breathing down their neck constantly.
Organisations across the world work with business coaches to boost the productivity of their teams. A business coach can help leaders be more productive and drive growth within their organisations. Working with a business coach can give leaders an edge by helping them develop a personalised framework to be more productive with their time. Coaches work with leaders to help analyse and understand priorities and how best to spend their finite time and energy towards achieving their goals. A coach questions your decisions in order to help you think more clearly before making the right decisions.
Take this survey to find out if and how business coaching can help your organisation : Development Coaching Assessment
Sree Ma’am,
You are always superb. The message what you shared is really helpful to all of us. You are the best coach I have heard. Everything which is said is a take away for each one of us. Thank you soo much
Fantastic write up which if implemented will produce leaders.
Brilliant inputs Sree
Most of the organisations need guidance from time to time on how to be productive from a seasoned coach who will function as an external guide and unbiased observer. This is because organisations tend to become lethargic over time. These sessions will bring it back in track.
Very true Sree, every leader to know strengths of the team to get maximum productive.
Thanks for being one!!!
Very well written and articulated points, Sreedevi! Extending your observations, it is the ideal state of “performing team”, which is about building trust, setting goals and having members taking ownership to “get it done” and “get it done together”. Great observation of ‘productivity’ – everyday, people start with a plan and yet so many tasks come up unplanned; and it takes up ‘all the time’ making the person busy firefighting. Not all of them are defined priority, not all of them are business aligned. To a large extent in the tech world sprints and scrum teams has improved the cause.
Good one Sree very nice
Good one Sree leaders need to move first to build such culture rest will follow
Good one Ma’am, as always you articulated it in so simple way.
Thanks for your guidance and will look forward for more such blog from you.
Regards
Good one Ma’am
A crisp article with the message being as clear as can be …Reminds me of the way you have thought us lessons throughout.
Things we have learnt from you will now reach a larger audience.
Continue to inspire Sree!!
Sree…you are one among those who walk the talk !! So kudos to u, The points are so crisp and of paramount importance.Loved the point of delegation and trusting ur team to deliver ..Thats what makes a true leader like the one u are ..congrats on ur 1st blog and yes waiting for many more…….
Well written, Kudos ! Many more to come. Very professionally captured.
As usual, to the point and drives it well.. The doable suggestions with the added ” Why ” takes the cake
Dear Mam,
Well written points on productivity. This definitely helps in self satisfaction at work. I personally follow few points. Especially the take a break one. I keep the phone on the desk and take two rounds outside of the building breathing fresh air. It helps.
As usual so crisp and to the point ..Will definitely help people like me to grow in their career with these tips .. specially the one” the devil is in the delegation” I am definitely gonna follow that n I am sure anyone who follows ur mantras religiously will go places
Hai Sree
Read twice to understand the whole. Nicely narrated. Superb.
Amazing article! Thanks for sharing.
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