Everyone works but not everybody is productive
with their time at work. How we plan and spend our time at work will determine
if we’re going to be successful or not. Busy-ness looks good on the paper but
it doesn’t necessarily deliver the desired results.
How then can we have top notch
productivity at work? What can we do to have our own job satisfaction as well
as add value to the organization we work for? Let me give you seven ideas that
will increase your productivity.
1. Have a daily ‘To Do List.’ Like everything
else in life, if we fail to plan, we plan to fail. Having a list helps us
direct our time according to the priorities of the day. Don’t try to pack your
schedule with activities. Instead, plan your day/week by certain categories.
Depending on your profession and job description, some of the common categories
can be communication, follow up, sales call, service, meetings and so on. A
list and designated time will help you to be focused on the task for the day.
2. Eliminate distraction. Attend to
your most important duty first. Many things will come up during the day but
stay focused on finishing one job at a time. My own strength is to be with
people but I’m also easily distracted by people. At times I’ve to force myself
to finish office work before I can be with people again.
3. Schedule passive tasks for the afternoon.
Email, internet, social media, correspondence are important activities but they
usually do not increase our productivity. Moreover, a negative email earlier
during the day can easily offset your mood for the day. Attack your top
priorities in the first hours of the day.
4. Meet in person or use phone to
connect with people. Nothing is more personal than a face to face meeting. What
you can achieve in one personal meeting can equate to ten impersonal communications.
Use the phone generously. Your voice is your signature. Smile during the conversation
on the phone. People on the other side can “hear” your smile and will be more
at ease to assist you.
5. Reach out to your co-workers. When
a colleague shows stress or a sign of distress, be available for that person. When
you attend to others in spite of your busy schedule, you add value to them. You’ll
be amazed what they will do for you in your time of need!
6. Take short breaks. Research shows that
our brain uses up more glucose than any other physical activity. This is why taking
break every 60-90 minute interval will increase your productivity drastically. Get
up from your desk, eat a snack, go for a walk – do something completely different
to give your brain a rest and you’ll come back performing better.
7. Involve God at your job. You’re not
operating at your highest potential until you engage God at your work place. Say
a quick prayer before you make that deal. Ask for wisdom when you’re stuck with
a problem. Honor God and have integrity. When you partner with God, you invite
His favor and He’ll cause your work to prosper.
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest
on us; establish the work of our hands for us” (Psalm 90:17 NIV).
No comments:
Post a Comment