Boost your work with productivity

NOVEMBER 13, 2014 BY IFE ADEDAPO 0 COMMENTS

   

 

 

There are many strategies that business owners and employees can utilise in getting the best out of their work, IFE ADEDAPO writes

In workplaces, the monthly salary is paid in return for work done and the amount of work completed reflects the employee’s productivity.

With most people spending extra hours at work in order to meet work demands, experts say productivity may start to decline in the long run. Oftentimes, work-related assignments are usually carried home, thereby competing with family time.

Research has shown that the more people work, the less effective and productive they are likely to become over both the short and long term.

Experts say there is a difference between being busy and being productive. They add that expending energy efficiently to get maximum results from tasks is very important.

Plan your week ahead

The best way to have a productive week is to plan ahead, experts say. According to a business consultant, Mr. Olabiyi Adedipe, the planning can start a day before the week starts by outlining the tasks to be executed. Subsequently, new activities can be added every night before going to bed.

However, he notes that when people think about their lengthy list, they are expending useful energy and may feel overwhelmed and tired even before finishing the tasks. He suggests that the to-do-list should be realistic with time frame for each, adding that they should focus instead on finishing the task, taking it one step at a time.

Work smart

Gadgets have been developed over the years to make work easier and faster. Gadgets can assist in setting priorities and getting more work done in few hours.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Solvere Word Consult, Mr. Remi Dairo, says that people can take advantage of advanced technology and gadgets to improve their work.

He says, “Find out the latest technology and revolve your products and services around them. You can provide the technology, repair, maintain, supply, service or improve on it. The advent of tablets, smartphones and different applications are open doors for your productivity. Don’t just join them in using it or talking about it but let it increase your capacity for productivity.”

Know yourself

Experts say technology that makes work easier and faster and only complement the productive personality ingrained in people.

According to Dairo, the unique thing about people is that each person is unique in a special way.

He says, “Your traits dictate your productivity at work and outside work environment. Knowing your learning style, your personal strength, and the potential areas that can hamper your productivity will go a long way to enhance your decisions.

He adds, “Identify if you are the type that needs to have all the pieces of a project in front of you, or one who thrives in a structured environment but doesn’t do well with uncertainty or surprise; if you thrive on human interaction or you have the ability to see the big picture and plan accordingly.”

Work hard

Dairo is of the view that with the right mix of work, family and leisure time, you are set on your path to success.

The productivity expert advises entrepreneurs and their employees to keep appointments, stay in touch, be available and be of service to others.

“Have resource people who understand and are committed to your vision; reconvene from time to time to update each other. Submit progress reports and brainstorm on how to brighten the grey areas. As you tick off the goals you have achieved, set more goals and objectives, and outdo yourself,” he adds.

Have a not-to-do list

There are distractions that limit the productivity of people. One of these, which often lead to idle hours at work is the Internet and social media. Experts advise that to prevent distractions for the internet, it better to turn it off and only turn it on at leisure time.

Dairo says every productive person obsessively sets to-do-lists, but those who play at top-notch have stopped doing what they determined to leave out of their list.

Moreover, the life coach says, “Don’t say yes to every request. Most of us have a deep need to be liked. That translates into us saying yes to everything. Don’t be so available to everyone. Once in a while, turn off your devices and think, create, plan and write. Avoid interruptions. Be focused and enjoy massive results.”

Be creative

According to Dairo, there are positive reinforcements and ideas people can implement in their work life that will promote balance, focus, and vision, adding that knowing your strengths and weaknesses leads to vision, focus, and clarity.

He says personally, he had to improve on some key skills like networking, influencing, and developing a personal brand; and he had come to realise that continuously making and maintaining relationships directly contributes to his ongoing success.

Speaking further, he says he has an understanding of different audiences and how to present relevant information to them. Doing this, he says has improved his credibility and, therefore, his influencing abilities.

“Personal brand is a concept that I live, breathe, and work to attain. It symbolises my career advancement and it’s something I continuously improve and update just like my objectives,” Dairo says.

SOURCE: Punch