When a customer order is received, businesses tend to have a systematic way they go about fulfilling the order, invoicing the customer and so on. Those who do it well leverage economies of scale, customer satisfaction etc. Applying the same logic, individuals need an efficient workflow when new work they need to action is received ie. what happens next? However, many white-collar workers don’t and this severely impacts their ability to be effective.
Reduce “the noise” to increase clarity
Recently I’ve been coaching some terrific people ranging in roles from owners of small business through to managers and supervisors in large organisations. While industries, experience and size of business have differed, a common thread has emerged. Seventy percent have lacked clarity, despite the intent to achieve being exemplary. This manifests into to feelings of frustration while limiting the ability to lead and reach potential.
Don’t overlook this with agile
Last week the Shayne Elliot (ANZ Bank CEO) announced the largest agile deployment in Australian corporate history with the bank planning a significant restructure of existing hierarchies by transforming the work practices of much of ANZ Bank’s staff into agile teams.
Stop using busy as an excuse!!!
80% of your task list shouldn’t be there
Whether I’m talking to the most senior or junior person in an organisation, almost everyone seems to be busy. Delving into what’s causing the busyness, responses vary from vague to detailed or even confessions of tasks that aren’t critical to their role. However, an immediate justification reasons why they’ve got so many tasks to action. You see we lack clarity when we’re overwhelmed by too many tasks.
The habit behind Warren Buffet’s success. Could 1 habit make a huge difference to you?
In a recent meeting, the person I was talking to had this annoying habit of underestimating the facts. You see they were in a very dire situation but kept downplaying the magnitude. At first, I thought it was a lack of comprehension, but then I realised the behaviour was a defence mechanism. Even though the person had requested me to help them, a habit was getting in the way from making progress.
NEVER work like Eddie McGuire
Eddie McGuire is one of the most recognisable and successful people in Australia. His is the story of a kid from a working class suburb who made the most of his opportunities through talent, tenacity and sheer hard work. Try to replicate the workload of “Eddie Everywhere” and most of us will fail. You see it’s the gruelling work schedule that sets Eddie apart from all but a small minority.
Burning out was the best thing to happen to me – but it won't be for everyone
I’ve never really been the best or smartest at anything but usually found a way to be effective through a strong work ethic. As I was promoted to more senior roles, my way of coping to the increased targets and responsibilities would be to essentially work harder. Then in 2006 everything changed while I had a job in a significant leadership position - I burnt out.
Start with intent
Sunday 2nd April marks the end of daylight saving for the south-eastern states of Australia. By turning our clocks backwards 1 hour we gain an extra hour. What will you do with the extra hour? Do you plan to intentionally do something or will the hour just come and go without doing anything in particular?
Too much work or just ineffective?
How to stop wasting time in 3 simple steps
With too many unnecessary meetings, emails and interruptions there’s so much time wasted at work that it’s hard to get everything done in the allotted hours. To survive in an environment like this, workers either work longer hours, produce work to a lesser quality due to being rushed or miss deadlines altogether.
The most stupid time management rule ever
We are all different, with different needs, preferences and pressures. Many productivity programs deliver a ‘one size fits all’ approach that works for some but not for all. I believe modern productivity needs a more tailored and flexible approach aligned to how the individual works best. The most stupid time management rule ever is to assume that one size fits all.
How to stop forgetting to action important tasks
Which tasks do you need to embrace?
The first 14 years of my life were on a 1200 acre farm in Clarkefield which is a small town with a population of 430. It was great place to grow up as I was always experiencing lots of different adventures, but I also responsible for various chores. Values that are important to me today were instilled in me from life on the farm.
Are exceptions restricting your productivity?
How to stop overpromising and underdelivering
Do you find it frustrating dealing with people or companies who overpromise and underdeliver? We either don’t have the time or simply can’t be bothered having to tolerate those who damage their credibility or trust. Look at the share market as an example. Case in point is November 2015 when electronics retailer Dick Smith didn’t meet previously set expectations. This resulted in the market reacting savagely and slashing the share price by 50%.
What's your excuse for not getting work done?
If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse - Jim Rohn
Excuses paralyse productivity and progress. At work the 2 biggest excuses are:
- I’m too busy
- I don’t have enough time
Improve clarity to improve results
There’s an old saying about not being able to see the woods for the trees. I reflect on this because I think it’s hard to have clarity when feeling a sense of overwhelm. This is especially true at work. It would be less than ideal if a minority of workers felt overwhelmed but it’s a real issue when two-thirds of the workforce are overwhelmed. (Source: Deloitte 2014 Human Capital Trends Study).
With productivity outcomes are more important than speed
I’m not trying to offend anyone but I want to share a trend emerging of how misinformed some in the workforce are becoming regarding the topic of productivity. You know the people who proudly state how productive they are because they work so fast. Now speed is an aspect of productivity but it’s only 1 element and nowhere near as important as outcomes.