How to make the most of working time: 7 Simple Tips
Productivity / / December 23, 2019
Robert Posen (Robert Pozen)
Ex-chairman of MFS Investment Management Board of Directors, the senior teacher of the business school at MIT, author of books on productivity.
1. Measure productivity by results, not by the hour
We estimate how much productive time went on hours worked. But this approach is outdated. Instead, look at the results of labor.
"The clock is not the best indicator of this work - says Posen. - Have you ever spent three weeks on an article that turned out badly? And three days to an article that was very good? In which case you spend time more productively? "
2. Divide your goals in importance
Surely you have main goals the week and the year. Sort them according to importance. Usually we neglect it.
Think, reflect whether your goals are what you like and what you know? What reason is behind your every action and purpose? How they fit your organization's needs?
3. Do not worry over small things
There are always small things that take a lot of time and effort, such as the analysis of the letters. Most checks
inbox every five minutes. But it makes it difficult to concentrate at work. You go in the mail every couple of hours and see only on the subject and sender.Posen also advised to read the letter only once. Open it and decide whether you want to answer it. If so, please respond immediately. 80% of the letters usually do not require a response.
If you have to perform some tedious business, not prokrastiniruyte. Break it down into a few light steps and start with the most simple. After finishing it, you will experience a surge of energy and quickly deal with the following.
4. While working on an important project, start with the end
Most often, we spend a week to gather information and communicate with people. And then we try to quickly put it all together and make some conclusions. Posen believes this approach is inefficient. If you wait a long time, you have typed a lot of unnecessary data, you're just confused.
Do not wait for completion of the project to come to any conclusions. Spend a day or two on the study of materials and formulate preliminary conclusions. In operation, the fill changes, and then move the final outcome.
5. Give yourself time to think
Do not deal with cases every hour of the day. Be sure to leave time thinking. Take breaks to think and remind yourself of your goals. Try to keep the day passed in endless meetings or small matters.
6. Be predictable
As president, Barack Obama has always taken a trip in a few blue suits. So he was not needed each time to think, what to wear. Follow his example and be predictable.
Eliminate from your routine variables, such as what to wear or what to eat for breakfast. Do not waste time on unnecessary solutions, especially in the morning.
7. Do not stay at work late
Many trapped in the workplace, so as not to seem slackers. Even if they really did a lot for the day. But you do not know what people are doing other colleagues. Maybe they were all day playing video games.
Of course, there are emergencies when you need to stay, but do not do it every day. Answer all posts before leaving the work to the dinner not to think about them. And at home relax and spend a few hours with the family. Turn off electronic devices. Do not respond to calls and read e-mail working.
see also
- 5 tricks of time management for those who do not help →
- 80 to life hacking productivity →
- The daily routine that will help keep pace with everything and stay healthy →