There’s never enough time in the day to get stuff done at work or at home and the to-do list expands as each day unfolds with more tasks added to the priority bucket. Even with the quest to do better the next day and open each morning to check-off a few items on the list, more asks trickle in leaving the mental capacity overdrawn. With the best laid plans in mind, and charting the course for the week, priorities shift because we don’t have control over how others map out their schedule–their lack of planning redirects best intentions to deliver productive work.
Here’s a few best practices to adopt and set the stage for a more productive year ahead.
- Setting boundaries and communicating expectations so asynchronous and synchronous work is actively performed during times when teams are in the office or working remotely.
- Leverage collaboration tools to make intentions be known to stakeholders in advance of each week and proactively synthesize information to help others see the connection to project timelines and scope of work.
- Goals and KPIs are the anchor to meaningful work that creates value in working towards making an impact and achieving the expected outcome. If you can’t measure the task or divergent thinking doesn’t solve a problem, park it and pivot.
- Build confidence in your approach and don’t let anyone else control the narrative of your story–own it!
Remaining focussed on the work that delivers against the organization’s vision, will not only keep teams aligned to the rhythm of the business but also level-up productivity to fuel positive energy throughout the day.