A smart move

When it comes to productivity in the workplace, Victoria Burkinshaw explains how to get the most out of your working day.

Working smarter, not harder, is an age-old adage. If you master the concept, your entire working life will be easier. Make simple changes to your daily routine and enjoy the benefits that will undoubtedly follow. These techniques can help to save time and tedium from almost any task.

PRIORITISE
Assess everything that needs to be done. Before you plunge into something headfirst, remember that enthusiasm needs to be tempered with wisdom. Look over every aspect of the job in hand, and allow yourself ample “pondering time” so you can be sure that every detail is accomplished on time and accurately. 

MAKE AN OUTLINE
Whether it’s in your head or on paper, you should have a checklist in mind and follow it. You don’t want to repeat steps or duplicate the work of others. 

STOP BEING A PERFECTIONIST
Being a perfectionist isn’t all that perfect if it prevents you from achieving more. Release the perfectionist mindset. Stop obsessing about the details and specifics; they often take care of themselves. 

LEARN TO SAY NO
Avoid over-scheduling and be realistic about what you can accomplish in a single day. It is better to do this than rush through tasks, as there’s a danger of leaving them incomplete or inaccurate.

AVOID PROCRASTINATION
Every time you check your email or Twitter account, your working day becomes longer. On average, it takes 23 minutes to return to your assigned task after using social media. Concentrate on your work when it’s time to work and save other activities for the end of the day.

ASK FOR HELP
Most of us prefer to do things by ourselves and not disturb others. That’s a great work ethic, but sometimes asking for help gets us further than doing it alone. People love to help. If you don’t ask, you’ll never get! 

LIMIT YOUR GOALS
Try to avoid multi-tasking – you will get less done if your brain is switching back and forth between tasks. Stick to one thing until it is completed and then move on to the next job. 

BE FLEXIBLE
Your day will not always go as planned. Be open to trying new methods and doing new things. 

TAKE PERIODIC BREAKS
Allow time for your mind to regroup and recharge. Push yourself hard for the first 50 minutes of every hour and then reward yourself with a 10-minute break.

WAIT 
If you are stuck in a dilemma, waiting can often be the best policy. Things tend to resolve themselves, and new solutions pop into your head, if you give yourself the chance to take a step back.

REVIEW OFTEN
Regularly review what you have done during the day and what is still to be done. Refer back to your list of priorities and ensure you are sticking to them.

Victoria Burkinshaw is the PA to Logistik’s founder and Co-Managing Director, Dirk Mischendahl (logistikgroup.com).