Five Steps to Increasing Productivity

We’ve all been there. It’s the end of a busy week and we look back only to find that ‘to do’ list is not quite done; in fact, a lot of big boxes are unticked.

When you and your management team have worked so hard, how can it be you’ve missed goals?

Well, it could be you’ve been dealing with ‘important’ things that come up along the way. By being distracted by these ‘urgent situations’, you’ve been pulled in a completely different direction to the one you set off on at 9am on Monday.

Thankfully, the solution to becoming more productive is simple and comes in five easy steps.

Set Your Primary Goals

By setting out what must be achieved and in what time frame ensures you and your team are all on the same page – with a clear sight of what’s actually important. Defining individual roles, as well as the overall targets for the team, will create a stronger and more productive workforce.

Manage Your Expectations

It’s natural to aim for the stars but the most disheartening strategy to take is to set monumental challenges that will not be met because you haven’t the time or resources. Issues will pop up that affect progress. Have realistic goals based on this knowledge and you’ll find you actually get far more done.

Avoid Distractions

Everyone who comes to your door believes their concern is urgent (especially Jim from accounts with his weekly crisis about chocolate stuck in the vending machine), so having a strong focus is key. While some issues must be dealt with immediately, most will likely be candidates for closer scrutiny only after the primary goals have been met.

Delegate Responsibilities

This is obvious, but you’re a manager. You need to ensure all of your resources are being deployed in the right areas, whether this is human or financial. Employees are happiest when they know they’re valued so give them missions they can be proud to take on.

Offer Signposts to the Finish Line

People are at their least productive when they feel uncomfortable or unsure they’re on the right track. Ensuring your team feel supported is a surefire way of increasing productivity, so continually engage with your key players. This doesn’t mean hovering over shoulders. It’s all about offering advice and having an open door.

Posted on November 20, 2017