“Work smarter, not harder.” – Carl Barks
Do you wonder how much more productive you would be if you could focus on one task at a time? Unfortunately, having a one-track-mind mentality is often frowned upon because it can compromise flexibility and teamwork. Both of which are keys to maintaining a successful business. However, multi-tasking can leave room for error, lost time and lack of focus. It’s hard to recognize from the outset what a multiple hat wearer with a single-track mind can accomplish.
Below are 3 tips that multiple hat wearers can use to become the most efficient and valuable version of themselves:
1. Identify, Separate and Prioritize
One of the most productive ways to get yourself through tasks is to divide and conquer through “single-tasking”.
Single-tasking is exactly what it sounds like. Focusing your attention to one thing until it’s completed. According to the Harvard Business Review, single-tasking may be better with respect to productivity and creativity. When you multi-task, your brain has to choose which task to give more focus to and this can jeopardize quality.
When deciding which of your tasks to focus on first, choose those you deem to have the most impact on your business. The 7 Big Rocks strategy is a great example of what can occur if you prioritize poorly.
Looking at your to-do list as a whole can be overwhelming. If you break down the tasks this will allow you to get your head on straight and determine when and how you should accomplish each goal. Next, attach a deadline to each task. The accountability that comes along with a concrete timeline adds pressure which improves the chances of on-time completion.
If you reach some difficulty when prioritizing, take a step back. Everything you do has an impact on your business. Ask yourself questions such as:
These probing questions allow you to better understand where each task fits in your priority list.
Constant interruptions can lead to the failure of single-tasking and its overall effectiveness. Let others know when you are unavailable (often their questions can wait or be answered by someone else).
There are only so many hours in the day, so use them wisely. The average employee wastes two hours of each work day. Just imagine what could be accomplished if those two hours were properly utilized.
2. Time Management
Pairing your newfound (or re-found) prioritizing skills with effective time management will make your results truly shine. To-do lists, time blocking and goal setting are some key time management tools that you can use to stay on track.
There are applications and software available to you if more structure is needed to keep you in line. There is one out there for you that combines all the elements that you want or need to keep track of yourself. Consider Asana or Smartsheets. Both applications can be accessed through the web and your smartphone.
Apps like these organize your projects and/or departments through assignment of tasks, reminders, project scheduling and timelines, attachment of files, creation of custom fields, admin controls, dashboards, notifications and much more. The main differences between all of the possibilities will come down to your personal preference and pricing, but any option can help improve the transparency of your business while keeping employees on track.
Proper time management is key in all aspects of your life because it allows you to accomplish more with less effort. Time management can improve the quality of your personal and business life leaving you with more time to focus on the important things.
3. Share the Responsibilities
You know that there is nobody who can get a job done better than you, and because of this you have a hand in every area of the business. But are you stretching yourself too thin? Share the responsibility!
Consider this: What would happen if you had to leave the company for an extended period of time? Could the company still function? Proper delegation ensures that an entire system can still run when a key player is absent. Sharing responsibility does more than just take weight off of your shoulders. Delegation increases your credibility as a leader and improves the development, self-esteem and job enhancement of employees. The more capable your company’s employees are, the more qualified your company is. It’s that simple.
Take some time to employ these tips in your own life this week and see what you are able to get done! Send over an email and let us know what you think.