…personal development for smart professionals
productivity
Chasing Two Rabbits
0365 days
by Lee
in productivity
Theres an old saying “chase 2 rabbits, catch neither.” If you’re like me, you’ve probably worked for individuals who worship at the alter of multi-tasking. You may have even bought the line of BS that multi-tasking increases productivity.
Studies of the human brain now contradict the idea that multi-tasking boosts productivity. As it turns out, the human brain doesn’t multi-task well. Neurological imaging has revealed that what happens when we simultaneously attempt to do more than one task is neural firing stops briefly as we shift between activities. Breathing and maintaining heart rate and rhythm are one thing; answering a telephone and simultaneously responding to an email is another matter entirely.
Furthermore, having several projects ‘on-hold’ requires mental energy, that background demand on mental energy is distracting and detrimental to overall productivity. Having a means and method of cuing activities so there are no concerns of forgetting something is very helpful. Religious devotion to having a to-do list is beneficial in that it allows you to mentally relax knowing you won’t overlook something important because you’ve placed everything on a list.
Bank tellers and brain surgeons don’t multi-task. Why? Because even the slightest distraction can directly result in costly mistakes in both cases. Most of the time, when you multi-task, you compromise quality.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Ask the Right Question
0368 days
The human mind works in mysterious ways. It seems to come pre-programmed to ask questions and seek answers to those questions. Anyone that has spent more than a few minutes with a toddler has witnessed first hand just how inquisitive the human mind can be.
Your mind will attempt to answer any question you ask. The trick is asking the ‘right’ questions. For example, asking the question “is it possible to double our sales next quarter?” Will get a simple answer; usually yes or no. Perhaps is less decisive answer like “maybe, if…” followed by a dozen potential excuses.
A more empowering way to ask the same basic question is “what can we do to double sales next quarter?”
This is called an assumptive question and people familiar with sales are probably familiar with the basic approach. This question assumes doubling sales next quarter IS possible and moves on to the creative challenge of devising ways to make it happen.
Many times, assumptive questions will bypass the critique of the conscious mind and move to the creative part of the brain where new approaches flow freely.
Assumptive questions aren’t just good tools for sales professionals. They also work for anyone in a management position that needs to find ways to take business to the next level. Once you assume moving to the next level is possible, you and your team can focus on what you need to do different to achieve your goals.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Look Inside
0372 days
by Lee
in productivity
I encourage people all the time to look outside their industry for ideas that can be adapted to their own business but one of the best things you can do to support and boost your productivity is to look inside yourself. I might be overstating the obvious but sometimes we overlook the obvious when we are busy with the day to day grind. The are some things we are good at and some things we are not so good at. There are even some things at which we are absolutely rotten.
Let me preface what I’m about to say with this; I AM NOT SUGGESTING YOU GIVE UP TRYING TO IMPROVE YOURSELF. What I am going to suggest is that the Pareto Principle or the 80/20 Rule can be applied to your personal strengths and weaknesses.
In order to attain maximum achievement, focusing on what you do best is mandatory. There are things you absolutely love to do. Chances are, you are really good at the those things. I’m not sure which comes first; love for what you do or excellence in what you do. It’s really not that important. What is important is that you use your creativity to find ways to do more of what you love -because that is what you are best at. The things you love to do, the things you are ‘best’ at, are the things that are going to bring the most profit. If you don’t have passion for the core activities of your business, you should seriously consider doing something different.
Because 80% of the results we generate; professionally and personally, come from a mere 20% of our efforts it only make sense to intently focus of the 20% of our activities that are profitable. I submit that it is the things we love to do and are good at that represent that 20% of our efforts that are most profitable.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The Golden 20
0376 days
by Lee
in productivity
The Pareto Principle or the 80/20 rule asserts that 80% of profits, benefits, or favorable outcomes stem from a mere 20% of customers or efforts. While the exact ratio is not always 80/20 the pattern of imbalance is pervasive and reliably predictable.
The Pareto Principle, when properly applied, can turbocharge any business; large or small.
The 80/20 rule dictates which customers and activities to which you should devote most of your time. You should never completely ignore “unprofitable” customers and activities but be careful not to let them absorb more of your time and energy resources than they rightly deserve.
Your “Prime” time should absolutely be spent in service of your most profitable customers and products. When you wake in the morning, your mantra for the day should be “how can I become an indispensable part of the lives of my Golden 20% of customers?”
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
The Sound of Silence
0409 days
by Lee
in productivity
It is the silence between the musical notes that makes the song.
Productivity is not just about multitasking and busyness. Taking time for silence and reflection is critical to optimum productivity. Periods of downtime during which you have absolutely NO obligations give your mind a chance to reset itself. Silence and reflective time is vital to maintaining the creativity necessary to stay on the cutting edge of your business.
Go for a drive, take a hike, or just sit quietly in your backyard or den. No agenda, no expectations -just be still.
