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Are you working harder or smarter?

Shirley Taylor

Tuesday, 7th November 2006

We all hear the old saying thatwe should "work smarter - not harder" but how many of us actuallyabide by this? It's easier said than done, isn't it?

Experts actually say the key to working smart is to be more effective, notnecessarily more efficient. Efficiency is doing the job right. Effectiveness,on the other hand, is doing the right job! Think about that! Here are my tentop tips for managing your time more effectively:

1. Figure out when you are at your peak

I know I work better from 9am to noon, so that's when I try to do my mostimportant tasks. Figure out when you are at your prime and plan carefullyaround this.

2. Turn off your e-mail notifier

Do you really need the pop-up or 'ding' every few minutes? Try turning off youre-mail notifier when you need to concentrate on an important project, then youreally can focus.

3. Expect the unexpected

Block out some planning time. Everyone needs some time for thinking, so try tobuild in some flexibility into your daily routines.

4. Say NO occasionally

Sometimes we may have to be assertive and say 'no' if something is not urgentor a priority. Saying no courteously may be seen as a strength rather than aweakness.

5. Set priorities

Categorise tasks according to priority, for example:

1 = The task is urgent and important

2 = It's important but not urgent

3 = It's not urgent but not important

4 = Its not urgent and not important

6. Stay focused in meetings

How many meetings have you attended where people go off at tangents? It helpsto be clear about the agenda before meetings, and make sure everyone knows whatthe objectives are. This will help you stay focused and keep the discussionheading in the right direction.

7. Clear out your clutter

I know I can't work effectively if my desk is a mess with lots of paperworkeverywhere. So once in a while I have a good clearing and sorting session, andI clear out the clutter on my desk, trays, drawers and files. It's amazing howmuch better I always feel once the clutter is gone!

8. Remember to take a break

We all tend to make more mistakes when we are tired or stressed, so learn torecognise the symptoms when you are flagging and take a break from your work.Yes Mom, I hear you... this is something I'm not so good at!

9. Don't procrastinate

Tackle what's right now in the present and don't let procrastination get in theway. It's amazing how great it feels when you can tick off those items on yourto-do list!

10. Adopt a positive attitude

Keep your mindset positive. See solutions instead of problems. See positivesinstead of negatives. Do your tasks with a happy heart, and smile!