Five Bad Productivity Habits

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When it comes to productivity, I believe it’s important to find what works for you.?

There is no ultimate one size fits all solution.?

In fact, just because something works for you, doesn’t mean it works all the time. What is helpful at work, might be too involved or overly complex at home.

Everything in moderation, as the Greeks would say.

There are many examples of good productivity practices being pushed too far and becoming unhelpful.?

1) Being too early

This sounds like a good thing, but there is such a thing as being too early. There’s nothing wrong with being 5 minutes early to give yourself some time to settle, but arriving an hour early is too much.

(In fact it gets a special mention in my course Lights Camera Expert, because I know how much producers, in particular, dislike it when guests are early.)

As a producer, our days are factored in down to the minute so when someone shows up early it throws my whole schedule off. (And it is absolutely a pet peeve of mine.) I know early arrivers will often say they are happy to wait, but it still creates a frantic energy and makes me feel like I’m trying to play catch up and then have to figure out what to do with you for all that time!??

2) Fixing a problem (and not telling anyone)

It’s not unusual to run into some complications or issues while at work. Maybe you find a bug in the IT system or you realize your boss has double booked a meeting. It’s great if you can fix that issue before anyone even notices or it spirals into a bigger problem.?

However, you should still tell others about it.?

There’s nothing more frustrating than coming across a problem and someone saying ‘Oh yeah, it did that before.’ It’s great that you’ve fixed the issue, but it’s good to talk it over with someone in case it’s a symptom of a larger problem.?

Communication people!?

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Communication is especially tricky now in the hybrid-work world we’re living in. Looking for more communication tips? Check out my conversation with communication expert, professional speaker, coach, consultant Robyn Hatcher when she joined me on my live-streaming show Inside Scoop.

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3) Using business jargon

Having a business language can help you get to your point quicker and create a sense of community in the workplace. But there’s definitely a time and a place for it.?

Don’t always assume that everyone is up to date on the latest ‘lingo’, it can leave you awkwardly explaining what you mean or coming across as trying too hard.?

I find teachers actually do this a lot. They’ll go on about this test or that and I tend to get lost in the conversation. (It’s happened more than once with different teachers!)?

4) Being too specific

Before we embark on a new task it can be good to get as much information as possible. If I need to do something complex or intricate I like to have it broken down so I understand every facet of it.?

However, when I’m still in the planning stages sometimes all I want is a yes/no answer. I don’t need to know all the ins and outs just yet I just want to know if this is possible. Do we have all the resources we need??

If in doubt just ask if someone wants the long or short answer!

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5) Following up (over and over again)

As a producer I love it when people follow up on a pitch. There can be a variety of different reasons why I might not have gotten back in touch and just bumping your email back to the top of my inbox can be a great reminder.?

However, there is definitely a point when persistence turns into nagging.?

That’s true of workplace relationships and personal ones, it’s important to know when to let go.?

If you feel like you’re guilty of something on this list, don’t worry! All of these mistakes have great intentions behind them. And now that you’re aware of it, you can work to change it.

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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? Click here to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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