So, you want to be more productive?

Most leaders I know feel they are not doing enough…not organized enough…feeling behind.? And yet, these same people get a lot of stuff done.? Their calendars are filled with meetings.? Their task list has anywhere from 10 – 25 items listed for the day ahead and a new set shows up the next day.?

What really is going on here????

One thing I do know is that this constant striving to do more and the impatience that builds each day is not good for one’s health in the long term.? You may be able to handle it; or you may think you simply don’t have any choice, so you suck it up.???

That used to be me.? But not anymore.?

There are two aspects of work that I pay attention to in order to arrive with a sense of peace at the end of the day.? I view everything I do through the lens of effectiveness and efficiency.? Let me briefly explain.?

EFFECTIVENESS is achieved when I pay attention to my most important functions and tasks. At the beginning of each day, I pause to ask myself:? ‘When I complete the tasks I plan to do, will I feel satisfied?’ There is always an endless list of things to do but they don’t all align with my purpose and values.???

• For example, when I choose to attend a networking event or committee meeting, I evaluate the time I spend against the value I believe I can add and receive.??

EFFICIENCY is achieved when I give attention to how I am working, meaning am I using the right tools for the right project, and have I removed all the bottlenecks to a process????

• Example:? In the past I have spent far too much time looking for a password. Now I have a password management tool.? I had to spend time up front to get the system to work seamlessly for me, but once that got done, I no longer get frustrated no do I spend spend time looking for a password…nice.?

Knowing the importance of being selective at what you choose to spend your time and energy on, doesn’t ensure that you will say ‘no’ when you should say ‘no’? It requires daily self-reflection and self-accountability to the practice.? For those of you who are leaders of teams, or you lead yourself, an objective outsider can be the difference-maker.? A coach can help you go from knowing what to do to ‘doing it’.???

I can’t afford to be like the shoemaker who doesn’t make time to repair and maintain his/her own shoes; I meet with my accountability coach every week.???

Are you ready for the commitment to keep yourself accountable to effectiveness and efficiency??