by Kavita Krishnan

Created on: December 20, 2010   Last Updated: December 21, 2010

Earlier being productive was a very important prerequisite to career advancement. With the alarming rate of lay offs, not being the best can be reason enough for the issue of the pink slip. What is it that takes to be better than the best? What can be done to increase productivity at work?

*Plan and be organized

Make a check list of all the tasks you have at hand for the day. Prioritize in the order of those assuming immediate importance. Set reminders for important events and meetings during the course of the day. Keep buffer time for some last moment emergencies.

Be organized with files and use a file management system that works best for you. The soft versions stored on computers and laptops including emails are crucial too. If you are going to spend the first half of the day searching for the required files, you will be exhausted and already de-motivated to do anything prolific later in the day. Make sure your desk is clutter free and spreads enough positive energy to get going.

*Manage time effectively

Make sure you stay on task. Schedule an end time for every task allowing for 10-15 minutes more than what you think it actually takes to complete the same. If you think something is going to take a lot of your time, break it into parts and achieve one part at time.

Do you spend a lot of time taking personal calls? Watch out for time spent on gossiping with colleagues, time wasted on checking personal emails and browsing through the Internet and social networking sites. It is of the essence to eliminate all time wasters that hamper your productivity.

*Develop and Streamline processes

Often times a lot of jobs are routine and mechanical in nature but very time consuming. Do you think a task can be made much easier by setting up a process? Do you think an existing process has some loophole and needs enhancement? A lot of time and effort can be saved by devising a new process or streamlining existing processes.

*Use technology

With the rapid advancement of technology, a lot of tools and techniques are available to simplify work. Keeping abreast with the latest technological developments and looking out for tools will make your work life a lot smoother and easier.

*Delegate

Do you have the tendency to do everything yourself? Do you hesitate passing on tasks to subordinates or even fellow colleagues in spite of having loads to finish? Do you spend a lot of time cross verifying another's work?

Learning to delegate is imperative if you want to increase your levels of productivity. You need to have key check points in the form of a check list to confirm work done by others as well as yourself. This will make verification a lot easier and you will find more time for other fruitful tasks.

*Take a short break

Give your eyes, body and mind a short break. Stretch yourself, practice relaxation techniques such as palming and deep breathing. You will for sure get back to work with more enthusiasm and a fresh mind.

Productivity in work is not just about toiling hard. Learn to say ‘no’ if need be.  Exercise proper judgment to weigh your priorities between professional and personal work. You need to set realistic goals for yourself and stick to your plans and schedules to emerge as a winner.

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