Five Crucial Actions To Take to Improve Productivity

Michael Altshuler, a Motivational Speaker and Trainer, once said, “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” The goal of the pilot is to take passengers to their destination safely and on schedule. They know the course and prepare accordingly. 

As leaders, you are in the pilot’s seat in how productive you will be each day. In order to help you arrive at your destination (productivity), here are five crucial actions to improve productivity.

1. Utilize a Voice Assistant - As Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa and other voice assistants continue to become popular, it’s time to utilize them for more than simply asking ‘What is the weather today?’ or ‘How long will it take me to get to work?’ Begin utilizing voice assistants for productivity around the office. For example, say ‘Hey Google, remind me to call Fred today at 2 P.M.’ You can also say, “Hey Siri, email Stacey and ask if she is available to meet on Thursday.’ Ask your Voice Assistant to set a 30 minute timer in order to focus on your most important task. From sending text messages to adding calendar appointments to shopping, begin utilizing your voice assistant for productivity.  

2. Purchase a Full Focus Planner - Michael Hyatt and Company have developed an incredible planner for leaders to utilize for daily, monthly and quarterly planning. Each morning, leaders write down their daily big three goals for the day, along with their schedule and other tasks. There’s space for writing down your ideal week, annual goals and daily rituals all designed to keep your goals within your reach. Check it out here - https://fullfocusplanner.com

3. Utilize an Online Calendar - The smartphone culture has provided worldwide access at the tips of our fingers. If you are a leader who has not created an online calendar yet, now is the time. While there are many to choose from, Google Calendar has a simple and free calendar you can use to get started. Provide access to your calendar for your spouse, your team, and your Administrative Assistant. It’s important to communicate your schedule to those close to you and an online calendar can provide that communication. In the event you want to use both a hard copy and electronic copy, Michael Hyatt has written an excellent article on how to use the Full Focus Planner and a digital calendar here.

4. Stop Multitasking - Research has proven multitasking is ineffective. Begin training yourself now to focus on one task at a time. When skipping back and forth to multiple tasks, you’re losing time and efficiency. Learn how to focus on one task at a time. It will take time adjust to this new routine, but it will certainly prove to be more productive for you in your area of leadership. The next crucial action will guide you in your start in focusing on one task at a time.

5. Begin Block Scheduling - In order to keep you focused on one task, block scheduling is the method you should take advantage of. Start by prioritizing what area of your work needs most attention or is most important and block a specific amount of time on your calendar (30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, etc.). Then focus your energy and effort on that most important task. Sure, emergencies will always arise - you’re a leader. When this happens, simply schedule another block of time for that one task.

​All leaders can improve in their productivity. Like the beginning of the article said - You’re the pilot - so take advantage of the resources and tools available and begin focusing on improving your productivity.

How do you plan to improve your productivity? Use the comment section below and discuss with others how you plan to improve your productivity.