SM: How can people multitask successfully? Can they?
LF: It's been shown that multitasking actually decreases productivity in the long run. I'm in favor of planning well, prioritizing and being fully present in each moment.
SM: Some of us tend to do little, unimportant things first because they can be done quickly and because they pop up continuously. How can we get to the really big things we need to do?
LF: Everything you do should be categorized as urgent/important. When things are of high urgency and/or high importance they get done first. When things are categorized as low urgency and/or importance they get done later. If people would think in these terms they would focus more on what really matters.
SM: We don’t want to be careless, but we want to be speedy. How can we do this and be more productive? Coffee?
LF: You don't want to use artificial stimulants to work at a faster pace. It's not healthy and you wind up crashing in the long-run. Being speedy isn't really the goal. Being efficient is. If you plan your work carefully, ask for the help you need and work at a steady pace throughout the day (with breaks in between) you will be performing to your maximum capacity.
|
COMMENT ON ARTICLE |
FORWARD |
|
|
POST THIS ARTICLE ON:
|
||
| asya | |
| i don't agree that IMs are not good for business. they're very effective because they're instantaneous and the person doesn't need to log on every 5 minutes to check email. i use IM at my work and it's great! | |
| fiona | |
| great tips! I just started excercising regularly and found I have more energy than ever, even after a long 9-5 workday. Also, ironically, cutting off coffee has given me more energy too. The "buzz" would come down really hard when I got home, making me tired and nauseated. | |