Time is one precious resource that all of us would wish to have more, in today’s fast-paced, multitasking, information overloaded world.
We’ve heard about the concept of “work smarter,” which we assume means prioritizing our tasks. But how does one accomplish this, when everything seems urgent?
We asked Pia Reyes-Cruz, our resource person for Effective Workload and Time Management, to share some of her tips and thoughts to help us in this task.
Working smart can be applied at several levels, from the tactical in the form of work or life hacks, to the strategic level which can involve goal-setting aligned to one’s life purpose and energy management. The heart of productivity, and hence working smart, lies first and foremost in being crystal clear in what your most important goals are and why.
In the book It’s About Time, author Mitzi Weinman calls this one’s GPS—goal, purpose, scope.
Understanding your GPS will lead to clear courses of action, smart decision-making, and effective resource and time management. It also boosts your energy and motivation in getting things done since it is purpose-driven.
This leads to another working smart tip: know which things to say NO to. No one can truly cross off each and every single item on their to-do list on a daily basis. For most of us, our to-do lists even regenerate to more to-do items by the middle of the day. Setting your heart to go after the truly meaningful and impactful goals and saying no to the multitude of other tasks, requests, invitations, etc. is key in getting things done.
Another way of working smart is to play to your strengths. Strengths are not only the things you’re good at, but the things that energize and give you enjoyment as well. Countless research has been done on the strategy of focusing on strengths.
Marcus Buckingham, one of the founders of the Strengths Movement, encourages employees to do more of what they’re good at as this produces more valuable results, rather than focusing on trying to convert weaknesses into strengths (which is really impossible). This leads to a more fulfilling and fun work life.
A final work smart tip I love to share with others is what I call the KEY—Keep Educating Yourself. If one wishes to work faster, with less energy and effort, less stress, and yet give superior results, he must work to continually master his craft.
Self-development opportunities are everywhere—from reading books and blogs to formal and informal courses, many of which are even free. One must continually be abreast of the developments and changes in his area of expertise. By continuously becoming highly skilled, he will be able to solve problems quicker, innovate new ways of getting his work done, and generate more value in the workplace.
Cruz will facilitate a course titled “Effective Workload and Time Management” on Jan. 14, 2020. If you want the program to be conducted exclusive to your organization, it can be customized according to your learning needs.
The Inquirer Academy is at 4168 Don Chino Roces Ave. corner Ponte St., Makati City. For more information about the workshops or if you would like to add your input on the article, please email ask@inquireracademy.com, call (02) 8834-1557, (02) 8771-2715 or (0945) 2158935 and look for Jerald Miguel or Karl Paz, or visit www.inquireracademy.com.