Rushing into deadlines is the new normal. When we rush into the work, we end up making mistakes. We tend to focus on short term goals. We forget looking at the big picture and long-term goals. This has impact on business. We should learn to keep balance between short term and long-term goals and also We should work such that we are more effective and achieve more. We should not just focus on execution and implementation but also should focus on outcome and end results.

This Transformation Tuesday, let us look at ways and means to be more effective:

• Firstly, we need to understand that our work or projects are our responsibility. We should take time and think about the work assigned to us. We should also think about the business that we are in and where we want to see in next 2 to 3 years.
• Planning is more important than the plan. Assign time in your calendar every week to sit and plan for the coming week. It will hardly take 5 to 10% of your work week. The more work you have more is the need to plan. Execution is more difficult than the plan.
• Be the best at what you do. Being a mediocre will not help. You need to identify your niche or specialization.
• Think out of box. Think creatively and innovatively. Get your best ideas. Identify how you get best ideas.
• Move fast or rush in only if it is real crisis. Beware of the time you need to complete your work. Avoid getting into the habit of saying yes for everything. Always think before you commit.
• Do not delay work. Either you do it, delegate it to someone or discard it if it is done. You must be decisive. Do not overthink just start work. Do what is effective. Do not find easy ways of doing tasks.
• Be systematic during execution. Streamline repetitive tasks and processes. Avoid rework and eliminate non-value adding activities. It will take more time and reduce effectiveness and productivity.
• Take time to respond. Do not be in hurry. Prepare in advance for important meetings. Never reply in the pressure of the moment.
• Keep a note of all the tasks performed and time needed to complete those tasks in that week. Think if that were the best you could have done? How could you be more effective and productive?

As Stephen Covey said do not be trapped in the activity trap without understanding you are climbing against the wrong wall. Working longer and harder is not always the solution. We need to focus on right priorities and work smarter.

Written & Compiled by Faber Mayuri