Getting more done in less time

Working smarter, not harder, is an age-old adage. If you master the concept, your entire working life will be easier. There are simple techniques that you can employ to save steps and tedium from almost any task.

1. Consider your materials.

Don't take shortcut on the quality of your materials. Cheap materials or tools are harder to work with because they aren't as sturdy on nice. Trying to save a few ringgit, but spending an extra hour or two because those cheap things didn't install properly doesn't make any sense.

2. Evaluate your methods.

You want them to be as efficient as possible. Do your work when you have no distractions surrounding you. Try to do things in one batches rather than one at a time. You want your efficiency to be maximised as much as possible.

3. Look for shortcuts.

This does not mean taking the easiest method for the sake of it or being lazy. For example, if you respond to numerous e-mails per day, and answer the same questions again and again, save your responses. When those questions come up, you can cut and paste your canned response. You might have to make minor edits, but the bulk of it will already be written.

4. Delegate to the right people at the right time.

Make sure your team is well-ordered. If one person is faster, put him or her on the part of your task that will take longest. If one person is more skilled and accurate, put him or her on the part of the task that is most critical.

5. Avoid procrastination.

Every time you surf the net or needlessly check e-mail at work, your day becomes longer. Push yourself hard to do work when it is time to do work, and enjoy these activities once you are done for the day.

6. Be flexible.

Your day will not always go as planned. Be open to trying new methods and doing new things.

Also read the article take care of yourself.

Taken from: News Straits Times - 10 September 2012 (article), Google (images).