Extreme Productivity: Principles For Getting a lot Done
Daniel J. Stone
Ohio Dominican University
The role of a leader must be fully realized by the leader in a functional capacity. By default, the leader is likely the best in taking care of an organization’s top priorities at any given point in time. However, this is not productive and the best use of the leader’s time. The focus needs to be on what the leader needs to do for the organization that can only be done by a person in the leading role of an organization. By doing this, this frees up the leader to focus on the organizations weaknesses. To ensure that the organization minimizes weaknesses, the leader needs to put smart and capable people in place, stay out of their way and reward them for their efforts. (Pozen, R.C., 2011).
Another area for a leader to ensure productivity is to focus on the results rather than the amount of effort that was invested. This means to leave work at the office and to spend time with family and friends when they are available and to have the ability to ensure that desired results are produced away from work. Nothing is more demoralizing to have a project that fell short of the desired results after several hours of manpower was invested. (Pozen, R.C., 2011). Productivity is also achieved by allowing enough time to think about a situation before administering action. When a clear and uninterrupted thought process is put in place before actions are taken; a leader eliminates unnecessary efforts and streamlines efficiency. This is imperative in a world of emails with the understanding that since the email was sent and received in the inbox that the receiver acknowledges that there was a conversation. (Pozen, R.C., 2011).
It is important to let those that are the experts in a particular area take ownership of their space. If too many people try to do the same thing, they end being unproductive. The same can be said if there are not enough people in place. Therefore, to ensure that a productive meeting is allowed to take place for example, obtain feedback from all at the meeting before the leader imposes his or her plan of action. (Pozen, R.C., 2011). Keeping things simple also ensures productivity. This can be achieved by having a set routine which includes essential components of a productive person such as exercise, diet and sleep. A leader who is out of shape, doesn’t fuel up on healthy foods and is sleep-deprived ends up being unproductive. By having a set routine that includes these basic components will ensure productivity in and out of the office and even when business takes the leader on travel. (Pozen, R.C., 2011).
In conclusion, being productive and being successful go together with one another. The leader that establishes an atmosphere that is team-centered allows the leader to be free to focus on what needs to be improved. Also, the leader who is results driven ensures that time and effort is not needlessly mismanaged. Furthermore, a clear and careful thought process done before each important activity will ensure that the productive results desired can be achieved. Of course without a plan then any time and effort is doomed from the start. Allowing ownership in one’s particular area give credit when credit is due when all goes well and identifies the root cause of concern when a situation doesn’t turn out well. Lastly, a simple approach ensures productivity since being productive involves exercise, diet and sleep. By paying attention to these areas, a leader will put them in a situation where he or she will be extremely productive. (Pozen, R.C., 2011).
In reflecting on the reading of the professional growth article, it is possible that in an effort to be extremely productive that if the incorrect approach is taken that productivity can be held back. I recalled 2011 when I was carrying out two key functions for our organization. This has been the organization’s rule of thumb when a new branch is opened and not enough time has elapsed proving that enough customers have taken our services in the new market. Last year, I was the example of a person doing too many things. My role as a leader in a functional capacity was impeded to reach its full potential. This is only being realized now because areas that I have control over are still weak. Because of this, too much time was invested which benefited me as I gained a lot of knowledge and experience but kept others in the organization from learning their roles fully till now. This type of situation has slowed the planning process down in determining what the next steps are for the landlord of the new branch that I lead. A number of areas in the agreement have been neglected by our landlord. By addressing these matters now is a bit awkward due to the landlord not being called on the oversight sooner. A bad habit has been perceived as status quo and trying to get the landlord to see the errors of their ways is being met with resistance.
In closing, I managed to not get burnt out by doing the work of two people because I kept things simple. I did this by resisting the urge to meet with business prospects outside the branch. However, I developed some bad habits which can be corrected by routinely exercising, consuming healthy food and drinks more frequently, and relaxing more which will ensure that I get enough sleep. References
Pozen, R.C. (2011). The correct question is, “Which functions can only you as the CEO perform?" Harvard Business Review, May 2011, Vol. 89 Issue 5, p127-131.
http://daniel-j-stone.blogspot.com (C) 2009-12
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