Do you ever feel like there are not enough hours in the day? That your to-do list is never-ending, and you’re not making any progress? You're not alone. But, have you heard the advice to “work smarter, not harder”? Here are some actionable ideas, based on research from Kellogg faculty, that can help you put this advice into practice.
Tackle the Hard Stuff First
It can be tempting to check off a few easy items on your to-do list first. However, research has shown that avoiding difficult tasks indefinitely cuts off opportunities to improve your skills. Maryam Kouchaki recommends breaking more challenging projects into bite-sized pieces so that you can still get the satisfaction of ticking items off your to-do list while tackling tougher tasks.
Plan Around End-of-Day Fatigue
Research by Maria Ibanez has shown that inspections conducted later in the day result in fewer violations. It's worth considering whether certain sequences of tasks or times of day affect the quality of your work. That gives you an opportunity to improve performance by being smarter about scheduling.
Multitask Smarter
Focusing on completing a few tasks rather than simply pushing forward on many can make you more efficient. A study by Nicola Persico and Rob Bray tested this idea by altering the way Italian appellate labor court judges schedule court hearings. They found that scheduling hearings in advance and grouping them close together cut the time it took to resolve a case by 19%.
There are Costs to Collaboration
Collaboration is often described as unilaterally good, but it's important to remember that there are costs associated with it too. When skilled workers are engaged in concurrent collaboration, the throughput of the entire system can suffer. The need to synchronize while coordinating can lead to a productivity loss. It's essential to assess whether the benefits of collaboration outweigh the costs.
Take Breaks
Working for long periods without a break can actually decrease your productivity. Research by Adam Waytz found that taking regular breaks can help you maintain focus and stay on task. A brief pause to stand up, stretch, or take a walk can help you feel more energized and focused when you return to work.
“At the end of the day, being busy may not equal being productive.” —Jan Van Mieghem
In conclusion, being busy may not equal being productive. By implementing these ideas, you can work smarter, not harder, and achieve more in less time.
