Pivot for productivity

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Email newsletter - April 20, 2020

PRODUCTIVITY Through a Pandemic?

People who have been working from home or airports or coffeeshops may be very productive. If you’re adjusting to working remote for the first time and have multiple distractions, be patient with yourself and your colleagues. It’s an opportunity to pivot our thinking about productivity.  Remember, keep life as simple as possible and be aware of your stress levels. Keep pivoting so communication and work and life flows.

A CHECKLIST FOR REMOTE WORK - HOW ARE YOU DOING?

Here are a few tips as you continue to adjust to your work environment:

1.What’s Your ROI (RETURN ON IMPORTANCE)?

  • Focus and prioritize on a few things that you want to achieve each day.

  • Manage your Things to Do list. Focus on the priorities first. Allow yourself time to adjust.

  • Don’t schedule your Zoom or phone calls back to back.

  • Re-asses the meetings that you attend and only attend those that you MUST attend. 

  • Fill the day with shorter meetings; have a focused agenda with a clear Aim: what do you need to accomplish? 

  • Schedule some time to think, plan, and reflect. 

  • Schedule time to do your work.

2. Bring a healthy, professional you to the screen.

  • Take quiet time everyday; schedule it for 15-30 minutes to let the ideas flow

  • Self-care and wellness is essential: good sleep, exercise, healthy food and less alcohol, vitamins, more water, relaxation.

  • Schedule your lunch and time to get away from your desk to take a walk. DO IT - NO EXCUSES.

  • Prepare yourself for your interactions; if you’re on video, look presentable.

  • Create a Community and connect. Especially at a time of crisis, check in with people, ask how they’re doing, listen, empathize, have fun. Laugh.

3. Gather the support you need

  • What support tools are useful: WebEx, Slack, Zoom, Facetime, text, chatbot, whiteboard, phone, apps?

  • Are your connections reliable? Update as needed.

  • Optimal work environment? How can you be comfortable but not end up with a sore back? If you are sitting on a sofa or a bed all day, you can end up with back or sciatic nerve problems.