There’s a prevalent conversation at work right now about productivity on both an individual scale, sure, but more so on an organizational level: 1) how can we help get the extraneous, low value stuff (read: stupid shit) out of people’s way 2) while making it clear what activities do make an impact and where the focus should be?
There are interesting questions to me and I think a core answer to unlocking productivity is simply less complexity. Complexity and lack of cooperation are what slow processes and people and dilute the activities that actually make a difference (grow the business, keep clients, build a product users love).
I organized a Lunch & Learn yesterday where a few coworkers and I talked about this broad topic of productivity over tacos. In prep, we read this short article and watched this Ted Talk:
The talk is worth a watch and led to some good discussion. Here, I want to summarize the article we read on the Ivy Lee Method — a productivity tool that’s helped whole organizations but keeps things easy by addressing individual priorities.
It’s pretty simple: At the end of each day right down the six things you have to do the next day. In the morning start at number one and don’t go to number two until you’re finished. And so on, that’s basically it.
Again, complexity is the enemy to productivity. Productivity hacks should be simple, obvious. Do the most important thing first.
Yet I am still embarrassingly bad at this. I am constantly taking in the same lessons over and over again with the wording slightly changed; I need the reminders, the renewals of good habits.
I’m going to try this approach with more intention during my work. I have a lot to get done, as always, but want to model working smarter and towards things that matter. I’ve never done well with complex time management systems anyway so I’ll try Ivy Lee on for size.
With Love,
Natalie