What does "working efficiently" really mean?

Do you know how easy it is, sometimes, to start the day behind and stay there all day long? Have you ever tried to get to work early - to get ahead of the game - and STILL fallen behind by lunch?

So, what does it take to be maximally effective AND efficient? I heard someone once say, "Focus on the most important things, and work on one at a time until you're finished." Ahh, if only it were that simple!

The way I see it, there are a least 4 things that come into play here:

Concentration
Control
Precision
Fluidity

Concentration: Are you able to ignore the small distractions that are going on all around you? If not, are you able to move your workplace at least once during the day? It's very important that you are in a space/place that affords you the space to work. Not only the physical space, but the mental space to clear your mind and focus.

Control: Do you open a project file, or read an e-mail, and wonder why you have it? Have you ever left a meeting hoping something was going to happen? Too many times, people think of control as the old oppressive-style management. No longer are bosses going to yell at (or hit!) employees. But, uncertainty still abounds. Next time you end a point in a meeting, simply ask the leader, "Is there any part of that I will be required to report on during our next meeting?" This will allow everyone a moment to stop and reflect on the points made more efficiently.

Precision: Do you go through motions each day (like opening e-mails, filing e-mails, adding notes to your calendar, etc) and "think" there might be an easier more efficient way of doing things? I showed an "Outlook tip" to a client last week, and she claims that knowing that ONE trick will save her minutes every day. (For the tip, and others like it, just e-mail me and I'll send you a couple of them in a PDF file.)

Fluidity: Can you move from one thing to the next easily? When you're in the middle of writing an e-mail, and the phone rings, can you answer it and give the person your full attention? Or, when you DO decide to leave the office...can you walk away, and take YOU with...you? Recognize your own rhythm of work, and plan accordingly.

I'm sure you other indicators of what "on course and on purpose" look like to you. I'd love to hear from anyone reading this...

What does working efficiently really mean?

Comments

[Jason]

Andy,

Thanks for this! Your note has a lot of "levels" to it. Each word could be specified with even more details to it...

"allocating...
"appropriate..."
"ensure..."
"standard..."
"resource..."

You gave me something to think about today, thanks!

[Andy]

Jason

To me it means allocating the appropriate resources to the task/problem/project to ensure it is completed to the required standard.

Resource could mean time, energy, money, people, tools etc.

Regards,
Andy