Checklist Series: Be more productive

In this first of our Checklist series for 2010 we look at tips and tricks for boosting productivity in the workplace. You can boost both personal and team productivity in lots of smaller ways that are easy to implement and provide immediate results. Read on for quick tips on getting more done.

Hit the ground running. Don't waste the first hour of the day. As soon as you arrive, focus on getting something done before you even think about checking Facebook or dropping in on a co-worker.
Decline a meeting. Meetings are necessary - but every meeting is not. Don't automatically accept every meeting invitation you receive, especially if there is no clear agenda or outcome.
Close your e-mail. Do you drop what you're doing every time you hear the new e-mail sound or see that little icon appear? Close the e-mail programme and focus on the task at hand. Better yet, turn off the alerts and notifications in your email program.
Use voicemail. An always ringing phone is a productivity killer. If something is worth your time, the caller will leave a message. Let it go to voicemail when you're focused on a major task.
Say 'no.' As organisations try to do more with less, there's a good chance that you'll have to cut back on lower-value activities. Don't be afraid to decline tasks that aren't a good use of your time. (The first time you do this will be the hardest.)
Minimize interruptions. Don't make it a habit to drop everything whenever someone stops by your desk or calls you on the phone. Politely but firmly direct non-urgent issues to a later time when you can give the matter your full attention without compromising what you're doing. Schedule the meeting while they watch.
Help your team prioritize. Make sure they know what's important so they can allocate their time and energy appropriately. Help them help you.
Set goals. Once priorities are crystal-clear, be sure to set some measurable goals. Appropriate, attainable targets will help keep your team moving in the right direction.
Schedule appointments with yourself. Don't just use programme such as Outlook for your daily appointments. If you need to carve out time to work on something specific, put it on your Tasks and block out time just like you would a meeting with a real person. Don't stand yourself up!
Put the economy in perspective. With all the economic doom and gloom in the news these days, a lot of people are carrying around serious financial stress. Help your team understand where your company stands in the scheme of things. A realistic idea of where things stand will mean less nagging anxiety and better productivity.

For more ideas on how you can boost the productivity for yourself and your team, contact Nexus Partners, email us or call on 0800 4 LEADERS. More information is also available here.