Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, running your own business, or attempting to harmonize work with family life, finding ways to be more productive can make a significant difference. I’ve spent decades working with women in leadership positions and here are some top productivity hacks women in leadership use to maximize their efficiency and achieve their goals.
1. Embrace the Power of Time Blocking
Time blocking is a simple yet powerful technique where you divide your day into blocks of time, each dedicated to a specific task or group of tasks. By doing this, you can focus solely on one thing at a time, reducing distractions and increasing efficiency.
How to Get Started:
- Identify your high-priority tasks.
- Allocate specific time blocks for each task.
- Stick to the schedule and avoid multitasking.
The most challenging part of utilizing this tool is actually sticking to the plan. You may need to inform others that you are going silent to work on some projects. Or perhaps simply learn to shut your door during these times. In order for this to work, you will need to set some boundaries for yourself.
2. Leverage Technology
There are countless apps and tools designed to streamline tasks and improve productivity. From project management to time tracking, technology can be your best friend.
Must-Have Tools:
- Trello or Asana for project management.
- Google Calendar or Microsoft Office Calendar for scheduling and reminders.
- RescueTime or Harvest Time for tracking and managing time spent on various activities.
- Chat GPT for generating ideas, creating emails, etc.
Technology can become a part time employee working to make you more efficient.
3. Delegate and Outsource
Recognize that you don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegating tasks to team members or outsourcing them can free up your time for more critical activities.
Delegation Tips:
- Identify tasks that can be delegated.
- Choose the right person for each task.
- Provide clear instructions and set expectations.
For those of us who are perfectionist, delegating is a struggle because we know it won’t be done perfectly. I had a mentor who told me if it can be done 80% as well as I do it, delegate it. And maybe use the time you save to work with a coach or therapist to let go of your perfectionistic tendencies. Just a thought.
4. Master the Art of Saying No
Learning to say no is an essential skill for maintaining productivity. Overcommitting can lead to burnout and decreased efficiency.
Strategies for Saying No:
- Be honest and assertive.
- Offer alternative solutions if possible.
- Remember that saying no to one thing means saying yes to something more important.
Productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most efficiently. By implementing these hacks, you can better manage their time, reduce stress, and achieve their goals with greater ease and satisfaction. Remember, productivity is a journey, not a destination. Keep experimenting with different strategies to find what works best for you.
Connect with Michele on LinkedIn or read more of her articles on Plaid.
