Productivity: How to add value in the Workplace

Productivity:
How To Add Value In The Workplace

Never Look For Another Assignment Until You Have Successfully Completed Your Last & Most Important One

If you are reading this, it is safe to say you have set some important goals for yourself at your place of employment, and you probably have a good idea of what you want to achieve. More than likely you have a desire to be promoted to a higher position with greater responsibility. Here are a few questions to ponder:
• How are you going to make your dream of promotion come to pass?
• What steps are you going to take to ensure future promotion?
• Do you have a plan?
• What are you currently doing that makes you believe that you are deserving of one?

These are questions that must be answered. Personally, I love to dream. I love to think about the possibilities ahead and about all I want to accomplish in my lifetime. Still, I realize that achievement is only produced when I leave the dream realm and take action. This chapter is written to help you become more productive so you can fulfill your dreams.
It amazes me how many individuals quit striving toward their goals. After all, the bigger the dream the greater the distance you have to travel. The most miserable people in the world today are those who know what they need to do to create the life they desire, but they refuse to take the actions to do so.
Throughout my life, I have discovered three simple, career-enhancing truths.
First, assess the desired outcome of the project.
Second, assess what action you must take immediately.
Third, concentrate entirely on the most important task until it is complete.
In today’s business culture, productivity is the key to promotion. Without productivity all the other pursuits in this book won’t mean a thing because every employer by reason of economics is forced to look at the bottom line.
Let’s take a look at these three keys to guaranteed productivity.

1. Assess the desired result.

What is considered a successful outcome of a particular project or task? The clearer the desired result, the quicker you can take action. Always be certain you are on the same page as your employer regarding the desired outcome of a task. Don’t assume the outcome you desire is the outcome your boss does. There is no substitute for double-checking and communication so you and those who write the checks are moving in the same direction.

2. Assess what actions must be taken immediately.

You may have ten, fifteen, or even fifty things to do on your plate right now, but do you know what to do next? Identifying the next action takes a matter of minutes, but is often a highly neglected practice. Look over your list of projects and ask yourself, what must I do next? Write it down. After you go through your projects and write out each action step, then determine the highest priority and get to work.
You cannot do everything right now. All that matters is what you do right now and what you do next. A great question to ask is, “what action if done will be of the most benefit to you and the company?” or, “what action if not done will be most detrimental to your career success? “

3. Concentrate entirely on the most important task until it is complete.

Quickly solve every problem that comes your way and soon your stock will rise in the eyes of those who are looking for someone to promote. Allow time and your track record to speak on your behalf. Don’t force the issue. Your ability to act quickly and get more done than anyone else will cause you to stand out.
If you can create a memory in your supervisor’s mind that you are person who can get the job done quickly and in excellence, more responsibility and opportunity will be given to you. Getting the job done quickly may mean the difference between you or someone else getting a promotion.
One way of ensuring that you focus on the right things is by simply asking questions! Here are some questions you could ask:

• What is the purpose of my job?
• What are the measures of success at my job?
• What is an exceptional performance to you?
• What are the priorities of my supervisor?
• What resources are available to me?
• What costs are acceptable?

Remember, your boss’ time is valuable, so be straight and to the point. Ask the questions, write down his answers, and thank him for his time. If the conversation is going to carry on, allow him to drive it.
Results matter! According to Anthony Robbins, you always succeed when producing a result. Getting the job done does matter! You get paid for results, not for having sincere intentions. A high percentage of those who rise to the top of organizations make their mark by being productive and doing their job with excellence. The more productive you are the quicker you will be promoted.