Karel Mc Intosh, Contributor
Work it harder, make it better, do it faster, makes us stronger. Those familiar with the U.S. hip-hop scene will recognise these words from Kanye West's recent hit, Stronger. Others will also recognise it from the dance group Daft Punk from whom Kanye sampled the beat and hook. Those who are looking for ways to increase their productivity may well choose to apply this credo to their work ethic.
Employers often search for ways to increase productivity. Some adopt an army-style approach to interacting with employees, thinking that intimidation will ensure that employees are glued to their desks, working tirelessly to meet the company's objectives. However, while this approach may get employees working, it doesn't foster a positive attitude to work, and it can actually place boundaries on the employee's motivation and drive to achieve even more.
Another approach is to send employees to whole-day workshops where employees learn a host of techniques that will supposedly enhance their performance. Speaking from experience, this doesn't work for everyone. While one person may adopt the taught practices, and successfully apply them, another person may return to the office with the same habits - maybe because they don't relate to the tips given or because they haven't found their own motivation to improve their performance. Or maybe some individuals just like to do things their own way.
Personal motivation
Improving productivity has to be personally motivated. Ask yourself, what do I gain from upping the ante? Here are three great perks: better performance - which will look great for your performance appraisals, increased confidence - which gives you a better outlook on your work life, and better balance of work and personal life - you'll finish your tasks faster and on time and be able to leave work on time or not as late as usual so you have time for personal affairs.
Now, ask yourself what do you stand to lose if you don't improve productivity? If you've decided that you can't afford the associated risks, then it's time to really boost your productivity.
Distractions and taking control
The only way you're going to be more productive is by having that personal drive to do it. Some people suffer from attention deficit or are easily distracted. Concentrating on the task at hand, and having the strength to resist distractions is a true test of will, especially when events at work aren't that busy. If your office is a very free-spirited one, and people often stop to chat, don't remove yourself from that sort of camaraderie. Instead, know when to say, "okay people, I've got to get back to work here".
Some of us are lucky enough to have high-speed Internet access at work, but this can be a blessing and a curse. Facebook is a key contributor to decreased productivity for some "Facebook addicts" with its many applications and entertainment outlets. If you really have a problem ignoring the lures of online entertainment (as some people really do), try to adopt a pattern where you check accounts like these at lunchtime or after-work hours. Think of it as an incentive for completing your work on time.
Ask yourself, do you really put as much energy as you can into your work and do you accomplish anything at the end of the day? Or do you give into the temptation to 'slack off' so often that you find yourself contorting your body or acting as if you were really busy when your boss or another colleague approaches you. If your answer is yes, then it's time to take charge of your ability to focus on your responsibilities and to increase your productivity.
The author is a Trinidad-based public relations and communications professional. She publishes the blog http://www.caribbbeanpblog.com. You can contact her at caribbeanprblog@yahoo.com.
