What comes to mind when you hear “productivity”?

My best information comes from my clients, and people I speak to casually about my work.  The words “multitasking”, “information overload”,  ”time management”, and “clutter” are all parts of a recurring theme.  Too much coming in, need to increase what goes out.  This, is true.  However, the elements of productivity work together in a way you may not have imagined.

What does all this have to do with cellular biology?

Productivity is like a cell, with complex inter-dependent workings inside.  Both are influenced by a broad range of  internal and external conditions that affect their ability to function.   For an individual, this could be anything from being uncomfortable with the office temperature, to living with ADHD.  In a company, productivity can be enhanced with tools and training, but is also largely a product of culture and morale.

Attention

There are an unlimited number of perfectly common conditions, like a backache or a persistent cough, that affect our ability to attend.  In addition, and far more common that you may realize are chronic conditions such as ADD and learning disabilities, not to mention chronic pain, mild to moderate depression and so forth.  In all cases, it is so important know ourselves and manage whatever conditions we must live with, in order to be able attend to work and, most importantly, life.

Communication

Whether or not, and how we convey information can make or break our productivity. Workplace communication includes detailed, up-to-date job descriptions, and thoughtful directives.  It also includes timely praise and recognition for a job well done.  People may be intelligent, trustworthy and talented, but that does not make them mind-readers!

Organization

Organization is what I call an adapted element of productivity.  There is no “right” or “wrong” way to be organized, although there are some unavoidable basics like using a planner and to-do lists.  Its easy to become desperately frustrated with getting organized. This is because it is human nature to jump to the latest fad, or to whatever seems to work for someone else. The best way to get organized?  Start by taking a close, honest look at your needs versus the functionality of your space and systems.

Motivation

“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”.  Most people who have the choice will work for a combination of money, meaning and recognition.  Take away any of those motivators, and you may end up with employee who shows up because he or she *has* to.  Needless to say, your most productive employees are inevitably those whose motivation needs are being met.

Productivity Coaching is the cornerstone of ARoundTuit’s Services that Work. Just contact me to arrange a telephone consultation, and find out how we can make productivity work for you.

I also welcome your comments and ideas about these productivity topics.  Please share them in the space below!

“I bet this is the worst mess you’ve ever seen”, you say. “Not by far”, I say, and close the subject.

But then, what do I think when I enter an office (or an entire building) full of clutter?  In-boxes filled with hundreds of unread emails? Months and months of unopened office mail?

Or,when I meet a talented professional who’s disorganization is hurting his or her career?

In most cases, these thoughts come  to mind:

1. Your are under a lot of stress. It is eating away at your career and your happiness.
2. I am really glad you called me.  Your struggle is my strength. I can help!
3. What can I do to make a big positive difference as quickly as possible?

I have met many people who experience their disorganization as a personal failure.  They operate under the assumption that because they are great at many things, they ought to be naturally great at staying organized.

Of course, this doesn’t make any more sense than a surgeon feeling incompetent because she can’t do her own car repairs (or whatever).   This kind of thinking comes from a place in us that wants to be naturally good at simple life-skills. Unfortunately, as demonstrated by the multi-billion dollar market for productivity products and services, it’s not always as simple as we’d like.

Call an accountant for the books, and lawyer for the contracts, and a professional organizer to boost company productivity.  It’s an investment you’ll be happy you made!  And I’m proud of you that you made it.

Professional Organizers help people by redesigning aspects of their surroundings, possessions and time to allow for a more productive and meaningful existence.

In the workplace, Professional Organizers can:

• Bring structure, logic and control to your organization, at any level.
• Optimize work flow to increase productivity, reduce stress and heighten profitability.
• Build company-wide systems or define responsibilities for a single employee.
• Motivate your team with real solutions to the everyday challenges of too much to do, changing priorities, and information overload. NAPO, copyright 2006.

ARoundTuit is Atlanta’s office productivity specialist. Our services come as a huge relief to professionals who had been struggling to run their businesses, without letting business run them.

ARoundTuit’s membership with the National Association of Professional Organizers shows our dedication to professionalism, cooperation, and cutting-edge expertise.