4 Potholes to Priorities “It takes 20-30 minutes to transition into deep, critical an d creative thought. The average American worker is interrupted eight times an hour. Not only do they struggle to get into their creative zone, they lose productivity because they are repeating steps to retrace where they left off.� Jim Miller, General Manager of Extended Workplace Solutions U.S. West
Productivity Partners, Inc.
913-649-0878
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As a professional organizer, trainer and coach I realize my job is about change. . But changing requires more than practicing better time management. It also requires paying more attention to those day-to-day events that cost you…those things that get in the way of getting to what’s important. Unless there’s a focused effort to keep vigilance over your priorities, your best efforts towards improving your productivity and peace of mind will go to waste. Here are what I consider the top 4 culprits: •The cost of an interruption – You experience multiple interruptions an hour Regardless of the number or type of interruptions, remember that every time someone stands at the door and asks for your attention, they invite you to climb out of your priority and into theirs. Politely moving them to an alternative time enables you to remain focused. •The cost of always saying ‘yes’ - ‘No’ is an acceptable word. Learning to say NO and meaning it is difficult. Let’s face it…NO can sound like yes and NO can sound like maybe. Saying it to supervisors or customers comes with its own cautionary reminder. But identifying and being committed to your priorities is what keeps us focused on when and if we should be saying ‘yes’. •The cost of delaying decisions - Procrastination is a difficult habit to break. When delaying decisions is what you consistently and routinely do, you permeate your productivity with ineffective and frustrating scenarios. Not only for yourself but for others as well. Making decisions to move things forward one mindful stepat-a-time is the only way to begin making a worthwhile change. •The cost of email frenzy - It’s not about email. It’s about how you manage email. And it’s not going away anytime soon, so determine it’s level of importance in helping you get to your priorities on a daily basis. Today’s business climate creates pressure to produce more work…with fewer people…sooner…for less money. It demands more of you and where your attention goes…or is diverted. But there are major gains to be realized by proactively handling priority potholes by remaining tethered to your priorities. You become more focused and less stressed. There are still only 24 hours in a day. What are you doing to remain focused on what’s important in your life? The answer helps determine your level of satisfaction with work…and life. © 2012 Cynthia Kyriazis
Productivity Partners, Inc.
913-649-0878
888-482-2688
Productivity Partners, Inc. specializes in helping employees overcome the 24/7 time management and organizing challenges they face in order to improve performance, increase productivity and reduce stress. PPI assists individuals, teams, and entire companies in gaining confidence and control when it comes to paper, information, time, space and choice management. Offerings include: Onsite workshops Online workshops or webinars Assessments Coaching Consulting Presentations Products
Cynthia Kyriazis started her business in 1992 after 25 years experience in multi-unit operations management. She is an organizing and time management coach, consultant, trainer, speaker and author. Cynthia is past Secretary of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), 2008 President of the International Society for Performance Improvement-Kansas City chapter (KCISPI), a national speaker, and consultant to the American Coaching Association. Cynthia can be reached at Cynthia@ProPartnersInc.com www.ProPartnersInc.com www.Moveyourmindset.wordpress.com Linkedin.com/in/propartnersinc Twitter.com/ProductiveYou GoogleMe Productivity Partners, Inc.
913-649-0878
888-482-2688