Monday, January 18, 2016

How to Be More Productive When You're Crazy Busy



If you’re not able to self-regulate – to shift gears when necessary – then you may find yourself burned out and unproductive. A new book looks at how to find the right gear at the right time in order to thrive. 
Next time you don’t want to be interrupted while working, try posting a “5” on your office door or cubicle.
If your co-workers are familiar with the idea that this means you are in “fifth gear” and are totally immersed in what you’re doing and shouldn’t be distracted, then they will leave you alone.
Could it really be that simple to eliminate distractions at work and be more effective? According to a new book, “5 Gears: How to Be Present and Productive When There is Never Enough Time,” authors Jeremie Kubicek and Steve Cockram say that if everyone would learn the various gears and what they mean, then they could operate in a communication shorthand and help everyone be more productive.
Much like the gears in a car, the authors say their gears are:
1st gear: This is your time to fully rest and recharge.
2nd gear: You take time to connect with family and friends without an agenda or pressure to work or be productive.
3rd gear: This is your time to socialize. While you may believe this isn’t important at work, Kubicek says that you must be “really, really good at it to be productive.” That’s because if you shut yourself away in your office and don’t interact with your team members, you can make the entire team more unproductive.
4th gear: You’ve now moved into the work gear. This means checking off your to-do list and often multitasking. Most people spend their day in this gear.
5th gear: As mentioned earlier, you’re in the zone and thinking strategically.
The reason it’s important for teams to learn these gears (read more here)

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