May 2007

Tip #1: Detach yourself from the problem.

A technique to better take charge of a situation is to emotionally detach yourself while viewing the problem from a different perspective. To do this, consider what advice or solution you might offer to someone else who was facing the same situation. Or, pretend that you are a teacher about to make a presentation on the root causes of the problem and its ramifications. When you look at the situation from a neutral perspective, the solution you arrive at will likely be a much better one because there is no fear involved as there is when you are attached to the decision or the outcome.

Once you have detached yourself and decided on a proper course, don't allow yourself to worry or become frustrated about how your schedule was disrupted. Receive comfort in knowing that you took charge of the situation and are doing something about it. Practicing this technique will help you triumphant over unexpected situations that disrupt your day.

Tip #2: Prioritize tasks.

At the end of each week or month, depending on the complexity of your projects and tasks, look ahead and start to conditionally list these projects and tasks. Consider what has to be done, its urgency, how much time may be required to complete it. Add these tasks, in order of importance, to your work schedule.

Tip #3: Communicate so others understand.

Breakdowns in communication caused by misunderstandings is a major contributor to an unproductive day. When you are communicating with employees, staff, or clients, make sure they understand your intended message. You may have a college degree in English, but the persons you are communicating with may not. So slow down, practice patience, keep your language and messages simple, and you will increase your chances of being accurately understood. Ask questions, check for understanding, listen to what the other person has to say regarding the messages you are sending. By practicing these techniques, you will help eliminate or reduce costly errors and losses in production time.

Tip #4: Delegate routine tasks.

Hopefully you are not one of these, but many people do not care to delegate because they fear the other person will not do the job as well as they would themselves. But by not delegating you waste valuable time attending to tasks that your staff or employees are paid to handle. Take the time to instruct them on what needs to be done. Share insights about how you'd like the final product to look, but don't micromanage to the point that you dwarf their creativity. Consider yourself as a people developer, a coach, and afford your staff opportunities to utilize their own brain-power to determine the best process to get to the final result. Communicate your instructions and expectations clearly, check their understanding, and patiently listen for any misunderstanding. Once you've delegated the task, a quick review to ensure that the tasks are being done correctly and on time is all that should be required.

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"A Leadership Moment" is designed to give you brief tips to help you become more productive. We wish to provide only relevant information, so if you found this information useful please let us know. And if you have additional tips that work for you, share them and we'll share your tip with others and give you the credit.

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