Work Less And Be More Successful- Say What?!
Yep, you read that right. It is hard to imagine, but true. Let me start with an example and how it can work for you.
Exercise Analogy
Let’s say you have a choice of exercise classes. Option #1 is a one-hour class that is somewhat easy. The instructor is not a stickler about being on time, using proper form, or working at your optimum heart rate. You show up and give 65% of your effort. Over the long term, you’ll be in better shape than the person that doesn’t work out, but you’ll never reach your peak performance.
Option #2 is taught by an instructor with high expectations of class attendees. The class is only 45 minutes, but you have to give 110% effort. You show up early, get a spot in the front of the class, follow the instructions closely, use proper form and maximize your heart rate in each class. You know the results. Over time you will be physically fit and reach your peak healthy state. And guess what, you’ll spend less time exercising! I always choose option #2, show up, bust my ass, do it right and spend the extra time on something else. What about you?
Work Harder
Let’s switch the scenario to you and your job. Say you’re putting in roughly 8 hours a day, meeting the required job expectations, and attending all the Zooms, but honestly, you are often dialing it in. Chances are that you are occasionally distracted, take longer to do projects than you should, and check your phone frequently throughout the day. Regardless of the reason, you are not giving your maximum effort. Whether you realize it or not, you have chosen Option #1.
What if you changed your behavior during your work hours? What if you were more focused, efficient and took fewer hours to get your work done? What if you gave 110% on your projects each day, attended every Zoom (with your video on!) and had questions prepared for the meeting leader about the projects on the agenda? Just like the tension knob in spin class, taking Option #2 means you’re utilizing resources like project management apps (think Slack, Basecamp, etc) in order to optimize your efficiency and organization. Now you are giving your best performance and maximizing your contributions to the company.
See the Results
It does not matter if you are in the office or working remotely; the result of using this strategy is the same. Who do you think is more likely to receive a promotion in the scenarios above? And who is more likely to be appreciated by the boss and a happier employee?
Ask yourself, how can you work less and be more successful? Try to come up with five ways that you could be more effective and efficient in your role.
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