4 strategic steps to productivity

When we want to be more productive, we don’t see the big picture and no matter how quickly we apply the productivity tools by reading articles, viewing videos or listening to audio-books, we might miss something. One realizes that the missing link could be a framework from which to start, and where to include the tools that we learn about.

At a time, some scholars involved in academia & research activities, analyzed a number of models for measuring an organization or company’s performance. Of such models, lets consider a strategic model called SEED Strategic Model, useful as a framework for developing business strategy.

In short, SEED Strategic Model includes:
Strengths – companies’ internal capabilities
Environment – Competition analysis
Expectations – Objectives & Strategic options
Development – Action related activities

What is the link between this model and productivity?

Answer: Individual productivity leads to organizational performance.

In 1908, Henry Ford revolutionized the car manufacturing industry by launching Model T (also known as Tin Lizzi), considered the first affordable car for the average American. The way this has been achieved was by increasing the efficiency of production and the inclusion of a line of production, compared to the prior system of individual manufacturing.

Henri Ford, gradually increased the productivity of his employees which led to increased company performance and tremendous impact in the industry.

Certainly, you want to have more impact through the work you do, to achieve more or to know that your products / services are used by more people.

Starting from the SEED model, here are four strategic steps to productivity!

Create a list of your strengths!

When you want to be more productive, you need to understand the way in which you operate. Maybe you want to be more productive in the morning, but you’re not a morning person, so no matter how much you try it’s possible to go back to old habits. Change is possible, but if you do not align with who you really are, it’s possible to wake up early in the morning because of what others do and not because you really want it.

Remember! There is no magic formula for being productive. There are frameworks and ideas from which you can get inspired, but you need to adapt them to who you are or who you want to become. Your skills are important, especially if you want to be more productive in a job that doesn’t motivate you anymore.

2. Analyze your working environment!

The working environment affects your productivity. You become like the people you spend your time, so analyze your environment. If you work in an environment with effective meetings, you will be influenced, so when you have to hold a meeting you’ll try to be efficient. Most of the times, we analyze people like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs without taking into account the huge differences between countries and regions. A more regional approach even on who are the effective successful people in your country would be more interesting.

3. Set your expectations for this year / month / week!

Your goals are the fuel for growth, but expectations can act most often as a brake. When you want to be more productive, you should check if your goals require an increase in productivity and in which direction. Depending on your work, it’s possible to have too high expectations against the reality of the situation, which requires a higher flexibility to reposition yourself.

4. Develop a clear plan of action!

How do you act today? What makes you have low productivity? Maybe it’s time spent on email or social networks or too much multi-tasking. Small changes can lead to big results. Therefore, a change such as planning, time and number of times to check emails, limiting the activities on multi-tasking or focusing on important and non-urgent activities, could mean a lot to maximize productivity.

Remember, though, that any idea requires action