No matter how productive you are, there are always ways to increase your output. We invite you to discover 4 strategies developed by experts to increase your productivity.
Imagine the perfect organization system for a moment. A system that supports and enhances the work you do. Showing you exactly where to put a piece of information and where to find it when you need it. This system should be:
- Universal, encompassing every type of information imaginable, regardless of source.
- Flexible, able to work with any project or activity you take on today and in the future.
- Simple, requiring no maintenance, cataloging, tagging, or tedious rearranging beyond the bare minimum.
- Achievable, integrating seamlessly with task and project management methods.
- Cross-platform, can be used with any application, existing or future.
- Results oriented, structuring information in a way that supports the achievement of quality work.
- Modular, allowing different levels of detail to be hidden or revealed, depending on the needs of the task at hand.
- Timely in a good way, leveraging work already done, instead of requiring additional work time.
PARA stands for Projects – Areas – Resources – Archives, the four high-level categories that encompass all types of information you may encounter in your work and life.
2- The PDCA method.
PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) is a method of continuous improvement of processes and products.
What does the PDCA cycle mean?
Explained briefly, the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle is a model for leading change. This is an essential part of the lean manufacturing philosophy and an essential prerequisite for the continuous improvement of people and processes.
First proposed by Walter Shewhart and later developed by William Deming, the PDCA cycle has become a widely used framework for continuous improvement in manufacturing, management, and other areas.
PDCA is a simple four-step method that helps teams avoid common mistakes and improve processes. As we have explained, the meaning of PDCA allows us to delve deeper into the subject and know more about the cycle.
3- The POMODORO method:
The Pomodoro technique is a method of time planning that consists of 25-minute periods of concentration interspersed with five-minute rest periods. Longer breaks, usually 15 to 30 minutes, are taken after four consecutive work intervals. Each work interval is called a pomodoro, the Italian word for tomato (plural: pomodori).
What is the Pomodoro technique?
The Pomodoro technique can also help develop more efficient work behaviors. With effective time management, they can get more done in less time, while feeling a sense of accomplishment and reducing the risk of burnout. To this end, the Pomodoro Technique includes five progressive processes that help develop a mindful and productive relationship with time:
- Pomodoro internal process. Develop an effective relationship with time to improve productivity.
- Central Pomodoro process. Focus on tasks in order to achieve goals with less effort.
- Daily Pomodoro process. Set up a daily routine, improve daily work process and multi-task more efficiently.
- Weekly Pomodoro process. Schedule a weekly routine, organize your time more efficiently and achieve multiple goals.
- Team Pomodoro process. Learn how to adapt the Pomodoro technique to teamwork.
4- The BATCHING method
Task grouping consists of grouping similar missions together to carry them out simultaneously. It’s usually about grouping together small tasks that contribute to bigger goals. Thanks to the time distribution, it is possible to work on these missions for a set period of time or until you have completed a certain number of missions. Task classification can be done in two ways:
- Complex tasks: Complex tasks generally require a significant ability to concentrate. These are sometimes missions that require more time, such as writing new documentation.
- Superficial tasks: Superficial tasks are missions that are relatively simple and quick to complete. These include tasks that you may be able to access when distracted, such as sending emails.
