Season’s Fleetings
So we’re getting one final blast of hot weather to enjoy. As welcome as that is, we know it’s all over, bar the shouting. Our on/off summer is slowly ebbing away. The nights are visibly drawing in, and the air is growing evermore frigid. It’s feeling distinctly autumnal.
Here we go again, another UK winter and all the ‘joys’ that it brings.
It’s not all indifferent news, though. The football season’s well underway, and I can once again go and see my beloved Reds come hail or shine and hope for better progress this time. What’s it they say? It’s the hope that kills you.
Part of this meteorological ebb and flow is recognising that we’re now on the run-in to Christmas, but until then, we need to get our heads down and get some serious work done now we have everyone’s undivided attention.
To that end, we all need to become task-oriented. So, to boost your re-invigorated work ethic, here are some top tips about managing your task list and making light work of the mountains of stuff awaiting you after the summer festivities.
Taking To Tasks
A Simple List
Making a list is an effective but straightforward technique where you start your day with a comprehensive list of specific things you need to accomplish and tick off once complete. It seems obvious, but a basic list can help prevent items from slipping through the cracks, and you simply prioritise and add new tasks as they arrive.
Prioritise Properly
Once you have your list, take a moment to look at your tasks in terms of their importance and urgency so you are always working productively. The Eisenhower Matrix is a helpful way to categorise your task list and focus on those areas that matter most.
Goal Hanging
Make sure each task has a clear objective. Ensure you understand the task’s purpose and desired outcome so it’s easier to stay on track. There’s no point in being a busy fool, eh?
Break Down Tasks
Depending on what you need to achieve, you may need to divide chunkier tasks into smaller, manageable sub-tasks. Complexity can quickly overwhelm you, so breaking things down gives you a clearer sense of progress. It’s what that old ‘eat the elephant’ adage is all about
Block It Out
Allocating specific time blocks for different tasks or types of work helps you focus on one task at a time and reduces multitasking, which can lead to decreased productivity. This might also mean minimising interruptions and distractions. Turn off non-essential notifications, maybe use focus mode if you’re an iPhone user, close down your browser, and ask colleagues to give you space so your work can take flight.
Get Realistic About Deadlines
Be honest with yourself and, if possible, your boss about how long tasks will take. If you think something might take an hour, at least double the estimate is the general rule of thumb. You need to allow for thinking time, checking details and, of course, a cup of your favourite hot beverage.
Pomodoro Technique
Related to the above, working in focused intervals is usually more productive. It’s known as the Pomodoro Technique. Typically, you do 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break. After completing four cycles, take a 15-30 minute break. You probably already do this, but without the structure. It’s usually happening when your mind wanders to the KitKat you have stashed in your desk drawer.
Rinse And Repeat
Keep checking your tasks, progress and priorities, as these may change as circumstances inevitably do. Think about what works for you and what doesn’t so you can fine-tune your task strategies to the optimum.
That’s A Negative, Captain
It’s important not to overcommit. Politely declining tasks that don’t align with your priorities or capacity can help you maintain a healthy workload. It’s not always an option, but saying no occasionally may give you the space to shine.
Don’t Like Mondays?
Those are all great tips I’ve used as a team member and manager. Give one or two a go, and see how you get on with your task management.
That said, another tech-based product the Enso team has adopted lately is making a mahoosive difference. We’ve recently signed up for the productivity app Monday.com. As a remote team, it can be a challenge to ensure we’re all on the same page, work-wise, and this app makes this considerably more manageable.
It’s a feature-rich solution that allows team workflows to be set up, managed, measured, categorised, and reviewed using a centralised dashboard. What I like is the ability to tailor it precisely to the needs of my team and generate the data flows we all need to show how we’re progressing. It’s early days, but I already feel we’re more productive, more in control and more customer-focused because we all know what we need to achieve and by when.
And as a leader, I’m confident it’ll be a vital way for me to develop my team and see off any potential difficulties at the pass. In that way, the Monday app has a psychological element as it helps reduce the understandable stresses that managers feel when they want to get the best out of their colleagues.
It’s another example of tech making working life easier (which you know I love) and makes Monday mornings much more bearable.
What’s not to like about that?
Let’s Get Ready To Grumble
Of course, there’s no getting away from it; the first day back after a summer break will always be challenging. No matter how well prepared you are, that first Monday get-up will feel like the duvet’s made of concrete. So, to lighten the mood, here are a few ideas you might like that’ll keep your and your colleagues’ morale high.
Assuming you remembered, don’t forget to plonk down the edible treats you brought back from your hols. This is a surefire way to get a warm welcome back and generate a time-consuming chat about your holiday. After all, let’s not rush things on day one!
Depending on the company dress code, wear something quirky and fun like a holiday t-shirt, the sombrero you ill-advisedly bought or just a colourful tie. Something to let people know you’re back and ready to go.
If you purchased an unusual holiday knick-knack, put it on your desk. This will keep the vacation memories alive and might get people asking about it. From there, it’s off to the coffee machine with your pal and more time taken talking about your break (there’s a theme developing here).
Treat yourself to a new coffee mug with an amusing motto or picture. Something that you think sums you up, maybe. Mine has an Oscar Wilde quote: ‘I have nothing to declare but my genius’. That always gets a laugh; I’m not sure why.
Reset your out-of-office confirming you’re back and include a holiday pic and humourous text like: ‘wish I was here’ or ‘don’t panic everyone, I’m back now’. Will this make you lots of fans? Probably not, so only leave it on for a day or two.
Run a little competition. The person who knows the most about your recent holiday destination wins a special prize. This is a great way to get rid of the holiday knick-knack you bought back that’s already getting in the way.
Create a welcome back playlist: Pack it full of the cheesiest holiday songs you can find. Don’t hold back; put them all in The Birdy Song, Viva Espagna, Macarena, Agadoo, I’m Too Sexy, etc. Then, share it with your team and wait for the groans.
OK, Snap To It
So there you have it, the last of the summer-special newsletters. Hopefully, there’s plenty here to help you get match fit and maybe have a laugh or two along the way. The end of summer always seems like a wrench, but you’ve survived it before and will do again.
Next month, we’ll look for the first of other ways to get you through to Christmas while also doing great business.
Right, I’ll let you get to work, and, as ever, if you need to chat about any of the above or your plans going forward, drop me a line on the usual channels or use 0161 511 2143 or email me at adam@meetenso.co.uk.
All the best
Adam