Ask Dr. Productivity

Dr. Productivity, I have lots of ideas to make my company more profitable and productive, but nobody listens to me or takes me seriously. What can I do? I want my colleagues to listen not just hear me. Talking to the Wall

Dear Talking to the Wall, If you want people to pay attention to your ideas you need to find an appropriate forum for your idea. Organize your thoughts and draft a summary to pitch to the powers that be at this meeting. Draft a one page summary that includes data, facts and cost savings. Cost savings should be particularly highlighted as people in power are always interested in ways to save money. When you present, speak in a confident, slow and thoughtful manner, and leave time for attendees to ask questions. And make sure you listen carefully to the questions and respond to the direct question being asked. Don’t be discouraged if your ideas aren’t adopted. There may be circumstances that are out of your control. Good luck.

Dr. Productivity, I’m working 18 hour days and feeling burnt out. I have an assistant, but I rarely use him because of my perfectionist tendencies. My bosses sat down with me yesterday and told me that my work quality is declining. Help! Control Freak

Dear Control Freak, Great leaders do the work, but also delegate and manage others. You are getting so mired in the details that you are not seeing the big picture. Tomorrow, take a look at what you do on a daily basis. What can you realistically take off your plate? Next, talk to your assistant to discuss these new duties. Resist the urge to hover and micromanage. Empower the assistant to do the job, but be available for questions. The first few weeks may be a bit stressful since the assistant is learning a new role, but over time you will be grateful that you are managing as well as doing.

Dr. Productivity, I easily get 400-500 e-mails per day. It’s stressing me out. I’m constantly checking my e-mail at all hours because I am worried about not answering them in a timely manner. I need your advice. Stressed Out Over E-mail.

Dear Stressed Out Over E-mail, Unfortunately, this is a common issue in the age of mobile devices. First, set up your spam filter so that all spam e-mail don’t reach your in-box. Second, set your rules up so that e-mails of certain subject matters go directly to appropriate folders. This will help with the feeling of being overwhelmed with the volume of incoming e-mails and will organize your in-box. Next turn off your mobile device after 8 pm and only check it once or twice each day during your weekends. If there is an urgent matter that needs your attention, that person will call you after an e-mail has been sent. Lastly when you go on vacation, turn on your out of office message and make sure you include the contact information of your colleague and assistant. Enjoy your free time.

In this series, professionals share their secrets to being more productive. Read the posts here, then write your own (use #ProductivityHacks in the body).