1. We should hold periodic meetings

Meetings are a great way to touch base with our team and make sure that everybody is on the right track. Keep in mind, however, that most actual work gets done outside of these meetings. Let’s keep meetings brief, with a clear focus, and make sure to summarize key takeaways at the end to ensure everyone is on the same page.

2. We need to test new ideas

We should be careful not to get comfortable simply doing what’s “good enough”. Let’s make sure to continuously test new ideas in search of a more productive or efficient method to complete our workflow.

3. We mustn’t multitask

When approaching our work, we should give our full attention to one task at a time. Time spent transitioning between tasks can add up to hours out of your day. Not to mention, when we dedicate our focus to a single task, we’ll surely produce higher-quality results.

4. We need to give ourselves a break

If we find that our productivity has hit the wall, let’s try getting away from our desk and giving our mind a chance to refresh. We need to take a a nap or spend the day at home.

5. We have to “Automate”

With so much new technology, many human processes can now be replaced with apps and programs. Where automation isn’t possible, we can try to create a simple process that can be recreated. The easier our process becomes to repeat, the more time we’ll make for what’s most important.

6. We should delegate when possible

He had a good point. Our energy should be put to use to accomplish tasks that require our brainpower and expertise. Keep in mind, once we delegate a task, we have to let our team take care of it. Hovering over the tasks once we past them down wastes as much time as keeping them on our desk to do ourselves.

7. “Never mistake motion for action”

Just because we’re writing a to-do list and organizing our email doesn’t mean we’re actually getting things done. Let’s put aside small distracts that get us off track, and make sure we recognize the difference between busywork and actually getting work done. Do we really need to color code those sticky notes?

8. We should get to work early

Our hours probably look like something from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Rather than walking in the door at 8:59 AM so we can clock in right as the clock strikes 9, let’s try showing up 10-15 minutes early. This will give us time to focus in on the work in front of us, so we can hit the ground running as soon as we punch in for the day. Now perk up! It’s time to get started.