I enjoy the value of a good word. “Tenacious” is a good word. It’s defined as: “persistent in maintaining, adhering to or seeking something valued or desired.”
As we look at the subject of increasing effectiveness, I believe we must start with this characteristic as our jumping-off point.
If increasing your effectiveness in the workplace is something that you desire and value, then you must tenaciously seek it on a daily basis. You must become a tenacious advocate for the measure of effectiveness that you desire.
With this foundation in mind, let us look at five surefire ways to increase your effectiveness in the workplace.
1. Take a personal inventory.
Note: At this point, I assume that you have goals and plans in place for yourself, your team, your department, etc.
At least once a week, ask yourself, “How am I doing?” and “Am I any closer to my goal?”
Assess which situations have held you back in some way. Before proceeding any further, take the time to resolve these situations.
In order to increase your effectiveness, you cannot move forward with baggage that hinders your progress. People, systems, techniques and the like must be evaluated along the way.
An open and honest personal inventory is a surefire way to increase your effectiveness.
2. Get organized.
Increasing your effectiveness means change, and change is very traumatic for individuals who are not organized in the first place. Organizing your work is key to your ability to do things better, faster and more smoothly.
Do you have a timeline for your goals? Do you have specific action plans to reach those goals? Do you take the time to make a to-do list on a daily basis? Have you cleared your office, workspace and life of clutter?
Getting organized is another surefire way to increase your effectiveness in the workplace.
3. Keep a daily journal.
Keeping a journal of the day’s events and accomplishments is a healthy way to clarify your goals and also think things through so you make good decisions.
Journaling your day also allows you to see the tasks and areas of your work where you spend the majority of your time. In order to increase your effectiveness, you must discover these areas and tasks and evaluate whether they are leading you closer to your goals.
It may seem tedious, but making a note of everything you do and how much time you spend is a great way to increase effectiveness. Do this throughout your day so nothing gets left out.
4. Work with the go-getters.
In any changing situation, it is to your advantage to build a small team of allies that you can rely on and trust to do specified tasks or functions.
These people are your “go-getters” — they are self-motivated, disciplined and enthusiastic about their work. Connect with these people regularly in order to build a support system around your goals. Allow their effectiveness to enhance yours.
Powerful change happens when motivated people work together toward common goals.
5. Become obsessed with possibilities.
Protecting a familiar routine that you would rather not change is a surefire way to stunt and, ultimately, decrease your effectiveness. Simply doing things a certain way because “we’ve always done them that way” will hinder creativity and deflate motivation.
Always be willing to think of the possibilities that lie ahead. Consider new techniques and strategies that bolster excitement within your team. Evaluate (there’s that word again) everything in order to achieve success. ●
DeLores Pressley, motivational speaker and personal power expert, is one of the most respected and sought-after experts on success, motivation, confidence and personal power. She is an international keynote speaker, author, life coach and the founder of the Born Successful Institute and DeLores Pressley Worldwide. She is the author of “Oh Yes You Can,” “Clean Out the Closet of Your Life” and “Believe in the Power of You.” Contact her via email at [email protected] or visit her website at www.delorespressley.com.
