Back to the Basics – 5 Tips for Productivity

Back to the Basics – 5 Tips for Productivity

As Traffic Manager, I spend each day creating and revising schedules, communicating with members of the Ampersand team to ensure client work is on track and budget, and researching ways to best utilize systems and software to ensure we work efficiently. My role revolves around agency productivity, but my ability to manage it relies on my personal work style and accountability.

Getting into a daily routine and determining how to stay focused is a process, and the outcome will vary for each person. Are you most productive in the morning or afternoon? Do you prefer to take notes to follow up on or answer questions as they arise? Do you prefer to tackle many small things first or get right to work on a big project? I encourage you to become aware of your process and work with it, not against it.

Below are a few tips to consider as you define your productivity plan.

1. Create To-Do Lists. At Ampersand we utilize a project management software, which generates a detailed task list with descriptions and deadlines. This provides a framework for the day ahead, and from that I prioritize the tasks according to my personal work style and create a to-do list. The order may change as work flows through the agency, but I reorder accordingly and get back on track for the day.
2. Take a Break. Take advantage of breaks and lunch hours. While it may seem unproductive to step away from what you’re doing, you might find that you return restored and better able to efficiently complete the task than if you’d sat and spun your wheels for those 15 minutes.
3. Don’t Force It. Whether you’re writing an article, designing a brochure, or even drafting an email, if your creativity isn’t flowing – don’t force it. You can stare at the blank computer screen all day, but that won’t make the words appear any faster. I’ve found that moving on to something else, taking a break, and coming back to the challenging task later is most effective. Plus, there’s nothing more counterproductive than forcing subpar work. You’ll be back recreating it in no time.
4. Ask Questions. I will always try to find or figure out an answer on my own first, but if those efforts prove unsuccessful I’m not afraid to ask for help. The key is to ask in a way, and at a time, that is convenient for the person who might be able to provide insight. Know the preferences and work styles of you team and ask accordingly. For some questions, I will draft an email with question and a quick, bulleted list outlining what I’ve tried so far. For others, I will send a co-worker a quick chat and ask them to let me know when they have a minute for me to stop by.
5. Close Social Media & Email. You’ve probably heard someone jokingly say that their mind has too many tabs open. What is probably true is that their computer does too. We have constant have access to email, the internet, and social media and that can be a distraction disguised as multi-tasking. Close your email or internet browser when you need to focus.

It takes time to determine your personal work style and use that knowledge to increase productivity, but that knowledge will set the foundation for efficient work and rest. Be aware of your process and refine it along the way. Consider the work styles of your co-workers and communicate with them in a way that will increase their productivity and yours. Hopefully the tips above helped, and as always, feel free to reach out to the team here at Ampersand if you have questions!