Tips for Improving Work Performance Through Changing Task Patterns

Each of us works a great portion of our day on autopilot moving from task to task without thinking much about those tasks and why we are doing them. Over time the pattern of behavior becomes so embedded that we can't see beyond routine to their essential purpose. Eventually we lose touch with alternative actions. In the workplace this can cost you and the company a lot of time if you don't think through your daily activities and focus more on the important things.

We have all seen the "busy bee" worker that fills up their time with so much work that they have barely a minute to spare. The problem is that they aren't getting much done. It is just spinning wheels to look like their important that in the end drains both the person and the company of time, resources, and energy.

Think of how adaptable companies require change in their processes & procedures to meet market challenges. Companies spend a lot of money to get consultants in that can take an outside look at their operations and make suggestions. This review, if done well, can afford an opportunity to see how old patterns of work flow may be inefficient.

The same problem occurs in our daily work schedule where we may be completing works that is not necessary and could be a major time waster. This large portion of time spent in "busy work" holds us back in our career and drains your energy. If you have ever had a busy day and looked back and found out you accomplished nothing you know what I am talking about.

Tips for changing patterns:

-Write down your activities for a few days and reflect on what is important. If something isn't moving you in the direction of your goals consider removing it or lessening the time you spend on it.

-Try and look at your activities from a different perspective. Use a third party perspective and highlight areas of improvement.

-Make small adjustments in your patterns to create habits. Once those habits become routine you will be again on autopilot.

-Put the effort in up front in learning to lower the amount of effort on the back end.

-Look at  your job description and performance appraisal and see what is important in your job. Align your actions accordingly.

-Look at successful people and their work patterns to determine areas where improvement is beneficial.

-Keep checking back to make sure you are working on what is important.