November
06,
2018
We believe behavior change is the key to any important outcome, and we love sharing our favorite reads. Behavior changes some in all sizes – they can transform a company or simply help someone work a little smarter. Recently we’ve been talking about how to be more productive at work. We hope these three productivity tips will make you a little less distracted, a little more focused, and a bit more self-assured.
Step away from the cell phone. Literally.
Texting and driving is dangerous. Walking through a crosswalk while reading a phone can get you hurt. Hearing a cell phone ring in the middle of a task can cause anxiety. These consequences are well known, but there’s another risk to keeping your phone close.
Recent research found that participants who completed math problems while their phones were in another room performed the best, followed by those who left their phones in their pockets. In last place were individuals whose phones were out on their desks. Give it a try right now. Put your phone away for the next 30 minutes and see what happens.
Consolidate your lists.
How many note-taking apps do you have on your phone? Desktop? I can count at least five in my workspace right now. It’s overwhelming! This Wall Street Journal list – ahem, article – asks us to consider merging all those lists onto one single piece of paper. This week I’m giving the one-list approach a shot.
Exude confidence by changing the way you talk.
I just wanted readers of this blog post to consider a new way of communicating. Could you maybe read The Ladders selection of four phrases that make you sound less confident?
Reading the two sentences above might have been a little painful, but I wrote that way to illustrate a point: the words and style you choose can undermine your authority. The Ladders identifies four phrases to eliminate from your business communications. Simple behavior changes like these can help you craft a professional identity. Whether you’re emailing a supervisor or speaking up during a meeting, this is one way to project confidence.
Thanks for tuning in to this edition of Emerson’s favorite productivity tips! We’ll be back soon with freshly curated advice.
