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We all experience those periods at work when it feels like we are drowning in ‘busy work’. You know, those tasks that are annoying and small but need to be completed. These sorts of tasks eat away at our efficiency, productivity and detract our skills and attention from more meaningful and big picture projects. It’s frustrating to feel bogged down by these small tasks and it does feel like you are being overwhelmed, like drowning.
Strategizing around how to wade out of this sea of ‘busy work’ is vital, and automation can help with this. Establishing clearer and firmer priorities is another important way we can get our heads above the proverbial water. When establishing these priorities, especially for a larger setting, team leaders should create priorities within separate departments. This creates feelings of ownership also. Setting all-encompassing priorities can be very problematic, as it will neglect the role of certain employees and departments. A thoroughly workshopped and researched set of priorities will work wonders for clearing out the small, annoying tasks that frustrate everyone.
Furthermore, leaders in a company need to be able to let go and assume less ownership at times. While it is an admirable trait to try or want to do everything because “only you know how”, it’s creating excess stress. And, to put it mildly, this statement isn’t true. Anyone we work…
