Productivity

Productivity

n. The rate and/or relative efficiency with which PRODUCTS are produced or SERVICES are performed.

NOTE: Everyone's always urging us to (in so many words) “Be more productive!” But, what does that mean? The overall answer is: to get more done in a shorter amount of time.

Now, if you're thinking, “But, but,... They're paying me by the hour,” then maybe you're suffering from a serious misunderstanding. Yes, they are paying you hourly, but your half of that bargain is to return good value for the money being spent on you. That is, you're supposed to be (more) productive.

Here's a few tips to help get you thinking along better (i.e., more productive) lines:

TIP: Move Faster. Sounds obvious, but if you push yourself a little harder, you'll get a lot more done.

TIP: Touch Less. If it's already on the SHELF, you save time by not moving it. That is to say, resist the temptation to tidy up, straighten and/or restack everything. We know it's not perfect, but you have too much else to do. So, only fix what really needs fixing, and then be sure that whatever you do THROW goes in nice and straight, LABELS-FORWARD, and beautiful. True perfection is getting the job done, not futzing with every detail.

TIP: Minimize Steps. To the extent possible, try to avoid zigzagging up and down the AISLE, or back and forth across it. Every extra step you take slows you down, reducing your productivity. Look at what you've got, and plan your trip down the AISLE accordingly.