Maximize Your Own Workflow

By Jason W. Womack, M.A., M.Ed.

When you first walk into your office and sit down at your desk, you begin a series of workplace “moves” that you’ve designed and practiced over time. If you’re going to work differently (manage time more efficiently, use your systems more effectively, communicate with your coworkers differently, etc.), you’re going to have to do something differently.

Now, before you try to incorporate some new workflow methodology you’ve read about online or heard about from a coworker, spend a week or so keeping track of some of your own “moves” of work.

• How do you interrupt (and how often) your coworkers?
• What tools or technologies do you rely on to get your work done?
• When you need time to think and plan, how do you create those blocks during the day?

After a week of this semi-focused observation, you may come up with some ideas of how you can change some of those behaviors to become more efficient through the workday and through project management processes. Meet with a coworker, peer, or mentor over a cup of coffee one morning and brainstorm ways you can let go of poor habits and implement strong, productive, and beneficial workflow practices.