How to Do Your Job More Efficiently

Staying out of work place drama is one way to do your job more efficiently.

If you want to get promoted at work, there are several ways to go about it. You can increase your skill base, adapt to your boss's management style and look for opportunities to toot your own horn. Asking for more responsibility is another way to get noticed at work. In order to take on more tasks, you need to work more efficiently. Getting more things done in a shorter period also frees up more time for you to enjoy life outside of work.

Instructions

1. Plan ahead. Although you need to be ready for anything at your job so that you can provide good service or conquer issues that arise, nothing will destroy your efficiency like poor time management. Some people work better on a strict schedule than others, so find a system that works best for you. What's important is to anticipate your required activities for the week or month and figure out how you can get everything accomplished. If you're having trouble fitting it all in, be realistic about the how much time each task requires. Until you're operating more efficiently, note in detail how long activities take so you don't overestimate what you can finish.

2. Coordinate activities so you don't backtrack. Make sure that whenever you are completing a task, whether it's researching data for a report or running errands around the office, you don't repeat steps. For example, if you need to retrieve something from the office printer and it's in the same room as the copier, line up as many copies you need of items so you can make them during your trip to the printer.

3. Focus on the task at hand. While multitasking has its place in efficiency, so does concentrating on one to-do at a time. Juggling too many tasks at once can lead to mistakes and require you to correct things, or worse yet, cause irreversible damage. Be alert and, when possible, complete one activity before moving on to the next.

4. Resist participating in office drama. Socialization is an important part of work but when the fun turns to crisis, it's better to separate work from personal life. Be polite but steer clear of anyone who can't seem to draw that line. Be careful not to gossip about others in the office and take the high road when necessary.

5. Take time to relax. It helps your efficiency to make sure you are well-rested and alert. Constantly working or never leaving your desk may cause you to get more done in the short-term, but hurts you in the long run. Fit in breaks and take a walk around the office or outside to clear your mind so you can start tasks with a fresh mind and attitude.

Tips & Warnings

• Finish as many tasks as possible before moving on to new ones.

• Keep you office space clean and organized.

References

• Quintessential Careers: Moving Up the Ladder: 10 Strategies for Getting Promoted
• Whole Fitness: How to Work Efficiently

Resources

• CNN: Five Ways to Handle Office Drama Queen