The term “work smarter… not harder” originated in the 1930s by Allen F. Morgenstern. Morgenstern was an industrial engineer, who created a work simplification program, with the intent to increase production with less effort. It sounds great, but how do you actually make it work?
This terminology has now taken on a broader meaning in the current workplace and much has been written on the topic. Here are my top three ideas that I’ve found useful in my own time management practice.
Three ideas to work smarter
- Work on your hardest tasks when you are most productive. For some people that would be first thing in the morning, but for others, it’s the afternoon. When are you most energized? Set that time aside if you can to work on the most important tasks you have to achieve that day.
- Fill in your quick tasks when you have 10-minute gaps in your schedule. It’s amazing what you can get done in just 10 minutes. Choose one task and complete it before moving on to your next task.
- Delegate the tasks that don’t require YOU to do them. If others can accomplish the task and you need time for the important issues that require YOUR attention, delegate it.
If you want to dive deeper, check out this link for an extensive review of time management ideas.
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