There is no denying that the past 2 years have been challenging for most of us. A pandemic, inflation, and a general sense of unease is taking a big toll on the American worker. One of the challenges we are facing is around the areas of productivity and organization. We have gone from driving to an office, to working from home full-time, to a partial workweek in the office or various combinations. This has led to a feeling of overwhelm that is taking a huge toll on productivity in the workplace and is something I want to touch on today.
We have all become proficient in the art of conducting a Zoom meeting. We can send a calendar invite and share a document via Dropbox. And let’s be honest, who hasn’t attended a Zoom meeting in a pair of pajama pants while wearing a business-appropriate top! As we navigate through these uncertain times one thing that is obvious is that the need for productivity and organizing systems is critical for our continued success.
With the increased awareness of the need for productivity and organizing comes a sense of overwhelm that has not been experienced before. We are inundated with advertisements for the latest and greatest app that will help you get control of your time and energy. The truth is, there are a lot of great programs available for use, but deciding which program works best for you can lead you to second-guessing your abilities.
How do you decide which program works best for you? Do you need time management assistance? Or task management? Maybe, project management? Do you need Trello, Asana, Sweet Process or do you feel like your Outlook manager is out of control? How do you develop the disciple to develop the habits needed to become more productive in your work life? How do you get from overwhelmed to optimized?
The solution: You hire a Productivity Consultant to assist you with time management, setting priorities and managing documents in paper and digital form!
The National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) explains that productivity consultants “support evaluation, decision-making, and action around time, energy, and resources, helping clients achieve desired outcomes regarding goals, effectiveness, and priorities.” Trained professionals are committed to leading individuals to the accomplishment of their goals. NAPO goes on: “They can offer you judgement-free assistance by breaking down overwhelming tasks, managing your time, decluttering your living and work spaces, and putting systems in place to help you be more productive and eliminate distractions.”
A Productivity Consultant is Similar to a Workout Trainer
When clients contact us, we explain that hiring a productivity consultant is like hiring a personal trainer. Most of us know how to work out and use the weights and machines at the gym, but a trainer can hold us accountable. They will keep us on track and focused on the goal, overcoming excuses, distractions, and slumps. People may pause at hiring a productivity consultant, reasoning they can research the applications themselves, they can sort the paperwork on their own, or they can find a process or two to change. All that is true, however, as Dr. Phil would say, “How’s that working for you?” A productivity consultant can hold you accountable to your stated goals. Additionally, a productivity consultant is a neutral observer and has the ability to identify solutions that you may not have thought of.
The Value of Accountability
Webster defines accountability as “an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.” At its heart, accountability is a prerequisite for productivity. Leaders are able to hold employees accountability as part of their management. Consultants can hold leaders accountable. In fact, they can hold individuals at any level of the organization accountable for their goals.
Productivity consultants are trained to listen and analyze strategically to bring to light clear goals and values. We take the big picture which can often be overwhelming and chunk it down into easy-to-manage tasks. Next, the consultant will track the progress of the individual’s work along their path to success. The accountability to goal completion drives success.
How Will Productivity Consulting Benefit You?
Is the top of your desk covered with papers? How long does it take you to find a document your boss has asked you for? How many emails do you have in your inbox and how many of them are relevant?
A productivity consultant may be just what you need to shed light on the current situation, provide a new perspective and assist you in devising plans that will boost productivity and foster success.
We work with individuals, consultants, and executives, to streamline their offices, automate their processes and implement effective organizing solutions that produce results and work for you. Productivity consultants are able to work with their clients both in person and virtually.
If you are ready to take your productivity to a whole new level, want to spend less time looking for things and more time on what’s important, and would like to decrease your stress and anxiety and gain peace of mind, we can help! Email us at info@sortedout.com, or reach out to us here.
We look forward to hearing from you,
Tonia
