12/18/2019

Daily Buzz: Resolve to Do Less Busywork

Participate in a deeper level of work

In need of a New Year’s resolution? The team at WBT Systems has one for you: Stop spending so much time on busywork.

Busywork can be considered “logistical tasks that don’t require much brainpower and are often done while distracted,” the team writes on its blog. “This work does not usually create new value and is easy to replicate. Dealing with email and chat messages, checking social and platform notifications, pulling reports, and data entry are examples of shallow work.”

Instead, the team recommends turning your focus toward “deep work” opportunities.

“Cal Newport, author of Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, defines deep work as professional activities done in distraction-free concentration that push your cognitive capabilities to their limit,” they say. “Deep work creates new value, improves skills, and is hard to replicate.” Examples of deep work include researching, brainstorming new ideas, and analyzing data.

Because deep work happens more often in a quiet environment, encourage employees to block off time on their calendars as distraction-free zones where they can achieve uninterrupted levels of concentration. This is especially important for employees who work directly with members.

“When you add members to the mix, deep work seems even more impossible,” the team says, because “responsive member service is highly valued.”

Although it’s important to answer member inquiries in a timely manner, taking time away from phone, email and social media to accomplish other goals is essential to productivity. Just make sure to communicate your availability beforehand so members know when they can expect to hear from you.

Please select this link to read the original article from Associations Now.