Keeping the work flowing

Have you ever noticed those small tasks that you just don’t get round to? Have you ever noticed what a big problem these small tasks cause if they haven’t been dealt with for some time? Improving the way that work flows through your department or team can help with the overall efficiency of the business.

Recognising the small tasks and coming up with a routine to make sure that they get done on a regular basis can mean that when you have to focus your energies onto some burning issue you can feel better that the tidal wave of problems that can come from not doing the little things won’t happen.

If you find the habit of keeping the small things moving a struggle then why not consider using a ‘complete by date’. If the job hasn’t been done by a certain date then it becomes the number one priority regardless of whatever else is on the ‘urgent list’. Completing the action before the complete by date is the aim of the game.

Small tasks are often over-estimated in terms of their work content. Big tasks are often under-estimated in terms of their work content. If this observation holds true in your business it means that you should crack on with the myriad of small tasks, because they won’t take as long as you think. Also, have another look at your bigger tasks!

So, get a list of all the small tasks, put them into a timetable (or a daily routine ideally) and then watch as the number of emergencies decrease.

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