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When people don’t communicate clearly, they often have to backtrack and clarify to ensure that things get done—and that can be a major waste of time. Try to find better ways of communicating. If the written work is a weak point, for instance, you may want to opt for phone calls or Skype conversations instead. Whenever possible, include vital details about what you expect from your co-workers; if you require assignments from them, be clear about their deadlines.
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Even if you’re an anti-neat freak and work better in a messy room, a disorganized workspace can be a productivity killer if you can’t find the materials you need. Remove unnecessary clutter wherever you can. If you have loose documents, try sorting them into 3-ring binders so that you can locate them more easily when you need them. When choosing a binder, make sure you properly understand how binder capacity is measured; you don’t want something that lacks room for all the documents you need to store.
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Of course, working on just one task at a time might feel tiresome after a while, especially if the task is especially monotonous. This is where taking breaks comes in handy; it gives your brain a recharge so that you can maintain a more constant level of productivity. Try using the Pomodoro Technique, also known as the “tomato timer” method; this means working for about 25 minutes at a time, with periodic breaks in between.
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For those of us with control freak tendencies, it’s always tempting to try to do everything yourself. But to be truly productive, you have to learn how to step out of the way. Learn how to delegate tasks to co-workers you trust, and don’t micromanage them. Allow them to take ownership (or at least a degree of ownership) of the project; they’ll be happier and you’ll be able to focus on tasks you’re more suited for. There’s no magical fix that will transform you into a work dynamo, but by making smarter choices, increasing your productivity and efficiency is an entirely achievable goal.