Why working smarter means working better together
Usually, our homes are where we reset and recharge. But for many, working from home has meant harder – and even longer hours. Working in isolation from one another has brought about additional stresses, giving us extra jobs (from trainee hairdresser to cover teacher), whilst introducing the world to Zoom fatigue.
But some solutions can make our lives easier. With many people today experiencing growing feelings of overwork and overwhelm, delegation can provide some much-needed relief, helping us all work smarter and live better. Although we may not be as physically close with our colleagues and families as we once were, it’s more important than ever to stay connected, and empower our team to achieve more together.
For example, Richard Branson finds delegating effectively crucial for success. The Virgin founder writes in a blog post: “You need to learn to delegate so that you can focus on the big picture.” It starts with knowing your strengths and weaknesses, and to work it out, Branson recommends reflecting on the tasks that come naturally, and asking yourself: “What do you find demanding and time-consuming?”
Next, it’s essential to understand your teams’ strengths and weaknesses, so you can seek their support and expertise where needed. Whether you’re a small team or solo entrepreneur, Branson believes it’s unwise to try to accomplish everything by yourself. “It’s vital to the success of your business that you learn to hand off those things that you aren’t able to do well,” he explains.
Rather than trying to fix everything single-handedly, collaborating with others in a way that works to all your strengths is an effective way to boost your productivity. Building healthy habits such as managing your workload and working in teams will even help cultivate your creativity. That’s because when we share our tasks with those with the right skills, we can free our own minds up to be able to focus on better ways to grow our business.
Smart technology can even help us improve our collaboration and interactions with colleagues, which will optimise the performance of everyone, from the individual to the team. As American football coach Vince Lombardi says: “People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defences, or the problems of modern society.”
Intuitive software such as ScanSnap Home is designed to help people strengthen relationships by easily saving business card information, and sharing files with teammates with the touch of a button. Given the enthusiasm expressed in ScanSnap reviews, adding a ScanSnap scanner to your desk can even feel like welcoming a member to your team.
As more people continue to work remotely, maintaining close ties with our coworkers – and working productively as one – has perhaps never been more pivotal. There will always be more work we can do, and once you master the art of getting results through technology and other people, you’ll see your productivity soar.
By Midhula Mahendran
