Managing Your Environment
SUMMARY
Does the environment you work in create heaps of chaos? Is it all cluttered, and you're confused about what you need to get done? Does it create crippling overwhelm, leaving you wondering how you could possibly get all this done?
Well, stick with me because this week, we will look at how you can shift things around and change the environment you're working in.
When we talk about the environment, we're not just talking about your desk. We're talking about what goes on in your whole workplace environment.
There are 5 key things I want you to focus on:
1. Control your environment.
2. Eliminate the noise.
3. Clear out the clutter.
4. Install inspiration.
5. Predetermine your week.
Well, that's it from me for another week. Join me again next week as we continue this conversation around productivity, where I'll help you manage your energy. I'll see you then.
TRANSCRIPT
Does the environment you work in create heaps of chaos? Is it all cluttered, and you're confused about what you need to get done?
Well, stick with me because this week, we will look at how you can shift things around and change the environment you're working in.
Hi, this is Grant Herbert, leadership and sustainable performance coach, and today we're continuing our conversation on the shift of productivity, moving from chaos to control, by helping you to manage your environment.
I've seen a meme that says, "An untidy desk is the sign of genius," and that couldn't be further from the truth. It's simply a sign of disorganisation. When you've got a desk with stuff all over it, that creates problems that stop you from getting enough done.
So, what I want to do is help you to do things that I've had to learn so you can get rid of that environment and make your surroundings more conducive to being productive.
When we talk about the environment, we're not just talking about your desk. We're talking about what goes on in your whole workplace environment.
The environment that most people work in is overwhelming. When you're overwhelmed, your brain and body aren't in the state to get things done. What I want to do is help you to create an environment of calm.
So, to do this, there are 5 key things I want you to focus on.
The first one is to control your environment. I like to think of an air traffic controller. They've got a role where they're sitting in an environment with a screen in front of them, a microphone, and headsets, and they need to be able to focus. Similarly, in your workspace, you want to prevent tasks from "colliding" by managing your day and environment carefully.
The second thing to do is eliminate the noise. There's the physical noise, but the noise I'm referring to is the noise of interruptions. Having an open-door policy can be one of the most detrimental things to productivity. By controlling that and eliminating the noise, you can set particular times during the day when everyone knows they can come and interact with you.
The third thing is to clear out the clutter. If it's as simple as cleaning off your desk, do it. Make sure your environment only contains what you need to focus on.
The next thing is to install inspiration. Make sure you've got a purpose for what you're doing. Your overall purpose for going to work isn't just to go to work. Make sure those reasons are front and centre.
The fifth key thing is to predetermine your week. A lot of people only put appointments in their calendars when they're meeting someone. What I find helpful in controlling the environment is telling your calendar when you're going to do specific things during the week.
So, these are the 5 key things you need to do to control your environment and feel like you're getting things done. Well, that's it from me for another week. Join me again next week as we continue this conversation around productivity, where I'll help you manage your energy. I'll see you then.
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