We all strive to be as productive as possible – as the saying goes “ time is money.” As students, one of our biggest struggles is time management. We hope to develop and hone the skill of time management to maximize our productivity so that, not only do we accomplish all we need to do for our studies, but we leave a little time for leisure. This skill is pivotal as we enter the workforce in a couple of years. Knowing how to manage our time for maximum efficiency and productivity will, not only help us to achieve better results today, but will contribute to our success in the business world. Employers want to hire the best people possible: those who will get the job done well and in an efficient manner. 7 Simple Ways to Increase Your Productivity at Work by Kristin Marquet, provides valuable tips that anyone, whether an employee or a student, can adopt easily and instantly improve their productivity. 

#1 Set your schedule for the next day the night before.

Make a list that identifies your priorities. Prioritizing tasks helps keep you organized and focused, and you get the satisfaction of crossing items off your “to do” list. Make sure to allow a little extra time for each task, you will feel better if you finish “early” and you must allow for washroom, coffee, water breaks etc.

#2 Take a break whenever you feel mentally fatigued.

Short breaks from work, whether it’s going for a walk or grabbing a snack can increase your productivity by getting your blood flowing. Just a five-to-ten minute break can allow you to tackle whatever task you were working on with a fresh perspective.

#3 Avoid multi-tasking.

Don’t do more than one thing at a time! Studies show that multi-tasking results in no task being completed well, as you are continually distracted. Focus on one priority, complete it properly, and cross it off your list before moving onto the next thing.

#4  Eliminate potential distractions. Make it clear to teammates (or roommates) that when you’re in your study area (or dorm) with the door closed, you need to be focused for that period of time. Put your phone on silent.

#5 Impose deadlines on yourself, and stick to them.

#6 Avoid large meals that will leave you feeling tired

Have small snacks throughout the day rather than three big meals. Choose foods that are high in protein, fiber and antioxidants to optimize energy.

#7 Keep your workspace clean!

“A cluttered desk is a symptom of a cluttered mind.” Get in the habit of organizing and filing as you go.

This post illuminates the OB concepts of productivity and efficiency, in addition to creating a work-life balance. If you work hard and efficiently, you will achieve the results you desire. I hope these simple tips will be helpful for my classmates, I know I’ve seen results already as I incorporate these approaches into my study routine.

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References :

Article : Marquet, K. (n.d.). 7 Simple Tips to Boost Your Productivity at Work. Retrieved January 27, 2017, from https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/248754.

Image link : http://i.huffpost.com/gen/2705338/images/n-PRODUCTIVITY-628×314.jpg

When you hear the slogan “ The Future is Friendly” many of us might picture Telus’ signature ads featuring its iconic animals. Telus is the leading national telecommunications company in Canada, with an annual revenue of $9.8 billion and 12.3 million customer connections. This lengthy article by Dan Pontefract called “The TELUS Leadership Philosophy: a collaborative, engaging and open leadership framework for 35,000+ team members”, is centered around the concept that a consistently applied leadership framework will result in productivity, engagement and overall talent management improvement (Best Practices from McBassi, Bersin, ASTD and McKinsey). In 2009, Telus identified several challenges the company was facing and took the initiative to lay out their goals for the future with the Telus Leadership Philosophy (TLP). This plan included increasing team member engagement, supporting the move to a tight loose culture (high clarity and high empowerment), focussing on quality, and increasing organizational collaboration. The TLP is about creating an environment where every employee, regardless of their status within the company, is able to take initiative in order to feel like they are adding value and making a difference within the company. 

Pontefract explains that for Telus to stay on top, they must constantly be improving and looking for better, more efficient ways of doing things. A clearly defined framework creates a sense of stability, makes the hiring process easier, helps establish how employees develop, and determines what their performance is measured against. In essence, the article expresses the steps and components of the philosophy including cost savings, coaching opportunities, emotional and social intelligence expansion, employee engagement, and increased collaboration, among other opportunities.

This blog post relates to Chapter 7: Communication, Chapter 11: Leadership, and Chapter 3: Values, Attitudes and Diversity in the Workplace. Every Organizational Behaviour concept or chapter works together to help form and create the ideal organization, working at optimal productivity and achieving maximum employee satisfaction.

The takeaway is to recognize that even the most successful and powerful companies need to constantly review how their organization is working. Given the pace with which technology and customer expectations are changing, processes and systems can always be improved for better productivity and employee satisfaction while ensuring that the company’s values are reflected in everything they do. As we move forward in Comm 292, our groups will inevitably encounter challenges, so having a strong commitment to common values, collaboration and respect for leadership will enable us all to achieve our mutual goals.

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References :

Article : Pontefract, D. (n.d.). The TELUS Leadership Philosophy: a collaborative, engaging and open leadership framework for 35,000 team members. Retrieved January 27, 2017, from http://www.managementexchange.com/story/telus-leadership-philosophy. 

Image Links : http://www.yourworkplace.ca/profiles/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/TELUS-retail-employees.jpg , http://john.morriscode.ca/images/telus.gif

When I think about the companies I’d love to work for when I graduate, Lululemon is definitely in my Top 5. My goal is to focus on Marketing for my BComm, and I can think of no better fit with my values and skill-set than to work for Lululemon in their marketing department. This 2015 article relating to the culture within Lululemon stores caught my attention when I was researching the company before starting the application process for a job there this summer; it is entitled “6 Company Culture Lessons Lululemon taught us – Why employees live and breathe the Lululemon philosophy.”

This article describes the type of engaged and motivated employees who work at Lululemon. These employees do not continue to work at Lululemon because they were forced to or just needed a job, no one is hired unless it is extremely clear that they are invested in the company’s values, such as engaging in a healthy and active lifestyle. The article expresses that employees receive the benefit of exercise classes such as yoga and crossfit at studios nearby, on the company’s dime.

Furthermore, Lululemon is invested in the growth and self-fulfillment of their employees; not only is this demonstrated by their focus on goal-setting within the workplace, but also in the employees’ personal lives. Management welcomes honesty and vulnerability, failures are accepted and taken as learning experiences and constructive feedback is an integral part of the company culture. Lululemon does not hire “managers” they hire “leaders.” Employees at Lululemon explain that they are encouraged to “elevate the world from mediocrity to greatness.” This motto is central to the company’s ethos, and as a result, they have truly redefined the retail experience.

Management, motivation and the importance of related values are captured in this article and it relates to almost every chapter we have covered so far in class, but mainly Chapter 4 : Theories of Motivation. Involving Goal-setting theory, Theory Y and Self-Concordance.

“It’s not just their customers who believe in the mantra found on their ubiquitous red bags.
Employees live and breathe it. Which makes for a rare occurrence in the retail store landscape: people are proud to work there.” This quote summarizes the essence of this blog post and reflects the ideal company culture.

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Article Link : http://www.liveinthegrey.com/6-lululemon-company-
culture-lessons/

Image : http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/07/11/lululemon-bag-anti-sunscreen_n_5578467.html