This post is a light hearted observation on work in the information age. If you are fortunate when you start your working, someone mentors and coaches you on how to actually work, that is how to achieve outcomes and results for the organisation you are in. Unfortunately, most people never learn this or even if they do they avoid this focus. This creates ineffectiveness in the organisation and results in all types of games played to make it look like work is being done.
So, what is work and what is it you should be doing? Work is the energy an organisation exerts to achieve it’s purpose and goals. This applies to the individual as well. In an organisation it is structured to deliver work effectively and efficiently. Also the organisation should have a purpose and goals, regardless of how they are communicated or passed on to individuals. This then sets the understanding of where you, the individual, contributes to the organisation.
So, we assume you now know your role and contribution to your team and the organisation, how do you then work? Effectively it is the processes, skills and techniques you employ to be efficient and effective on a daily basis:
• How to receive problems, opportunities or specific tasks, prioritise and turn them into specific tasks. Then complete them.
• How you manage communication: messages, meetings, emails etc.
• How to collaborate and influence others.
• Using principles of project management to get things done.
• Where to use technology, like task management tools and apps, and where to avoid technology, like email.
Doing this well means you not only get work done well, you contribute to your organisation and you will then get noticed, your personal brand will develop and people will seek you out for their organisation. You will also live a more fulfilled and rewarding working life.
