The Ultimate Productivity Hack

"Automating" parts of your own life is a great way to simplify things, get organized, increase accountability, and enhance performance.

There are millions of tools and strategies out there between planners, apps, and other resources. But at the end of the day, it comes down to standards and systems.

Standards set the bar for performance. Call them KPI’s or plug in another business acronym, but it’s all the same. The standards you set are the minimum requirements, and they allow for the accurate measurement of performance. Did I hit my sales quota for the month? Did I get to the gym 4 times this week like I planned?

Systems are the framework in which people operate: Policies, processes, and procedures to follow. Systems are there to reinforce standards, and ensure they are consistently met. They make the sales quota a little easier to achieve. They help you find space for those 4 workouts.

We’ve looked at some management models that can help with the development of standards and systems. Where could they be deployed in your company?

Sales. There are countless CRM programs available that give you a ready-made system designed to eliminate time wasted searching for phone numbers and contact information, and make call prep infinitely easier with archived account notes.

Procurement. Using RFQ and PO templates so you don’t leave out important product information or other details. Creating systems to evaluate bids and calculate total cost of ownership.

In your personal life. Scheduling your workouts, social obligations, and family time in

advance and in connection with your work. Meal prep for the week.

Not everything needs to be rigorously blocked out, scheduled and formulaic, but use standards and systems where you can to take the guesswork out of tasks, streamline the flow of information, and be more organized and efficient.

As your standards and systems take hold, you’ll find that you have both more time and more energy to devote to the things that really matter.

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About the Author:

Matt Beckmann is the Founder & Managing Director of Ascent Consultants. In addition to experience as a former Chief of Staff to the Missouri Auditor and as a Corporate Vice President and General Counsel, he has advanced training and certifications in law, business, coaching, athletics, and leadership. His blog content, inspired by his deep passion for unlocking his reader's best potential, consistently equips business owners and individuals with the knowledge and resources to overcome obstacles that may be hindering growth.

Ascent Consultants provides business and strategy consulting, executive and leadership coaching, and leadership assessments. By converting client growth goals into an actionable "game plan," we help companies and individuals unlock their full potential.