HOW TO: BOOST TEAM PRODUCTIVITY

Be on time to meetings

Set an example for coworkers by getting to meetings a few minutes early. If everyone makes a habit of showing up at 3:02 for 3 o’clock meetings, the team stops taking invite times seriously. By arriving early, you can take time to prepare, gather your thoughts, and maybe socialize a little before things get started. Your team will be more focused and effective if everyone respects meeting times and arrives prepared for the topic at hand.

Ditch phones and computers (when possible) during meetings

Meetings are bound to get off track, but when phones and computers are involved, it’s much harder to keep the group focused. When an employee’s concentration is broken or the meeting turns to casual conversation, he/she is much more likely to check emails or text messages. Try to remove the temptation by leaving laptops and devices behind, so the team can really focus and enjoy more authentic, sociable interaction as well.

Have a fifteen minute meeting each morning

Set a short meeting at the start of each day. This will encourage your team to show up on time, and will help everyone set clear goals for the day. Team members can compare notes, help each other prioritize and set a strategy for the day.

Send fewer emails

Instead of sending an email, get up and walk over to the person you need to talk to. If you sit for too long, your body essentially thinks you’re asleep, and metabolism slows to a crawl. Moving around will get your blood flowing, increase your energy level, and improve your focus when you return to your desk. Plus, face-to-face interaction may lead to better communication and a clearer understanding of the task or topic being discussed.

Hold walking meetings

For short meetings involving a small group, consider going outside for a walking meeting. It will give the session a friendlier, more personal feel, give everyone a chance to get some fresh air, exercise, and vitamin D, and maybe even enhance the creative thinking of everyone involved.

Set deadlines – even when it doesn’t seem necessary

Make sure everything on your to-do list (and yes, it’s good to have a list!) has a deadline. If you’re working with others on a project, make them aware of the deadline as well (even if it’s a casual deadline). It’s all too easy to let things slip off the radar, and others are less likely to make your project a priority if you don’t give them due dates.