A Simple Tool To Help You Be Both Productive And Present

By Skot Waldron

The same distractions that interrupt office productivity also penetrate remote work environments. There can be spouses, kids, pets, laundry, and yard work to manage. So, how can you be simultaneously present and productive?

By learning to set boundaries using common language and simple tools like the 5 Gears.

5th Gear - Task-centered, fully focused, and moving quickly

You need this gear to focus and get things done. Alerts and notifications are disabled, the door is closed, the calendar is blocked off, and maybe headphones are on playing your favorite Mariah Carey hit (if that’s your thing). Seriously, this is your “Get it done!” gear!

4th Gear - Multi-tasking; working hard in various ways

We tend to spend a lot of time in this gear. The door is cracked, with multiple things going on, or an occasional interruption from a kid showing you their favorite Lego creation. Sometimes we mistake this gear for getting things done, but really we end up spinning our wheels. Make sure you’re intentional about the things you are multi-tasking. Having dinner with your spouse and working is not a healthy way to multi-task by the way.

3rd Gear - Present with people and can shift up or down easily

We call this gear “water cooler talk” or “small talk.” Talking about the weather or what you did last weekend are good examples. I realize some of you out there absolutely hate small talk. I get it. I’m not a huge fan either. But it’s really important for some individuals to have time to connect with others in order to have the energy they need to be productive.

2nd Gear - Present with family or friends without work

This is the gear that we all need to pay attention to. How many of you are guilty of checking your email or work messages while watching a show in the evening with your family? That’s what I thought. Second Gear is when we are fully present with our family or friends. Sitting down and talking over dinner, or having a bigger conversation via Zoom with a work colleague.

1st Gear - Personal recharge, completely unplug

You need time to recharge. Read a book, ride your bike, watch Netflix, or go and talk to your neighbor. Do what gives you energy but rests your mind.

Here are your action items. They are simple and easy to implement.:

• Teach your team about 5th Gear and start blocking out time on your calendars. Respect each other’s boundaries.
• Teach your family about 5th Gear so they understand what it means and that you’re not rejecting them or being rude.
• Teach your family about 2nd Gear so they can help keep you accountable the next time you reach for your phone while watching Hamilton for the 23rd time.
• Know which gears you should be in and when.

If you would like a deeper dive into the 5 Gears, you can access some high-quality video content on a free platform called GiANT here. Set up a free account and unlock your leadership potential.

Have you used any tools to help you be simultaneously productive and present as a leader in your department?

We would love to hear your experiences.

Share your thoughts here, or login to SROA Connect and join the conversation. If you are not a member of SROA yet, learn more about joining the association serving the niche profession of Radiation Oncology Administrator.

Related Content: Building Leadership and Effective Communication: Skot Waldron

Share your thoughts here, or login to SROA Connect and join the conversation. If you are not a member of SROA yet, learn more about joining the association serving the niche profession of Radiation Oncology Administrators.

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