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Using Agile Change techniques to work smarter, not harder

In my recent webinar, I provided a mini-training session on techniques to work smarter not harder; to help us cope with our overwhelming workloads.

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In my recent webinar, I provided a mini-training session on techniques to work smarter not harder; to help us cope with our overwhelming workloads. We are all so busy, under so much pressure to get things done. We need techniques that help us use the least energy for the greatest return on our effort.

Top techniques to work smarter not harder

Here is the summary of techniques to work smarter not harder.

Working in short bursts:

  • Chunking Work: Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable pieces to reduce overwhelm and increase focus.
  • Iterative Approach: Breaking work into iterations or increments to make it manageable and maintain focus.

Using visual tools:

  • Visual Representation: Using visuals to reduce cognitive load and make processing information easier.
  • Kanban Prioritisation: Using visual boards to track tasks and progress (e.g., To Do, Doing, Done).
  • Roadmap Structure: Creating a roadmap to visualise and plan the journey, providing certainty and a step-by-step approach.

Using neuroscience to work in a brain friendly way

  • Understanding Brain States: Recognising how the brain reacts to stress (threat state) and positive stimuli (reward state) to optimise performance.
  • Creating Positive Emotions: Techniques to trigger positive brain chemicals like dopamine (achievements), endorphins (feel-good chemicals), and oxytocin (trust and bonding).

Recognising achievements:

  • Benefits Hunting: Focusing on the most valuable tasks and regularly reflecting on progress to maintain motivation and direction.
  • Celebration and Reflection: Taking time to celebrate achievements and reflect on what has been learned to reinforce positive experiences and continuous improvement.

Quality Criteria and Acceptance:

  • Defining Success Criteria: Establishing clear quality and acceptance criteria upfront to ensure work meets required standards and minimizes the need for rework.

Workload Management:

  • Certainty and Pattern Recognition: Establishing repeatable structures and patterns to help the brain recognise and anticipate next steps.
  • Prioritisation Techniques: Using methods like Moscow (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won’t have) to prioritise tasks based on their value and urgency.
  • Capturing Ideas: Quickly capturing ideas to avoid mental clutter and maintain focus on current tasks.

Conclusion

It’s important to focus on techniques to help you work smarter, not harder. These techniques enable you to leverage agile methodologies and the latest ideas from neuroscience and positive psychology to increase your effectiveness at work. These techniques building your resilience for change, and you can use them to manage your own workload and to help your colleagues and team members.