10.1: Workflow Approach Discussion

Which of the workflow principles do you need to use more often to be more efficient?

• Separate actions from reference items: less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Delete: less true 1 2 3 more true:
• File for reference: less true 1 2 3 more true:
• File for print or reading: less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Break down milestones into tasks: less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Immediately do that which can be done in 2 minutes: less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Say “no”: less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Say “yes, if [condition]”: less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Delegate: less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Schedule delegated tasks for follow up: less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Put urgent tasks on today’s to-do list: less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Schedule items with a due date on calendar for completion at a later date: less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Put items without a due date on strategic task list: less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Allocate time for strategic activity (self, team, and business improvement): less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Proactively communicate clear expectations and responsibilities (i.e. “the how”): less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Proactively align strategies and desired outcomes (probe, get into detail): less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Execute with higher quality: less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Make better decisions (involve right people, give time, consider alternatives, etc.): less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Spend more time planning, documenting plans (e.g. using a planning template): less true 1 2 3 more true:
• Define repeatable processes: less true 1 2 3 more true:

Place a 1, 2, or 3 in the blank for each organizing principle: 1 = disagree; 2 = not sure; 3 = agree

• Touch once:
• Stay focused on one task at a time (task switching wastes cognitive resources):
• Synchronize electronic (digital storage, Outlook folders) and paper folders:
• Use a consistent naming convention for files and folders:
• Take notes electronically:
• Use Word documents for projects and people:
• Use PowerPoint for diagrams:
• Use Excel for tables, charts, numbers:
• Avoid using paper except for today’s to-do list:
• Use the right channel for communications (pick up the phone for conversations rather than create long email threads):
• Ask probing questions that get into details and define specifics. Generalities don’t facilitate alignment:
• Distribute meeting notes with key points, decisions, specific actions, owners, and due dates:
• Queue up emails in Outlook rather than write them down to create later:
• Put tasks with due dates on calendar rather than write them down:
• When you have multiple topics to share, put them in separate emails. Ask others to do the same:
• Establish daily habits – e.g. time to read, check email, exercise, eat, reflect:
• Establish weekly habits – e.g. conduct 1-on-1s, write thank you notes, do strategic work:

This response will be awarded full points automatically, but it can be reviewed and adjusted after submission.

This response will be awarded full points automatically, but it can be reviewed and adjusted after submission.

Less likely 12345 More likely