The first 60 minutes of the day is going to set up the remainder of your time in the office, at the store, or on location so wise use of this time will pay dividends at the end of the day.
Here are several strategies to help you pay attention to what matters and increase your productivity in the first 60 minutes of your day.
Switch your cell phone to silent
We have become far too available on our cell and there are times when we need a clear head to focus on what needs to be achieved. If you can’t do it every day – try 3 times per week.
Close your office door (that is if you are fortunate to have an office door)
This sends a signal to your team you are not available – you may need to educate those around you this is what it means, but it will be worthwhile. I know of an organisation where the HR department came in one night and removed the doors – they wanted an “open door policy” for all. This policy is supposed to create a more friendly workplace but in fact, causes people to be more reliant on their manager and not make decisions for themselves – reconsider your “open door policy” if you have one. Some of you may work for yourself so the trick is to close the door to your family and distractions and also to do this at the end of the day to help send a message to your brain the day’s work is over.
Take your desk phone off the hook or let it go to voicemail
Same idea as above with your cell phone. Try and have 60 minutes per day without interruption. Voicemail is a great tool if used well.
Educate your team not to contact you during your first 60 minutes (unless it’s an emergency)
This may take time and is well worth the effort. Once they know this is your planning/strategic time and they will have access to you when this is completed, they will be more understanding.
In an open plan environment, use headphones
If you don’t have the benefit of an office (as many organizations don’t) use headphones in your office. I used this technique in one organization and people around me knew I couldn’t hear them if they came up behind me or tried to get me involved in the conversation. It is hard at first, but very worthwhile. You can get so good at it that you can put them on, not even have music playing and people won’t disturb you.
Book all meetings to start after 9.00 am
This is difficult if you have regular meetings before this time but try and protect your first 60 minutes if you start at 8.00 or 9.00 – give yourself time to complete your planning to be able to assist others.
Complete your first 60 minutes exercise off site
If you have the opportunity to work from home or work out of a café before you enter your office, try completing your first 60 minutes somewhere else so that you can enter the office with a plan and ready to face the day and the challenges it will bring.
Encourage your team to use the first 60 minutes technique
Once you master this technique – teach your team how to do it. When the team is practicing this technique you Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will go through the roof.
Remove clutter from your desk environment
Inboxes, articles to be read, and dirty coffee cups are all distractions and can take your attention away from planning your day – get rid of them.
Exercise in the morning
If you can manage to fit in exercise before work that is a real bonus because it is out of the way! Eating before your work is also essential – tough for some I know, your brain will function better with food (not just that cappuccino on the way to the office).
Start with 15 minutes
If you can’t possibly imagine doing 60 minutes… start small. Try 15 minutes. You will feel more productive and you will start to see achievement of YOUR goals instead of just replying, responding and helping everyone else achieve THEIR goals.
Attention pays. Be intentional with your attention in the first 60 minutes of your day.
