Ask Yourself These 2 Questions to do More Valuable Work

by Amy Jen Su for Harvard Business ReviewPrioritizing work can be frustrating, especially if you work for a hands-off manager or company that doesn’t give you clear goals. The frequently cited research of Robert Kaplan and David Norton shows that more than 90% of employees don’t fully understand their company’s strategy or know what’s expected of them to help achieve company goals. Compounding the problem, recent research shows that global executives say they have too many conflicting priorities. When conflicting or unclear priorities are the norm, how can you learn to prioritize your own work and still feel satisfaction from a job well done?Take OwnershipFirst, check your mindset when it comes to setting priorities. Don’t assume that prioritizing your workload is someone else’s job, and don’t choose to see yourself solely as a “do-er” or a “worker bee.” It’s easy to point blame at our managers and organizations when we experience high levels of stress or an overwhelming amount of work. Recognize that consciously setting priorities is a key pillar of success. You can start by assessing how well you’re handling the increased workload that comes with being a leader today.Filter PrioritiesSelect a couple of areas to set priorities in; this can help the brain to manage information overload. Researchers have found that it’s the overload of options that paralyze us or lead to decisions that go against our best interests.  Two criteria I use with clients to filter for priorities include contribution and passion. Consider your role today and answer the following two questions:Read More →