Frustration & Productivity in the Workplace

If downsizing means getting people to do more work in less time, doing so without proper planning is like taking one step forward, two steps back and is usually a sign of weak or lagging leadership.

Downsizing aside, changes in the workplace can lead to the same thing. If somebody feels the effects of pressure to do more, they should feel like they are allowed to speak up and address the situation in a formal or semi-formal meeting and be sure to take minutes of the meeting. There should be a record of what was talked about so it can be referred to should any problems arise. However, a meeting is of little use if the issues are ignored.

Not going according to plan following a meeting can cause frustration as much as over-work and multi-tasking can. In fact, I have seen the results of multi-tasking resulting from poor planning and it never fails to amaze me when the precious details fall through the cracks.

Everybody messes up now and then, but when it happens repeatedly, there is a problem. It takes a good leader to recognize the problems and come up with viable solutions that can be discussed with those involved.

All workplaces evolve and that is one thing that should be discussed in meetings, follow-up meetings and even job interviews in order to minimize frustration and increase productivity. People must understand that changes will occur and be encouraged to address any problems that may arise from the changes, rather than keep their feelings bottled up - they must feel like they are a part of the company's progress in order to avoid resistance.

People in leadership positions cannot simply change things because it works for them, they must understand any possible outcomes and the only way they can do that is to communicate with the people directly involved by encouraging feedback.

Suggestions for implementing changes and avoiding resistance:
1) as a leader, write down your intended changes and possibly draw a flowchart to identify potential problems
2) ask those directly involved what they think about the changes
3) encourage others to come forward when and if problems arise
4) fix the problems
5) meet regularly to discuss

Suggestions for multi-tasking, if you must:
1) write down your daily tasks
2) do the simple ones first and check them off the list
3) do the difficult thinking as early as possible, so you don't get 'brain-tired'
4) hold the phone and emails until you finish what's in front of you
5) don't let yourself be sidetracked - make no promises to those with trivial matters (let them know you will look into it when you are done with what's in front of you)

- Buck Moore