Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com November 21, 2016 • Hartford Business Journal 21 BIZ BOOKS Science-based strategies for a more productive workday "T wo Awesome Hours: Science- Based Strategies to Harness Your Best Time and Get Your Most Important Work Done" by Josh Davis (HarperOne, $25.99). Davis recognizes that packing more into an already packed day by not taking breaks and working longer hours creates the human version of the economic "law of diminishing returns." The more one packs in, the more one feels overwhelmed and stressed; both feelings quash produc- tivity and lead to burnout. While his goal of creating at least two awesome hours of productivity each day involves five integrated steps, the first two really make you think about what you're doing and how you do it. 1. "Recognize your decision points." and 2. "Manage your mental energy." All too often we run on autopilot because of pre-programmed workdays (e.g. to-do lists, meetings, phone calls, email, etc.). The same-old, same-old becomes a drone- like, no thought routine where you move from one task to the next task on the list. Davis' advice: Identify decision points and control what you can. When you com- plete something, think about "what mat- ters" before diving into "what's next." Decid- ing what matters depends upon what you've just completed. If the task was mentally exhausting, choosing another such task may not be the productive choice — even though it's "what's next" on the to-do list. Example: Your workout schedule includes running eight, 100-meter dashes each day. If you ran them consecu- tively, you'd be exhausted — and the time for each dash would be worse. If you ran one each hour, your body would have time to recover and times would be consistent. The brain, like a mus- cle, needs time to recover. Alternating the types of tasks provides recovery time and boosts overall productivity. The bottom line: There's a huge differ- ence between busyness and progress. Use decision points to make choices on your path to productivity. • • • "The Young Entrepreneur's Guide to Starting and Running a Business" by Steve Mariotti with Debra Desalvo (Crown Business, $25). Mariotti, the founder of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, offers been- there-done-that advice to wannabe entre- preneurs. While he targets youth, wannabe entrepreneurs of any age will find the infor- mation and advice helpful. "Think like an entrepreneur" tops his advice list. Business opportunities marry opportunity with passion and skill for something. An opportunity differs from an idea in four ways: 1. It fills an unmet need and/or solves a problem for customers. The smaller the need or problem, the less likely you can create a successful business. Even though you think your idea is new or different, other people and businesses may have thought of the same thing. Use internet search capability and your social media contacts to do your homework. 2. It will work in the current business envi- ronment. Change and competition are constants. One-trick ponies can't maintain a competitive edge unless they can con- sistently deliver more value faster and cheaper. 3. It can be brought to market quickly. The longer it takes to ramp up, the greater the likelihood it'll be old news — especially where tech is involved. 4 You have the resources to make it happen. This doesn't just deal with your specific product/service skill. Starting and running a business requires management skills, too. You have to manage money, sales, an operating infrastructure (including HR, accounting and legal), and maintain knowl- edge of the target market. Note that "manage" doesn't mean doing everything yourself. As the business grows, build a team to take the routine activities off your plate so you can concentrate on business-building. Key takeaway: "Entrepreneur- ship gives you an oppor- tunity to prove what you can accomplish." Even if you choose to run a busi- ness as a money-making hobby, the experience will make you business savvy and financially lit- erate — and help you get ahead in your day job. n Jim Pawlak is a nationally syndicated book reviewer. Jim Pawlak EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT Seven things successful leaders do outside the office By Andy Singer B eing a successful leader can be chal- lenging and stressful at times. To obtain a high level of success, you have to be willing to go the extra mile and this includes time away from the office, such as weeknights and weekends. Successful leaders understand that some of their time outside of the office needs to be focused on activities that will support their ability to be efficient and effective. Here are seven things successful leaders do outside the office: 1. Plan for the coming week: Success generally does not just hap- pen; you have to make it happen. This requires plan- ning and execution. By definition, plan- ning should start in advance. One great way to get a jump on your week is to take some time on Sunday night to review your calendar and "to-do list." This way the com- ing week's activities are fresh in your mind. This will greatly increase your probability of successful execution and enhance your time- management skills. 2. Work out: One of the best ways of assuring you have a sharp mind is to work out your body. A solid work out will clear your mind and provide powerful chemical chang- es in your body that enhance your mood and ability to execute. Another benefit is that creative ideas often occur when your mind is clear of your normal work distractions. Time spent in activities such as running or biking, can provide these powerful moments. 3. Read: Reading and staying abreast of your industry, technology and world events are critical to enhance your success as a leader. Study after study has shown that CEOs read significantly more than the aver- age person. By reading and expanding your knowl- edge, you are better informed and prepared to make decisions. Weekends and certain weeknights can be an ideal time to read. I typically start each day by getting up early and reading the Wall Street Journal. Then on the weekends I'll read business and tech- nology books and other material. 4. Enjoy some downtime: Success- ful leaders understand that you need to recharge on occasion. The weekend is a great time to work on a hobby, or spend time with your family. Be sure you take at least a few hours a week to shut off your phone and stay away from email. 5. Build relationships: Successful leaders understand the value and power of an extended network. Networking skills are critical and yours need to be exceptional. You must strive to build relationships both inter- nally and externally to your organization. Time outside the office is ideal for building these external networks. This can be done at various places such as houses of worship, clubs and other organizations. 6. Mentor others: Once you become a leader, it's important to think about those who helped you along the way. You certainly had mentors who provided guidance as you moved up in your career. One of the best ways you can honor those mentors, is to "pay it for- ward" and be a mentor to others. True leaders understand how they can impact others and strive to mentor and grow the people in their organization and others in their life. The greatest leaders I have worked for over the years are still mentors to this day. Successful leaders teach, motivate and men- tor those around them. 7. Give back: If you have been fortunate enough to achieve success in your career and financially, it's important to give back to society. Not only is it rewarding to give back, it's the right thing to do. I have always felt it's important to assure some of your giving back takes the form of helping your local community. To be successful, you must be effective and efficient. By using your time wisely, focused on the right activities outside the office, you can be extremely efficient and thus more effective. n Andy Singer is the president of Singer Exec- utive Development, a professional training and development company. Andy Singer ▶ ▶ The brain, like a muscle, needs time to recover. Alternating the types of tasks provides recovery time and boosts overall productivity. ▶ ▶ Reading and staying abreast of your industry, technology and world events are critical to enhance your success as a leader.

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