Optimize Self [OS] - From Academia to the Boardroom

In the fast-paced world of business, productivity is the linchpin of success. While the academic and corporate realms may seem worlds apart, there's a surprising cross-pollination of strategies that can boost efficiency in both. In their insightful paper, "Getting More Done: Strategies to Increase Scholarly Productivity," Sarina Schrager, MD, MS, and Elizabeth Sadowski, MD, provide valuable lessons that, when combined with technology, can revolutionize productivity in the business sector.

1. The Power of the Digital 'To-Do' List:

Schrager and Sadowski underscore the importance of a well-structured 'to-do' list in enhancing productivity. In the business environment, this concept takes a technological leap. Digital task management tools like Asana or Trello transcend traditional lists, enabling real-time collaboration, deadline tracking, and prioritization. These tools embody the 'Zeigarnik Effect' – the psychological ease that comes from planned tasks – by offering a clear, organized digital space for task management.

2. Learning to Say 'No' with Data-Driven Decisions:

One of the paper's key principles is the art of saying 'no' to non-essential tasks, which is crucial in maintaining focus on goals that align with career aspirations. In business, this translates to using data analytics and project management software. Tools like Tableau or Microsoft Project can help in visualizing workloads and resources, enabling managers to make informed decisions about which projects align with their strategic goals and which can be declined or delegated.

3. Making Everything Count: Leveraging Routine Work for Bigger Gains:

Schrager and Sadowski suggest turning everyday academic tasks into opportunities for scholarly output. Similarly, in the business realm, routine work can be transformed into valuable data. CRM systems like Salesforce can track customer interactions, which can then be analyzed to improve sales strategies and customer service protocols. This aligns with the authors' philosophy of maximizing the value of everyday activities.

4. Single-Tasking in a Multitasking World:

Contrary to popular belief, the paper highlights that multitasking can significantly decrease productivity. In today's business world, technology can aid in maintaining focus—applications like Freedom or Cold Turkey block distracting websites, fostering a single-tasking work environment. Additionally, time-tracking software like Toggl can be instrumental in helping individuals understand how they spend their time, thus encouraging a more focused approach to task completion.

5. Conquering Digital Distractions:

Acknowledging that distractions are a significant hurdle in scholarly work, Schrager and Sadowski advocate for strategies to minimize them. In a business setting, email management tools like SaneBox can filter out unimportant emails, reducing inbox clutter. Also, implementing internal communication tools like Slack can streamline communication, reducing the need for disruptive meetings and emails.

The fusion of Schrager and Sadowski's academic productivity strategies with modern technology offers a potent recipe for enhanced efficiency in the business world. By adopting these integrated approaches, professionals can navigate the complexities of their workloads more effectively, leading to improved productivity and, ultimately, more tremendous business success.

Incorporating these lessons from academia, equipped with the power of technology, can lead to a transformative change in how we approach productivity in the professional sphere. As Schrager and Sadowski's paper illuminates, it's not just about working harder but working smarter – a principle that resonates deeply in both the academic and business worlds.