5 Key Practices That Will Skyrocket Productivity

As Canada’s most entrepreneurial digital agency, we are constantly reviewing our practices to make sure we as individuals are all part of a high performing team. Since a new year is a great opportunity for organizations to start building new work habits, we thought we’d share 5 key practices that we employ that really puts the ‘pepper in soulpepper!

To our way of thinking, a practice is an intentional, frequently repeated action or pattern of action designed to produce a desired result different than an existing habit. Practices are regular actions that we need to take to develop ability beyond what we are already competent at. Here’s our soulpepper Top 5:

1. Practice high-integrity conversations

Bring background conversations into the foreground.

Bringing background conversations into the foreground is one of the most important things we can practice as a company. This ensures that everyone experiences being heard and gets unresolved issues out in the open quickly so they can be addressed proactively and with team input. Requesting specifically to have a “high integrity conversation” with someone keeps things from becoming personal.

2. Make a commitment

Rather than being ordered to complete a task, an individual will be asked to make a commitment to the team. Each individual is in control of what they commit to. A negotiation may take place to ensure the needs of everyone are being met. Once we commit however, we are each expected to do what we say we will do – on time, every time.

3. Everyone is responsible for success

While an individual may not be responsible for a particular task, they are each responsible for the success of our team. We are responsible for the success of every other team member. And they are responsible for us.

4. Take ownership of meetings

Meetings are a necessity, but keep them focused, efficient and constructive. Who ever calls the meeting needs to own it and provide a timeframe, a workable agenda and a clear expectation of what the outcome of the meeting will be. Keep the conversation focused and on task and respect that everyone’s time is at a premium.

5. Who and by-when dates

It’s not a promise until a “by-when” date is provided.

Never leave a meeting, goal, objective or request without a commitment: assigning who is accountable and obtaining a by-when date. If a by-when date cannot be provided (due to lack of information as example) get a commitment of when a by-when date will be provided.

These may seem simple on the surface, but they do require daily practice to make them a habit. However, once these practices become second nature and ingrained in your company culture, you won’t believe how it will improve productivity, morale and teamwork. Give it a try. I guarantee the results will be worth it.