In the 183rd episode of The Leadership Project, we’re thrilled to present an insightful discussion with Dermot Crowley, the director and founder of Adapt Productivity. As one of Australia’s foremost ehaxperts on productivity and the author of several renowned books including "Urgent", "Smart Work, Smart Teams," and "Lead Smart," Dermot delves into how we can optimise productivity both on a personal and a team level.
The Genesis of Productivity with Dermot Crowley
Dermot Crowley’s 25-year journey in productivity training began back in Ireland. As he moved to Australia, Dermot transitioned from using paper diaries to leveraging technology like Microsoft Outlook. This shift inspired him to start ADAPT, focusing on integrating productivity theory with technological tools. Dermot highlights the synergy between personal organisation and technology as the secret sauce to effective productivity.
Challenges and Frustrations in Productivity
Dermot emphasises a core belief: most people strive to do their best. However, productivity erodes through internal and external factors. Internally, lack of personal organizational skills can diminish one’s capacity. Externally, unproductive cultures in workplaces play a significant role in reducing efficiency. Dermot elaborates on common productivity cultures like email overload, meeting oversaturation, and urgency-driven prioritization.
The Internal and External Erosion of Productivity
To battle these eroding factors, Dermot presents a dual approach:
Internal Erosion: Adopt better personal productivity systems and utilise technology more effectively.
External Erosion: Establish healthy productivity cultures within your organisation.
Mastering Personal Productivity
Dermot introduces three key habits essential for personal productivity:
Processing: Efficiently managing incoming work and information.
Planning: Implementing daily, weekly, and monthly planning to ensure focus and direction.
Prioritizing: Understanding the difference between urgency and importance and prioritising accordingly.
Outlook and Gmail, though often underutilised, are pivotal tools in managing tasks and schedules. Simple changes, like opening your calendar instead of your inbox first thing in the morning, can significantly alter how you manage your day.
Shifting from Reactive to Responsive Mode
Being reactive, Dermot argues, is like a knee-jerk reaction—thoughtless and automatic. Instead, he advocates for a responsive mode where actions are intentional and well-thought-out. This means disabling constant email alerts and checking emails at set intervals to avoid constant disruptions.
Upgrading Email and Meeting Cultures in Teams
Effective communication can't be achieved solely through email. Teams need to work on creating healthier email practices and meeting cultures. Have clear guidelines on when to use email, who to CC, and when a meeting is genuinely necessary. Distinguish between participants, spectators, and interested parties in meetings to avoid unnecessary clutter.
Influencing Productivity Beyond Your Team
Leaders must extend their influence beyond their immediate team. By creating productive ripples, leaders can gradually influence broader organisational practices.
Insights for Leaders from "Lead Smart"
Dermot’s latest book, "Lead Smart," dives deep into leading productivity. It underscores the need for leaders to role model productive behaviours and hold purposeful productivity conversations. Leaders must manage both their personal productivity and the productivity of their interactions with their teams..
Key Takeaways for Leaders:
Leading Yourself: Master your own productivity.
Leading Your Team: Ensure that the team collaborates efficiently.
Leading the Culture: Model the productivity culture you wish to see and hold the team to these standards.
Summarising the Conversation
This enriching conversation with Dermot Crowley has provided valuable insights into personal and team productivity. From enhancing personal productivity with better planning and prioritising to fostering a productive culture within teams, Dermot's strategies offer actionable steps to harness productivity effectively.
For those looking to delve deeper into Dermot Crowley's insights and methodologies, his books are available on platforms like Amazon and Booktopia. Interested individuals can also reach out through the Adapt Productivity website https://adaptproductivity.com.au for more information and resources.
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