Excerpt | The Productivity Workflow Formula | Laura Stack

A Brand New Model: The Productivity Workflow Formula (PWF)

Adapted from What to Do When There’s Too Much to Do (Berrett-Koehler, 2012) by Laura Stack

The PWF breaks down into six primary steps:

1. Determine what to do. Study your work requirements closely; triage your to-do lists; handle time-wasters; and decide to do only what really matters.
2. Schedule time to do it. Assign time slots and durations appropriately; say no when appropriate; make decisions quickly; and control your meetings.
3. Focus your attention. Hone your concentration to razor sharpness; shut out distractions, learn focus techniques; and avoid multitasking.
4. Process new information. Research effectively; file digital information; and quickly handle incoming email, voicemail, and paper.
5. Close the loop. Determine what does and doesn’t work; reduce inefficiencies; solve people problems and bottlenecks; and tighten up systems as you go.
6. Manage your capacity. Focus on the physical factors affecting your energy; manage sleep, diet, exercise, and your own happiness.

The model is circular by design, which suggests continuity, as well as a process that can (and should) be repeated again and again. In other words, you get into a continuum and don’t have to leave it; it becomes part of your life.

What to Do When There's Too Much To Do

Reduce Tasks, Increase Results, and Save 90 Minutes a Day

By Laura Stack

Berrett-Koehler Publishers

July 2012; $15.95; 192 pages

paperback original

ISBN: 978-1-60994-540-4