You want to make your work life easier, right? When you run a business, you have so many responsibilities. Your team is pulled from every direction to complete tasks on time and ensure your customers are happy so they will remain loyal and keep coming back. Keep reading to learn more about how to streamline your company into an efficient machine.
Embrace all that AI has to offer.
Unless you have missed a few news cycles, you have surely heard of AI or artificial intelligence. AI is no longer a thing of science fiction lore, but it is the way of the future and the present. Artificial intelligence is nothing to be feared; instead, you can embrace the technology it encompasses to help you work smarter, not harder, as they say.
For example, if your company operates in the realm of finance, the legal system, or has any involvement in-house or otherwise with either business vertical, you need to utilize machine learning for private markets and legal teams. By entering into this new way of working, you are maximizing your employees’ abilities.
When your team has tasks taken out of their workflow and off their desks, they become more productive. The genius of AI is that it can tackle a lot of the work for your people so they can focus on other areas of the business. This does not mean, however, that their work is being accomplished entirely by AI. Instead, it is an aid or tool in their work toolbox that can help them do their jobs better.
Work on communication as a team.
The mere notion of effective communication can strike terror in the most stalwart of leaders and managers. Talking with others instead of to them does not come naturally for everyone, and that is ok because the process of exchanging information is something that can be learned.
The main points of communicating successfully include the following central principles.
- Listen Actively – Be present when someone else is talking. Do not think of your next talking point or counterargument. Pay attention. Show you are present by reflecting on what is being said back to the other person and ask relevant questions as appropriate.
- Keep an Open Mind – When someone you have a history with or you have a preconceived notion regarding is speaking, push away any assumptions you may have regarding the content of their character or value. By doing this, you can begin listening and conversing with an open mind instead of forming an opinion before the discussion begins.
- Choose Your Words – Throughout your conversation, be mindful of the language you use. Always speak clearly and consider your audience. If you are speaking to an older coworker, select common words instead of colloquialisms from your generation to avoid any miscommunication. This does not mean they are out of touch, as you are likely unaware of the slang used in their generation too.
Watch the following video to learn how effective strategic communication can be for you on both a professional and personal level.
Always use an OOO message.
The primary reason for using consistent OOO messages is to tell those attempting to contact you this: If they need immediate assistance, they should contact a coworker whose contact information you list in the OOO. It also tells people that if they wish to receive a response from you alone, they can expect it following a specific timeframe.
The primary reason for using consistent OOO messages is to tell those who are attempting to contact you this: If they need immediate assistance, they should contact a coworker whose contact information you list in the OOO. It also tells people that if they wish to receive a response from you alone, they can expect it following a specific timeframe.
Another reason for using a relevant and reliable OOO message is that your inbox will not fill up with innumerable messages from the same person wondering when you will respond. You can create a company-wide OOO message, make a series of content-appropriate OOO templates related to a variety of circumstances, or make some of these your own. Having a few relatable templates on hand is as easy as copying, pasting, and then editing before you sign off for a vacation or just the end of a work day.
Take these tips and make them your own. Use more effective means of working to make your business run smoother and with greater efficiency. Manage your company like the boss you are.