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How Low-Value Work Is Hurting Your Bottom Line

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/349018

entrepreneur.com

How Low-Value Work Is Hurting Your Bottom Line
6 min read Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. "It is not a daily increase, but a daily decrease. Hack away at the inessentials." - Bruce Lee At the beginning of this year, a rare few could have predicted how abruptly life would soon change.

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Don't waste valuable energy

Don't waste valuable energy

We can't waste valuable energy on mindless activities while putting off what matters most for later.

In business, wasting energy means working on low-value tasks, and thinking busywork is the same as productivity.

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Cut out the optional

Being overwhelmed may be the new normal, but taking on too many responsibilities may be watering down our overall impact.

Bring back your focus to what matters most. Work on the projects that are the real game-changers. Delegate the discretionary work and eliminate unnecessary meetings.

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Design an action plan

Running a thriving business means understanding how to organize your work by importance and knowing when to delegate.

  • Find your sweet spot. When you consider taking on a project, see if it aligns with your purpose and the organization's broader goals. Ask yourself if you're the right person with the right skillset.
  • Automate. As your company grows, use automation tools for low-level work. It also allows your employees to make more meaningful contributions.
  • Set boundaries. Learn to say no to low-level tasks. Set your own limits about what you'll take on.

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Make room for what matters

Slot your meaningful work into the times when you feel most productive. Realizing how your focus, creativity, and interest change at different hours in a day can help you better engage in your key projects.

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Fuel growth while managing uncertainty

Fuel growth while managing uncertainty
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Key Ideas

Ignore your inbox when you wake up

Responding to emails as soon as you receive a notification gives others the impression that you’re at their beck and call. It also prevents you from reflecting on your own priorities for...

Empty your inbox daily

  • Do. If the email is actionable and takes under two minutes, then do the task ASAP.
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Stop CC’ing everyone

To avoid filling the email box of staff members, only CC the relevant parties. Ask your team to respond to you individually instead of using the reply-to-all button.

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