Bank finance articles and tips

When was the last time that you ran into a service error, like an incorrect bill? Probably not that long ago if you're like me. Just this week, I had to correct a record because someone sent me two checks when I had earned only one. Last month, it was something else.

How many times have you had to redo something you've done or written? Or you think of a nuance that you forgot when you made a decision? As an introvert, I do this frequently (because we introverts - smart as we may be - need extra time to reflect). And it wastes my time, just like other peoples' errors waste their time and their employers' dollars.

I need time to think. Research shows that multi-tasking is not efficient, despite its great press. Why? Because humans aren't wired for it. We can certainly do many things seemingly at once but we will make tons of errors. And, guess what - errors eat time! Because we must drop the new thing we're doing, go back, reorient ourselves to the issue, correct it, and then go back once again and reorient ourselves to the new thing we were working on. A lot of wasted time.

We tend to think that quicker is better because we can move on to the next thing. But quicker is not better if we have to take even more time to redo, surprising as that may sound.

Here's what to do to avoid this time-buster:

1. Prioritize your to-do list by importance and urgency.

2. Pick the top task.

3. Set aside dedicated time to do it.

4. Do not take (or make) calls, emails, or texts during this time. Do not check Facebook.

5. Concentrate and do your best to complete the task.

6. Set the task aside for an hour or more while you work on something else. Overnight is good if you have the luxury but any time is better than none.

7. Come back to the task and check for errors or angles you might have missed. Make corrections if needed.

8. You're done! Now move on, knowing that your chances of errors are minimized because you took the time to do it right the first time.

I write a lot and I've found that this process works time and again. It saves me time because I don't have to go back and rework what I've done. And, as an introvert, I know I'm not quick but my lack of speed is more than made up for by the quality and thoughtfulness of my outputs. So make your priorities, focus on one task to get it right, give it a while to gel, recheck it, make corrections, and finalize knowing that you did your best.

Pat yourself on the back - you've avoided the time thief called Errors by taking time to do it right the first time.
About this Author

Interested in becoming a better leader? Visit my website for more information about leadership, especially for professionals and those who may be introverts. Author: Joyce Shelleman, Ph.D. is a business behavior expert with specialties in workplace dynamics for professionals, introverts and introversion at work, and leadership. She is the author of the new book, The Introvert's Guide to Professional Success: How to Let Your Quiet Competence Be Your Career Advantage. For more information, visit http://www.shelleman.com or http://www.theintrovertsguide.com.

By Joyce Shelleman, Ph.D.