In the financial services industry, our to-do lists feels endless: client appointments, checking emails, managing an office, meetings, meetings and more meetings, not to mention carving out time for your own family and what might resemble down time… and it’s only Monday.
In order to tackle the exhaustive list of responsibilities, many of us turn to multi-tasking to get it all done in the least amount of time. Patting ourselves on the back that we are able to accomplish so many different things at once. It is a real time saver, right? Wrong.
Effective multi-tasking is an oxymoron. Research has shown that the brain can only process one activity at a time. Multi-tasking is a myth. It is an incredibly non-productive way of working. Instead, try “batching” your tasks to get things done more effectively and precisely.
I am a big task batcher. I do it so often it is now instinct. It’s always easier on your mind when you focus on a single item at a time. Trying to squeeze as many tasks into a spare second you will leave you with a lot of unfinished projects — and probably a headache.
Switching back-and-forth between tasks is not effective. Setting a block of time to complete specific tasks allows you to get everything done. Do the same activities in the same bunch of time. When the block of time is over switch to a new task.
For example, respond to emails for 30 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes after lunch and 15 minutes right before you leave for the day. Turn off alerts so they are not distracting you.
Some other batching topics may include:
- contacting carriers to follow-up on a list of cases you have in underwriting,
- entering client notes from the day's meetings,
- review paperwork for tomorrow's meetings, and
- responding to client phone calls
Our list of tasks may seem endless, but batching tasks together will enable you to see more clients, feel more present, and “be in the moment” when completing tasks. Be careful, you may even find you have time for a personal life — even on a Monday.
Financial Professionals: Schedule a 30-minute consultation with Chris Kowalik of ProFeds to see if this proven, step-by-step system is right for you.
Ready to get started? The ProFeds Bootcamp is where all of the magic begins! This training program is limited to the first 10 financial professionals who qualify, so reserve your seat today! CLICK HERE for details about our next available class.
About the Author: Chris Kowalik, founder of ProFeds, is the industry's leading business coach for financial professionals who specialize in working with federal employees. She is a frequent speaker for financial services firms and federal agencies throughout the country.