"How can I get it all done?" This is the question of the moment in our accelerated world, where 24 hours in a day just doesn't seem to be enough time.
But who has time to wade through all the latest techniques for attaining peak productivity to get the answers?
Let's be honest--we are all feeling overloaded, overextended, overworked, and overwhelmed. At least to some degree. And we could all use a few proven strategies on getting more done with less effort, all while keeping our clients happy.
In the legal world today, you are exposed to more information in a single day than ever before. So, wouldn't it be great to actually get more done with less effort in order to have a less stressful life and enjoy it a bit more?
What really works? To avoid getting caught in the clutter, here are a few suggestions that will help you maintain control:
1. Capitalize on the latest communication tools.
Harness the power of notebooks, phones, handhelds, and headsets to be more productive and efficient. Are you taking advantage of these new tools? Are you managing client relationships from the car? From the office? From a hotel? Probably! You're undoubtedly spending a great deal of time on the phone. Here's the question of the hour, do you use a headset? A headset is truly ideal for busy professionals, because the ability to multi-task is more important than ever before. A headset provides you everything you need to be truly hands free while you're taking care of business on the phone. When selecting the headset that is right for your usage needs, here are a few key terms to keep in mind:
- Amplifier: Amplifiers make sound louder. This technology enables headsets to be used with corded phones and phone systems. Amplifiers are often included as part of a headset system.
- Convertible: Convertible headsets offer the choice of two wearing styles, over-the-head for stability or over-the-ear for easy on/off convenience. These headsets can easily be "converted" from one style to the other in a few simple steps. The S10 system offers this flexibility.
- Noise-canceling: Noise-canceling refers to a microphone design that greatly reduces the transmission of background noise, enhancing headset sound quality. Noise-canceling headsets are especially effective for offices with colleagues in close proximity to one another. In mobile applications, noise-canceling microphones reduce background noise in cars, airports or on the street.
2. Be wireless.
Headset solutions today don't have to tether you to your desk. You can grab a file from your assistant in the hall, while confirming your court date. Your colleagues might think you're talking yourself, but you'll be the one who is ahead of the game.
3. Tie it all together and make sure your workstation is ergonomically correct.
With the spotlight shining on ergonomics issues lately, the modern workplace has been labeled as "dangerous." You probably spend anywhere from 25 to 40 hours a week in a static position working at a computer. When the seemingly simple act of squeezing the handset against the shoulder and neck is performed routinely, or held for long periods of time, anything ranging from discomfort to structural tissue damage can occur. The use of telephone headsets is beneficial for improving head and neck postures.
With the freedom a headset provides, awkward and prolonged static postures of the head, neck and shoulders can be avoided. In an even greater sense, the freedom offered by hands-free movement allows workers extra mobility, reducing static loads on the entire body, and potentially contributing to greater worker comfort and productivity.
4. Start now.
There's no need to wait to start working a little bit smarter.
Technology changes quickly. For a more up to date discussion on this topic, please visit the Legal Software section at FindLaw’s Technologist blog.