journey with Cyril delivered an immediate and lasting impact on the sense of purpose of all team members. Clarity of focus on the activities which count has improved group achievement as well as the way team members inter-work with others. Beyond this, improved ways of working have resulted in less intrusion of work into my personal time.’
Philip Park
General Manager National Planning & Development
NSW | SingTel Optus
‘The main impact is that I sleep at night. I didn’t realise the impact of my work on my stress levels. I was working long hours and coming home stressed. Since working with Cyril, I am far less stressed. I sleep at night.
He changed my life!’
Marnie McLaren
Head of Investment Sourcing
St George Wealth Management
‘I couldn’t run my business as effectively and profitably as I do had I not learnt these efficiency and effectiveness skills.
‘I am far more productive than I was, and get SO much more of the important stuff done. Plus, I now use my brain for thinking, strategising and processing important information, not trying to remember what I have to do, so I rarely miss anything and I’m far less stressed, both at work and at home. … I recommend everyone learns and applies these skills!’
Simon Smith
Managing Director
Southern Cross Coaching & Development Pty Ltd
‘While I thought I was a good planner and had balance in my day-to-day work, I have actually dramatically changed the way I manage my time and also priorities. Most rewarding is the personal time I have built into my working week that ensures I spend quality time with my family.
‘I have not had to sacrifice my work commitments, but instead have created time to think about what is strategically most important. … Hopefully this feedback does justice to the full impact Cyril has had upon me.’
Stuart Blake
Head of Sales & Service
NRMA, SGIO & SGIC - IAG
Acknowledgements
To Bettina Pidcock, my first client, who pushed me to write this book and helped me along this journey.
To the St George Bank team: Jason, Neil, Geoff, Marnie, Matt and so many others. You gave me so much in your feedback and support.
To some great people who have helped me to publish this book: my editor Jo McKee, and my designer Graham Rendoth, who did a terrific job in a challenging time frame. The two of you have been amazing in helping me in this journey.
Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgements ix
Overview - So you think you can work?
Introduction
Part one
PERSONAL EFFICIENCY - THE FOUNDATION
| Chapter 1: | Workflow management: |
| Don’t let information slow your performance | |
| 1.1 Hard files - a cluttered desk, a cluttered mind | |
| 1.2 Soft files - the invisible mess | |
| 1.3 Feel the difference | |
| Chapter 2: | Efficient behaviours: The work habits of ‘doers’ |
| 2.1 Avoid time waster one - procrastination | |
| 2.2 Avoid time waster two - lack of focus | |
| 2.3 Avoid time waster three - ineffective meetings | |
| 2.4 Efficient behaviours - awareness | |
| Chapter 3: | Outlook as an efficiency tool |
| 3.1 Inbox - who manages who? | |
| 3.2 Filing - efficient system versus expanding dump | |
| 3.3 Calendar & Task - there is a life beyond inbox | |
| 3.4 Outlook - from tricks to habits |
Part two
PERSONAL LEADERSHIP – THE TRUE MIND-SHIFT TO PERFORMANCE
| Chapter 4: | The simple steps of effectiveness |
| Chapter 5: | Think quarterly: |
| Be clear on your goals and high-impact activities | |
| 5.1 A mind shift from reactive follower to proactive leader | |
| 5.2 The high performance question | |
| 5.3 The compass plan | |
| 5.4 The project plan | |
| Chapter 6: | Plan weekly: make them a ‘must’ |
| 6.1 Put your big rock first | |
| 6.2 Protect your big rocks - implement your effective week | |
| 6.3 Be in control - plan weekly religiously | |
| Chapter 7: | Act daily: take action regardless |
| Chapter 8: |
