Randy’s Rules, Part 3

Randy’s Rules

This is the third in a four-part series entitled “Randy’s Rules.”

In our fast-paced technology saturated society, distractions have become part of our daily lives.  Randy’s Third Rule directly challenges distractions that often lead to lost productivity. Stay busy doing productive work is Randy’s Third Rule.

According to Randy, “Being productive at work benefits you and your company.”

Staying busy keeps you focused on getting things done.  It has the added benefit of making the day go by faster.  Productive work can be defined as anything that benefits both you and your organization.  There are lots of ways to be productive.  Staying on task rather than shifting from task to task is productive. Learning is productive. It gives you the opportunity to grow and make yourself more valuable. Shadowing a co-worker, improving your skills, mentoring, are all productive uses of your time.

“Attention is your most valuable asset,” says Randy.  In a manufacturing environment, you give your attention to the task at hand.  Anything that pulls your attention away from that can affect productivity.  If a co-worker starts a non-work conversation that pulls an employee away from a task, the impact on productivity is doubled. This is why it is so important to stay focused and on task.

Accomplishment is achieved through focus and discipline.  It’s easy to become distracted in today’s world.  Randy states, “Practicing the discipline it takes to stay on task is the path to mastery.”  When you look back on a day where you got a lot done, the sense of satisfaction you get is terrific.  Work provides a structured environment where you can see the fruits of your labor.  For many, work is the best opportunity to achieve their potential, and they get paid to do it!