BlueSky Thinking Summary

Kellogg faculty research offers actionable insights for professionals looking to boost their output.

For Maryam Kouchaki, the idea is always about handling more complicated tasks earlier in the day toward developing skills and long-term efficiency, in contrast to immediate self-gratification that one experiences from easier tasks.

For instance, Maria Ibanez suggests scheduling more important tasks earlier in the day when energy is at its peak, avoiding peak end-of-day fatigue for optimal performance.

Nicola Persico and Rob Bray contend that batching of tasks, whatever profession or nature of tasks, increases workflow significantly and reduces the completion time taken.

Jan Van Mieghem and Itai Gurvich issue a caution with regard to excessive collaboration, as it can result in productivity loss due to an increase in coordinating efforts or higher managerial control.

Lastly, Rob Bray points to the strategic use of operational transparency, where timely and consistent updates of the clients have a positive impact on effort and satisfaction perceptions.

These insights jointly provide tips for professionals wishing to work smarter at getting the job done within their respective fields.