The New Age of Productivity: Harnessing the Power of the Ivy Lee Method
The rapid digital evolution has ushered in an era where the boundaries between work and life are increasingly blurred. Amidst this relentless pace, the onus falls on the business leaders to not just keep up, but to excel. Striving for productivity is no longer a choice but a necessity. Yet, often, in our chase for innovation, we overlook the power of simplicity. One such exemplar of simplicity leading to success is the Ivy Lee Method.
Background
In 1918, Charles M. Schwab was one of the richest men in the world. He was the president of Bethlehem Steel, the largest shipbuilder and the second-largest steel producer in America at the time.
In his quest to increase the efficiency of his team and discover better ways to get things done, Schwab met with a productivity consultant named Ivy Lee.
Schwab is reported to have asked Lee “Show me a way to get more things done.”
Lee’s response was “Give me 15 minutes with each of your executives.”
When Schwab asked how much it would cost , Lee replied “Nothing, Unless it works. After three months, you can send me a check for whatever you feel it’s worth to you.”
After three months, Schwab was so delighted with the progress his company had made that he called Lee into his office and wrote him a check for $25,000 – the equivalent of $400,000 in 2015.
The Ivy Lee Method
The Ivy Lee method underlines five essential principles – simplicity, decision-making, ease of starting, single-tasking, and prioritisation. Each of these principles is an antidote to common productivity pitfalls in our current work culture.
The method challenges the adage, “the more, the merrier,” asserting that more tasks don’t necessarily lead to higher productivity. It urges us to limit ourselves to the six most important tasks of the day, thereby forcing us to make tough decisions about our priorities.
A Method of Change
Change begins with awareness and acceptance. Recognising the need to simplify and focus is the first step. Once this realisation sinks in, implementing the Ivy Lee Method becomes an exercise in self-discipline and determination.
Action Steps
- At the end of each workday, list the six most important tasks for the next day.
- Prioritise these six tasks in order of their true importance.
- The following day, focus solely on the first task until it is complete. Only then, move on to the next task.
- Repeat this process every day.
Handling Setbacks
Adopting a new method is often met with resistance and occasional setbacks. It’s crucial to remember that the method doesn’t nullify the chances of emergencies and distractions. Instead, it’s about how quickly you get back on track post an interruption.
If an unforeseen event disrupts your schedule, deal with it and return to your list at the earliest. If you are unable to complete all tasks, move them to the next day’s list. The goal is to foster discipline, not to create a rigid structure that becomes another source of stress.
Conclusion
In the end, the pursuit of productivity is about achieving more in less time. It’s about working smarter, not harder. The Ivy Lee method, with its simplicity and focus on single-tasking, provides an effective way to do so. Its effectiveness lies in its simplicity, proving that sometimes, the most impactful changes are the simplest ones.
Remember, do the most important thing first each day. It’s the only productivity trick you need.
cheers, Jonathan
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Jonathan Herps
jonathan@scaleupgrowth.co
+61 (0)408 748 98
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