Efficiency at Work

Complaining about spending extra long hours at workplace is a commonplace phenomenon. It is true that it can happen at certain times of the month or quarter but some of us are always leaving late from work. Working late essentially means that we get to spend very little time with family and friends, but most importantly ourselves. Life reduces to get up in the morning-rush to office-come back late evening-gobble up dinner-sleep-get up & back to office! Life surely holds more meaning and purpose than that!

Sharing with you a few quick practices, that helps to reduce clutter at work:

1. A crisp to-do list helps to plan the day efficient. Striking across what’s finished gives a clear sense what’s finished & how much more to go.
2. Plan your breaks. Indulging in erratic coffee-cigarette breaks, leads to wastage of time. As an afterthought, be wary of colleagues who push you for such breaks.
3. Get done with those items on the list that take less time to finish; seeing more items on the list struck off gives a feeling of innate satisfaction and motivation
4. Minimize the use of internal office communicator other than work. I agree, networking is important, but certainly not at the expense of task-at-hand. Better put yourself on a ‘Do not Disturb’ mode, and attach a note to people to drop an email if it’s really important.
5. Sort emails by importance, all emails do not require prompt reply. Put a flag in those email, which will generate an automated reminder.
6. Lastly, maintain a clean workspace. Clutter on the desk leads to distraction.

Beat Inferiority Complex at Work

Often we come across friends & colleagues, who have migrated between industries/departments involving change in the nature of work, after having a few years of work experience. They suddenly find themselves to be senior yet, not an expert in the new field, which generate a sense of insecurity. There also arises scenario when an employee is bullied and made to feel small by peers or seniors and he finds himself sinking, while starting to believe he is not good.

All these generate a feeling of inferiority complex, displaying some of the symptoms like:

• Refuse to take ownership at work


• Perceive constructive criticism as personal attack


• Fish for compliments


• Extremely critical about self and a tendency to blame peers


• Avoid speaking in team meetings & other public form

I have myself been through phases such as these and I have also learned to overcome such mental state. Though it is not easy, living with it is more painful. These are a few things that can help you get rid of inferiority complex that takes over us:

• Start believing in yourself. Convince yourself that you are good, capable and confident before you start convincing others.


• Discover your strengths. If you dislike your present job-profile, then you are neither doing justice to yourself nor to the job. Summon the courage to follow your heart’s desire.


• Master the skill-set. If the job has to be done and there’s no escape from it, then better be good at it. Knowledge brings out self-confidence.


• Avoid Negative vibes. Stay away from people who spread negativity, if it is not possible, refrain from displaying you insecurity to such people


• Love yourself! Dress with care, outward appearance boosts inner confidence; and that is reflected in our behavior.

Never forget what Eleanor Roosevelt said…
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”