If there’s one thing that software architects focus on more than anything else, it’s clean and clear coding, and ultra performance.
I learned this while working for a Defense contractor, where project after project involved the upgrading of outdated systems and equipment via modifications (software-wise).
Being clear, concise and performing at optimum levels is key to success in various aspects of life as well. Particularly, any employee can benefit tremendously (i.e. more money) by optimizing his/her daily performance and effectiveness at work.
WC Porter hints to us that despite the many small things an employee can do to try to sway a boss to giving her a raise, doing one big thing extremely well can get you to that point much more easily. And that one big thing is being an ultra performer.
Forget about sucking up to your boss or doing favors to get in good with management. It will never be as effective as outperforming the expectations that were set on you.
I’d like to repackage this concept as performance optimization, because if you setup and tweak a system of working effectively until perfection, and follow-through with that system on a daily basis, it pretty much guarantees you outstanding results, and hence frequent raises, promotions, bonuses and the like.
Productivity guru and best-selling author Tim Ferriss teaches a simple technique to staying on the optimum performance track in his book “The 4-Hour Workweek” — making not-to-do lists and setting periodic question reminders that ask something to the effect of “am I spending time focusing on the unimportant?” or “am I doing unimportant things to avoid the important?”
Excessive email checking and idle chat are examples of productivity and performance optimization enemies.
Tim cites a case study in his book that details a computer software salesman having cut down his work hours dramatically (which is equivalent to increasing his per hour pay rate), simply by enhancing his work day by focusing on the important.
This is definitely something that can easily be incorporated in your performance optimization arsenal as well.
So, what one important thing can you accomplish the very first thing at work today or tomorrow that will make the rest of the workday or workweek, much more relaxing and enjoyable?
We want to hear what your thoughts are on this post.
photo by [Telerick]
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