Being Efficient at Work

Hi I'm currently a new associate in Equity Research. I just started a month or so ago, and realized I'm not very efficient speed-wise at getting things done.

How can I be more efficient so I don't feel like I'm wasting time or letting my team down?

2 Comments
 

Hello there! It's great that you're looking to improve your efficiency at work. Here are some tips based on the most helpful WSO content:

  1. Think critically about your daily schedule: Identify where you might be wasting time. Are there tasks that you can eliminate or delegate? Is there work that is not directly related to your main tasks? Try to find ways to be more efficient in completing your work.

  2. Focus on the task at hand: Instead of worrying about all the tasks you have to do, concentrate on the immediate task. Set small, clear, and achievable goals throughout the day and tackle them one at a time. You might find that you accomplish more than you'd imagine.

  3. Take responsibility for your work: Whether you're covering companies, clients, or overseeing a project, take total responsibility for your work. This can help you stay focused and motivated.

  4. Stay organized: Keep a to-do list for small tasks that come up. You can work on these when you have some downtime or need a break from bigger tasks.

  5. Do little things immediately: If a task only takes 5-10 minutes and fits in your schedule, do it immediately. This can prevent tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming.

  6. Give realistic timelines + a cushion: When asked how long you'll need for a task, give a timeline that you're comfortable with and add some cushion. This can help you stay on time even when other things come up.

Remember, it's normal to go through periods of feeling overwhelmed, especially when you're new to a role. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll likely see improvements in your efficiency over time. Keep up the good work!

Sources: Ways of Underperformance - and how to avoid them (Part 1), I work in event driven / arbitrage. Here are some career advice for you, How Do You Deal With the BB Sweatshop Hours?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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