Women's Health

Work less, do more

Sidestep pointless powwows
You can defer reading email until you have the time and brain cells to properly tackle it. But what about meetings - the ones you walk out of hours later with a blank notepad and no idea what just happened? According to wellness coach Dr Gabriela Corá, author of Leading Under Pressure, there are simple ways to keep meetings on track:

Schedule meetings to last one hour If you're in charge, impose a strict time limit. "This will give everyone a sense of urgency and commitment," says Dr Corá. Ask for three solutions per problem Prepare an agenda with three to five points. For each, limit everyone to three solutions. Less talk, more action.

Decide whether you need to be If not, send your regrets. Avoid meetings with no agenda Ask for one, otherwise decline.

Keep a jabber journal For two days, note casual rap sessions and whether they're helpful. You'll be surprised.

Set limits on chitchat Inform your gossipy co-worker that you have only X amount of minutes. When that time's up, say you must get back to work.

Photo by Women's Health Nov 10, 2011