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Can’t Slice And Dice Your Way To The Top

People have their own ways of getting things done, but probably not too many would take the ninja approach.

But that’s the approach taken by Graham Allcott in his book “How to Be a Productivity Ninja.” It isn’t necessary to wear a mask and elaborate costume, but Allcott recommends a mix of go-get-‘em and being smart.

The productivity ninja displays the following characteristics:

  • Zen-like calm. Great decision making comes from the ability to create time and space to think rationally and intelligently.
  • Ruthlessness. As well as needing to make better decisions, managers need to be choosier about processing information, sorting the big opportunities from the bigger ones.
  • Weapon-savvy. Not swords, spears or num-chuk sticks, thinking tools and productivity tools, and it’s important to be aware of the capabilities of each.
  • Stealth and camouflage. It’s important to protect attention spans and keep focused.
  • Unorthodoxy. It’s important to be on constant lookout for every opportunity to take advantage of progress and innovation.
  • Agility. Ninjas need to be light on their feet, able to respond with deftness to new opportunities or threats.
  • Mindfulness. Being emotionally intelligent and self-aware are important for many reasons.
  • Preparedness. This is the one that underpins and strengthens all the others.
    Remember: Ninjas are not superhuman, but sometimes they appear so.