Virginia D. Bloom is the Manager of Customer Experience at Aclaimant and a member of Vitally’s Success Network.

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As CX professionals, we ❤️LOVE❤️ a good productivity hack. 

We'll habit stack, time block, and even "eat the frog" (a personal favorite 🐸) like it's nobody's business. We've got Eisenhower Matrixes that we tackle with task batching, all while the Pomodoro timer ticks away in the background (another fav 🍅). 

And let's not forget those beautiful agendas, templated pre-scheduled emails, and meticulously organized to-do lists (chef’s kiss!)

But amidst our quest for personal productivity, there's a crucial factor we often overlook; how our prioritization impacts others. 

We might categorize a task as "important but not urgent" and kick the can down the road, blissfully unaware that it's the missing piece in someone else’s urgent work. In our pursuit of efficiency, we inadvertently become the bottleneck, leaving our colleagues stranded on The Island of Misfit Tasks.

So, let's shift our perspective, and remember that productivity is a team sport. It's about understanding how we fit into the larger workflow, anticipating the ripple effects of our decisions, and fostering a workplace where everyone feels supported. Lead the change and cultivate collaboration so everyone wins!

Strategies for Collaborative Efficiency (and Keeping the Peace)

So, how do we combat the siloed mindset and embrace a more collaborative approach to productivity? Here are a few strategies to keep those bottlenecks at bay and the good vibes flowing:

Communication Is Key to Panic Prevention‍

So, the task is important, but... it can wait, right? Wrong! Before you hit that snooze button on a task, take a moment to check in with your teammates. Communicate your intentions so others can manage expectations. 

A quick "Hey, I'm planning to tackle this next week, is that good with you?" can work wonders. If you hear a note of panic in their voice, maybe reclassify this as something that doesn’t wait. If your "non-urgent" task is actually someone else's top priority, you can save them from a last-minute scramble and earn yourself some serious brownie points!

Evaluate Before You Eliminate‍

That task lingering at the bottom of your to-do list might seem like a prime candidate for the circular file. But hold on (wait a minute)! Honestly, CX teams are streamlining masters, so if it’s still on your list, chances are someone cares about it. 

Find that someone! And before you unleash your inner Marie Kondo, have a quick chat. It might turn out that this seemingly insignificant task is crucial for someone else's project. 

Delegation Is NOT a Game of Hot Potato‍

We all delegate tasks, it's part of the game. But let's be honest, sometimes it feels like we're playing a Squid Game-inspired game of hot potato. When delegating, make sure everyone knows who the new owner is. Clear communication and accountability will save you from endless email chains and frantic "Where's that task at?" inquiries.

Learn to Love Transparency‍

Transparency isn't just a buzzword, it's the secret sauce to collaborative success. Foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their priorities, concerns, and even their occasional freak-outs. 

When we're open about our workloads and deadlines, we create a space where everyone can anticipate each other's needs and proactively offer support. Bonus: you learn a lot about how your peers work and learn, which makes things more efficient as your relationship grows.

Check-In and Pivot!‍

Regular check-ins aren't just for your customers; they're essential for your internal teams too. Schedule those syncs, discuss progress, identify roadblocks, and adjust priorities as needed. 

Remember, flexibility is key in the ever-changing world of CX. By staying connected and adaptable, you'll keep everyone rowing in the same direction, even when the current gets choppy.

Share Your Toys‍

It may sound elementary, but sharing all those great productivity tools and methods can garner you some good will. Sharing means caring… about how effectively you all work together, and if you have a strategy to move faster you can demonstrate your respect for others by teaching them how they can roll it into their daily work. 

The Power of Collective Productivity

By recognizing the interconnectedness of our work and prioritizing collaboration, we can unlock a new level of productivity. We can break down silos, streamline workflows, and create an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered to succeed. By embracing collaborative efficiency, we can achieve more, faster, and with a whole lot more fun along the way.

So, let's ditch the isolated to-do lists and embrace a more holistic approach to productivity. No more will our colleagues breathe into a paper bag awaiting our responses. Remember the knockoff effects of personal prioritization and strive for collaborative efficiency. Let's communicate, collaborate, and celebrate our shared achievements, because an aligned team is the key to delivering exceptional customer experiences.