Staying Productive This Summer

Summer can be challenging for businesses as employees going on vacation can cause slower sales and reduced productivity. However, with proper planning and strategies, it is possible to transform this period into a time of opportunity and success. Here are three pieces of advice to help you stay productive this summer.

Plan Ahead:

Use the principle "Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance". Begin preparing before the start of summer to optimize your resources and effectively tackle potential obstacles. Include flexibility in your planning process to stay a few steps ahead. Connect with your clients to understand their needs and ensure your supply chain is prepared to adjust to demand-side fluctuations. By planning ahead, you can save yourself from headaches later on.

Control Your "Controllables":

Identify what you can and cannot control. Recognize when you are experiencing a slow period and use it as an opportunity to strategize and form a plan of action to overcome any roadblocks to your productivity. By controlling your "controllables," you can maintain your flow and stay productive even during challenging times.

Analyze the Numbers:

If you have planned ahead and controlled what you can, but things still aren’t going your way, it's time to crunch some numbers. The answer to your problems may not be intuitive, and you may need to break them down quantitatively. For instance, if sales are low, you may not think of raising prices even though this would aim to increase revenue. Conduct in-depth research to identify what is impacting your performance and find ways to address them. Armed with data-driven insights, you can effectively communicate with bosses and colleagues, supporting your decisions with concrete evidence.