It's a classic dilemma: how much time do you spend talking about your accomplishments versus actually getting them done? Like chicken and egg, they're inseparable, yet people will argue about which should come first.
by Ravenelle
One of my top beliefs in being a good awesome communicator is iterative tools adaption (adaptation + adoption). This means, with each pass of communications, make sure to identify what could've gone smoother. Make notes of flow-disrupting processes and problems, and plug the little holes. For example, if I notice I'm manually typing the same website link over and over (useless redundancy), I'd better get a macro program pronto or my time — a few seconds each instance which adds up to minutes, then hours — will be wasted.
Iterative tools adaption (ITA) is how I became a great achiever in multiple fields, and how I'll continue to learn. Also like chicken and egg, tools don't do anything by themselves; humans must make and use them. Even automated mechanisms require maintenance and care.
When I feel it takes too long for me to type something down, especially when I'm in the heat of work, I'll make a voice recording. When I have a note I want to share with the world and retrieve later, I use Twitter and a helpful WordPress plugin called Twitter Tools that automatically posts my weekly tweet digest.
Another angle, especially important for companies concerned about transparency (it's not just a buzzword, it makes your customers feel better): if there's notable stuff going on behind-the-scenes which isn't confidential, you'd better share it.
"But Torley, I'm too busy!" I hear.
9/10 times, that's an excuse. Find some slop to chop, keep forging forth with ITA, and you'll have the spare cycles you need. I've frequently found myself pressed for minutes to squeeze out, including self-timed trials, and I've gotten noticeably better over the last year. Like the 100 m at the Olympics, every millisecond counts.
"But Torley, that sounds like unhealthy workaholism!" I hear.
You're hearing it wrong! ITA is about focusing your productivity now so you have more time and less stress to relax with in the near future. Don't defer your accomplishments, and you'll find your overall system of sharing and doing is better.