The Art of Productivity: Lessons from a Life in Restaurants and Business Consulting
If you’ve ever wondered what juggling looks like in the real world, step into a busy restaurant on a Friday night. Picture a waiter managing five to ten tables, coordinating with the kitchen and bar, all while keeping the guests happy and comfortable. This is a masterclass in the art of productivity, and believe it or not, this is where I cut my teeth on the subject.
The Restaurant as a Classroom
My early years in the restaurant industry were formative, to say the least. In these demanding environments, I learned to multitask like a pro and my lessons in the art of productivity began. Whether you’re a waiter, a bartender, or the owner-operator, you’re managing multiple threads at once. The key is not just to manage them but to excel at each one, all with a smile on your face. This lesson served as a foundation for my work at Spark Business Consulting, where we have a varied clientele from restaurants to law firms. In my book, “Profit First for Restaurants,” I delve into this a bit more, offering tips and strategies to navigate this fast-paced world.
The Legal Pad Hack
One of my most valuable productivity lessons came from a General Manager at a Bar & Restaurant on Mass Ave in Boston. He walked around with a yellow legal pad and a black felt-tip pen, making checklists for the day. This simple tool became a game for me: the aim was to tick off as many boxes as possible and start each new day fresh. This “game-ified” mindset turned me into a productivity machine. I’ve even developed a planner, The Sparkle Planner, which consolidates all these lessons into a structured system.
Custom Tools and Systems
When you understand an industry well, you can create specialized tools to enhance productivity. My Sparkle Planner incorporates my years of experience and offers a structured approach to planning your day, week, and quarter. It’s a physical manifestation of all the productivity lessons I’ve learned and refined over the years.
Time Management and Boundaries
Wearing multiple hats requires some serious time management skills. Whether it’s consulting through Spark, writing, or spending time with my family, each gets its block of time. The secret? Boundaries. I also maintain an office space separate from home, which helps me focus when I need to and disengage when it’s family time.
Lessons from the Trenches
Each industry has its quirks, and knowing them can help you be more productive. At Spark, we’ve honed our skills to provide uniform deliverables across varied sectors. But beware of the shiny new apps and tools that promise to revolutionize your productivity. Sometimes, they make you less efficient, not more. Sometimes the best tool is the simplest one, like that good old legal pad.
Books and Resources
One book that has deeply influenced my perspective on productivity is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. It delves into the psychology of habits and offers a practical guide to improvement, one small step at a time.
The Final Word on The Art of Productivity
So, if you’re starting out in one of these demanding industries, remember this: have a plan and know what feeds your soul as well as your needs. Without nourishing yourself first, you won’t be productive in the long run. Establish routines that set you up for a productive day and listen to your body to maintain your energy levels.
And there you have it—a lifetime of the art of productivity lessons wrapped up in one article. May these insights serve you well on your own journey to achieving more, in less time, with fewer resources.
