FREEDOM is oxygen for the soul. One needs no other reason to celebrate its essence! As Malaysia grows and prospers, it continues to face challenges, while holding on to its cultural roots.
Every year, Aug 31 serves as a reminder of the good and bad times, happy and sad events, successes and failures of a diverse nation. As Malaysia celebrates its 61st National Day, we thank all our inspiring leaders who have helped define our country.
Before 1957, Malaysia was an agrarian economy, with rubber and tin as the main trading commodities. Business enterprises were small scaled, predominantly localised and family-owned. We have evolved over time, our economy has diversified beyond agriculture and primary commodities, and urbanisation has been rapid.
Productivity is one of the key drivers of economic success. The more productive a country’s workers are, the more value they bring to their employers and the economy. Generally, the higher the productivity of a country, the higher the standard of living.
Let’s do our part to be productive. Every day brings us a crushing wave of demands: a barrage of texts, emails, interruptions, meetings, phone calls, tweets and blogs — not to mention the high demands of our jobs — which can be overwhelming and exhausting. The sheer number of distractions can threaten our ability to think clearly, make good decisions and accomplish what matters most.
Let’s start with a simple guide to boost personal productivity:
FIRST, know when to take a break. Slogging in overtime may not be productive. We need to know when to take a step back and take a break. Jumping between tasks isn’t the most effective way to work.
When we prioritise, we can stay focused on one job (or at the most two) at a time and get it done effectively;
SECOND, eliminate unnecessary distraction, create a list of things you need to get done and focus on the essentials first. Focusing on one smaller task at a time can help you concentrate and reduce stress. Setting a goal with a deadline and sticking to it can increase productivity immensely.
Set personal and professional goals that are attainable and ambitious, even if the deadline is weeks away. Work towards something big and complete smaller tasks along the way. Instead of stressing over a task you’re unsure about, seek help. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, it means that you trust your colleagues enough to let them help you;
THIRD, don’t forget to reward yourself for completing the tasks. This gives you something positive to look forward to.
To keep the momentum and remain productive, we need to prepare for the next day. Jot down ideas or worries before you go to sleep to avoid them keeping you awake. Sleep and rest are important to keep your productivity level high; and,
FOURTH, try to eliminate distractions before bedtime like your cellphone, computer or television so that you can relax your mind and have a pleasant sleep. We’ve heard of the saying, “The early bird gets the worm”. In the world of productivity, that is very true. Going to sleep earlier and waking up earlier helps you to get in tune with your natural circadian rhythm and you feel more energetic too.
Clearly, such positive behaviour leads to a high level of commitment and discipline at work. It creates a positive culture and becomes the inspirational driver for engaging employees.
If you’re unhappy with what you’re doing, your work will reflect that. Finding pleasure in your work is important in performing at your best.
Successful company cultures manifest distinct characteristics for high productivity. It indicates growth and is typically driven by a high level of teamwork and engagement.
A company’s culture that embraces diversity is centred on tolerance and acceptance of others, which fosters teamwork and a sense of collaboration. A study shows that when employees are engaged, they feel valued, accepted, respected and able to perform their job in a positive work environment. What a wonderful platform to increase productivity!
Even the best-designed processes will fail without a supportive culture in the organisation that values goal commitment, self-motivation, continuous improvement, teamwork and respect for people.
In order to be productive, we need to be in a peaceful state of mind. When we have a clear view of our present situation and goals, we can be productive. But what is more important is to know the reasons behind our current situation and the motives encouraging us to move forward.
Malaysia has always sought to improve its productivity to enhance the living standard of its rakyat. These include supporting them with knowledge, skills and competencies. Without growth in productivity, disposable income and savings would not be possible. Opportunity for all people to improve their lot would cease.
No nation is perfect, but striving for perfection is an ongoing process and a positive sign.
Kita Punya Malaysia, a new National Day 2018 theme song, urges Malaysians to have a high degree of self-esteem while working together to develop our country. Let’s promise ourselves that we will do our bit to live in harmony and unity, with a strong affection for the nation.
Selamat Hari Kebangsaan 2018!
PANEL ON PRODUCTIVITY CULTURE, MALAYSIA PRODUCTIVITY
CORPORATION
Kuala Lumpur