OUTSOURCING YOUR TO DO LIST

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This session aims to enable you to do the following:

• Learn why it is important to outsource certain tasks.

• Explore the barriers associated with outsourcing.

• Discover strategies for deciding the right process.

• Develop a plan moving forwards.

OUR BUSY LIVES

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• How many times do you feel like most of your day has been spent

consumed by tedious tasks?

• How often do you wish that you had more time to devote to the

things that matter?

TO REFLECT

Why is it important to focus on doing what you do best and

outsource the rest?

• It is highly detrimental to your

wellbeing and productivity to try

to 'do it all'.

• By focusing your energy on the

important tasks that utilise your

skills, energy and focus to their

highest potential, your

productivity will be optimised.

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A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO TASK MANAGEMENT

INCREASED DECREASED

PRODUCTIVITY STRESS

CONTROL FRUSTRATION

CONFIDENCE LOST TIME

SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT ANXIETY

SATISFACTION BUSYNESS

ENERGY BOREDOM

POSITIVITY STAGNATION

EFFICIENCY OVERWHELMING THOUGHTS

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TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE

POLL

What is the biggest obstacle you face in outsourcing your to-do list?

A. What tasks to outsource

B. Letting go of control

C. Who to outsource to

D. Being too busy to do it

E. Feeling like you failed

F. Concerns of being judged

G. Other

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SHIFTING YOUR MIND SET

• Being able to strategically delegate tasks is an essential life skill

• Taking the time to outsource the right tasks is an investment of

your time

• It demonstrates you have self-awareness

• It also shows that you accept that others may be more proficient at

certain tasks than you

• It demonstrates personal accountability for your choices

• It shows commitment to maximising your output and optimising

your energy levels

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THE MAGIC THREE POINTS

When considering the tasks to outsource, ensure the following:

1. Choose the right task.

2. Identify the right person or source to outsource to.

3. Take the time to outsource the task with the right level of detail

and support.

• Point 3 may take some time but, remember, this is an investment of

your time.

• E.g., hiring a cleaner may involve some time to research the right

service provider, arrange a schedule and show them around your

home, but it will save you time in the future.

WHERE DO I START?

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• Think about your to-do list for the week ahead and start by striking out things that onlyyou can do.

• Highlight the tasks that you have to do regularly (e.g. not a one-off isolated task).

• Start small and look at the remaining tasks. Choose two that you could give away and outsource.

WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES

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When deciding on which two tasks to start with, consider the following questions to help you establish your true priorities.

1. What is my highest contribution?

2. What am I passionate about?

These questions invite you to start thinking more actively about your responsibilities and what they give you from a sense of joy and satisfaction.

THE MATRIX

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1. Define the task

2. Select the individual

3. Assess ability

4. Explain why

5. State required results

6. Identify required resources

7. Agree on a schedule

8. Support and communicate

9. Provide feedback on results

10. Repeat the process

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TEN KEY STEPS TO SUCCESS

TO REFLECT

Remember, things you can outsource should be things you are

1. less skilled at

2. don't enjoy

3. can afford to outsource

SOME EXAMPLE TASKS TO OUTSOURCE

• Researching

• Cleaning

• Answering phones

• Proofreading/editing

• Shopping

• Diary management

• Cooking/meal preparation

• Laundry

• Home improvement

• Pet care/dog walking

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THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Seek recommendations.

• The task may be done differently than how you would do it.

• Invite questions from the other party.

• You might feel an initial lack of control or panic.

• Allow yourself to focus on what matters and let go.

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STRATEGIES FOR SIMPLICITY

• Clean out your inbox and unsubscribe from emails

• Declutter your home

• Organise your work station

• Think how you can delegate tasks to family members

• Apps like ChoreMonster might help

• Learn how to delegate work tasks

• Manage expectations

• Be efficient with your travel time

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MOVING FORWARDS

• What tasks can you outsource?

• Who will you outsource them to?

• When will you do this?

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QUOTES

'Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do'.

Jessica Jackley

'If you want to do a few small things right, do them yourself. If you want to do great

things and make a big impact, learn to delegate'.

John C. Maxwell

ALWAYS AVAILABLE.ALWAYS CONFIDENTIAL.

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCECONTACT YOUR EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME (EAP)

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