What Does It Take to Develop Personal Effectiveness?
Develop Personal Effectiveness
Personal effectiveness is a measure of your ability to make good progress. Meaning, if you are able to make good progress, in spite of the current conditions, and in spite of other people sometimes not doing as they were supposed to, then you would be very effective.
But if you do not, or cannot, or won't, make good progress, and you insist that it is not your fault, and you blame your lack of progress on the current conditions, or on other people letting you down, then you are not considered to be, very effective.
What does it take to be personally effective?
In one sentence it means: "Getting yourself to do, what you know you should do, even if you don't feel like it".
And the above sentence implies the next:
Personal effectiveness means: "Getting yourself to not do (or say), some of the things you want to do and say: even when you really feel like you want to".
This includes the following, even if you really feel like you want to:
- Not drinking too much alcohol.
- Not eating too much.
- Not succumbing to pessimism by thinking that failure is probable.
- Not succumbing to cynicism by thinking that all successful people are winning because they are cheating.
- Not verbalising and saying aloud, whatever comes into your head?
- Not losing your temper, when things go wrong.
- Not losing your courage, when things go wrong.
- Not evading the issue, because it is difficult.
On the other hand, personal effectiveness does mean: Getting yourself to do, what you know you should do, even if you don't feel like it.
This includes, even if you don't feel like it:
- Getting yourself out of bed early enough, so that you are not rushing.
- Doing your preparation before the event, so that you are well rehearsed and well informed.
- Planning ahead, so that you have everything you need when you get there.
- Eating nutritious foods and drinking enough water, to keep you well hydrated.
- Going to bed at a reasonable hour.
- Saying "Thank you" to the people who have earned your appreciation.
- Maintaining a positive frame of mind that thinks about how you can achieve your goals, rather than thinking about, what would happen, if you failed.
- It means holding yourself to a higher standard than other people would expect from you.
If you are able to hold yourself to a higher standard than other people would expect from you, then, in spite of the current conditions, and in spite of other people sometimes not doing as they were supposed to, you will still, surely, make good progress,.
Then you will be considered to be personally, very effective.
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Definition: personal effectiveness
Personal effectiveness is a work skill that shows in four key ways: you make yourself act on useful tasks even when you do not feel like it; you stop yourself from harmful habits and words; you keep a positive, goal-focused mind; and you set and meet higher standards than others expect, so progress happens whatever the situation.
Show CG4D Definition
- You apply self discipline to act on needed tasks despite low mood
- You apply self control to avoid harmful actions or words
- You hold a positive mind that looks for solutions and goals
- You set and meet higher personal standards to secure steady progress
Article Summary
Personal effectiveness is the skill of making steady progress by doing what you know is right and resisting what you know is wrong, even when you do not feel like it. Use self discipline, simple daily habits and a positive mind to hold yourself to higher standards and succeed whatever the conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What is personal effectiveness in simple words?
Why does self discipline matter for personal effectiveness?
Which harmful habits should I avoid to make progress?
What daily habits boost personal effectiveness?
How does a positive mind help me stay effective?
What does setting higher personal standards involve?
How can I act when I do not feel like working?
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Did You Know: Key Statistics
Deloitte’s 2024 UK Workforce Productivity Survey finds that employees who set written daily goals complete 25% more planned tasks than those who rely on memory alone. The British Psychological Society’s 2023 Occupational Health Report shows that staff who spend five minutes each morning planning the day feel 30% less overload and reach 20% higher weekly output.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Personal Effectiveness
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How to make the most of your journey to work
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The Art of Clear Thinking
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