How Top Performers Get the Right Things Done

While it may sound like a bit of a cliché, the most productive and effective employees don't necessarily work brutal hours. They're just good at working smarter, not harder, according to a recent survey from VitalSmarts. The survey distinguishes employees who are considered skilled at "Getting Things Done (GTD)," which was the subject of the book, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen, an executive coach and management consultant. For the purposes of the VitalSmarts research, GTD top performers are individuals who excel at organization, attention to detail, time management, focus and punctuality, as well as other efficiency-boosting traits. They also avoid excessive multitasking and are seldom accused of being "messy desk" people. "Productivity is more than just being busy," said Justin Hale, a VitalSmarts co-researcher for the study. "Employees who learn to manage their workload quickly and efficiently don't just get more done, they get more of the right things done. They stop carrying the weight and anxiety of work, and free up their time and mental capacity for new and better ideas. It's a win-win for both the individual and the business." Nearly 2,000 managers and employees took part in the research.