Elf Productivity: What is Behind the Secret of Santa’s Delivery? (And you can use their wisdom to increase your productivity!)

Regular busy. Life transition chaos. Holiday season and life transition frenzy. Which describes you?

Guess what? The North Pole is an extremely busy place this time of year, too. On a minute-to-minute basis, I’m pretty sure that no one is busier than the elves.

Yes, Santa has to check his list and deliver the toys. It’s a big job. But the elves have to design, make, check, and wrap all of the toys. Then there’s sorting them by person, time zone, and address.

How do the elves get everything ready by midnight on December 24th? They excel in the following three areas.

Clear responsibilities. Each elf knows her duties,regardless of whether she is a Senior Manager, in Quality Assurance, a Present Wrapper, or a Bow-Attacher. It also doesn’t matter if she is a new hire, in a different department, or just got a promotion, each job has a definite list of responsibilities.

By extension, each elf knows which activities are not part of her duties.

How well can you define your responsibilities? Whether you are a CEO, employee, or household manager, you have tasks you must complete, either yourself or through delegation. It’s just as important to have a “not-to-do” list.

Well-defined systems. There are frameworks for EVERYTHING: when the new designs are due, the process for making and wrapping each toy, where supplies are stored, who to notify if she needs sick leave, where to note items to be ordered, and more.

These procedures are well-documented and easily accessible to everyone.

What systems do you need to create or improve? Clear frameworks decrease unknowns and increase efficiency.

Transparent communication.  Zoom meetings, text messages, emails, phone calls, in-person, and all other forms of contact are direct and to-the-point. There are protocols in place for how and when to use each type of communication. Similarly, there are processes in place to ensure that actions agreed upon during these conversations are completed.

This increases effectiveness and decreases frustration.

How might you communicate more clearly? Brevity, consistency, and well-defined expectations will serve you well.

Which area is most difficult for you: clear responsibilities, well-defined systems, or transparent communication?

Let me know below and I’ll respond with an idea or two.