TED Talks: Work Smarter

For this month’s TED Talk series, we are featuring experts who share invaluable insights into working smarter:

Shawn Anchor: The happy secret to better work

Subconsciously or consciously, most people live with the philosophy that if you work harder, you will be more successful and therefore happier. But could this be the wrong way round? In this entertaining TED talk, psychologist Shawn Anchor takes the opposite stance. He argues that happiness and positivity are prerequisites to reaching our full productive potential. Offering practical techniques, Anchor recommends practicing gratitude, exercise and acts of kindness to instil a positive attitude.

Jason Fried: Why work doesn’t happen at work

Software entrepreneur Jason Fried surveyed multiple people on where they would go if they had to get a task done. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the office was a rare answer. In this TED talk, he explains how work, comparable to sleep, cannot be achieved effectively when often interrupted. In his opinion, ’M&M’s’ – managers and meetings – are the greatest obstacle to a consistent work flow. He concludes the talk with three action points to overcome interruptions and establish excellent productivity within the office.

Nigel Marsh: How to make work-life balance work

At the age of 40, author Nigel Marsh realised he needed to make drastic life changes. He had a family, but was consumed by a corporate career. After quitting his job, he immersed himself in studying the subject of work-life balance and implemented strategies to make it a reality. In this inspiring TED talk, he encourages listeners to take responsibility for their own lives and evaluate what really matters. He argues that small investments towards a balanced life can make all the difference. If enough people become passionate about a balanced lifestyle, he says, we can change the way society defines success.

Arianna Huffington: How to succeed? Get more sleep

In this short and practical TED talk, co-founder of The Huffington Post, Arianna Huffington, gives a wake-up call to the importance of sleep. She says “I studied, I met with medical doctors, scientists, and I’m here to tell you that the way to a more productive, more inspired, more joyful life is: getting enough sleep”. She explains how sleep affects our ability to see the bigger picture and how, if we want to make good decisions and lead well, we need to shut our eyes for longer.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s post on working wisely. Please share your thoughts and productivity tips in the comment section below.