Ever hear the phrase ‘work smarter, not harder’? It’s safe to say that is easier said than done. In a day and age where there is a lot of work to be done (and done quickly), how can we make sure that we are easing up on the effort while also working smarter? Lucky for us, there are a slew of insights on this topic including some incredible TED Talks from some of the best in the business. From finding joy in the work you do to building the confidence to ask others for help, here are five TED Talks that are sure to get you working smarter.
HOW TO ASK FOR HELP AND GET A YES by HEIDI GRANT
Asking for help can be intimidating, especially in the workplace. However, it is also essential to getting things done in the best way possible. No person can do it all and social psychologist, Heidi Grant, believes there are 4 simple rules that you can use when approaching others for help. Her tips look at how you can build the confidence to ask others for their contributions while making the process rewarding for the person helping too!
HOW TO GAIN CONTROL OF YOUR FREE TIME by LAURA VANDERKAM
There’s no denying that time management is one of the most essential aspect when it comes to business. How we manage our time both in and out of the office can greatly impact our lives in all ways. Time management expert Laura Vanderkam has spent years studying how humans are spending their time and there’s one conclusion she has come to: we are overestimating our commitments and underestimating the free time we actually have. This TED Talk shares practical ways we can adjust the way we look at our time and how we can use our ‘free time’ to work smarter!
THE POWER OF TIME OFF by STEFAN SAGMEISTER
We understand that not everyone can suspend their careers in order to rejuvenate their creative juices from a beach across the world. However, the time that Stefan Sagmeister spends away from the office has taught him the importance of time off from work. Not only does it allow you space to live your life, but it also has a positive impact on the type of work you do when you are in the office. An interesting look at how time away from work can increase your productivity.
DARE TO DISAGREE by MARGARET HEFFERNAN
Conflict is not easy and it is especially a sensitive subject when it happens at work. While most of us are busy avoiding the disagreements that arise in business, former CEO, Margaret Heffernan, is encouraging people to embrace conflict. In her experience, Margaret has seen how disagreements can shed light to new perspectives and can broaden our outlook on both business and relationships.
8 LESSONS ON BUILDING A COMPANY PEOPLE ENJOY WORKING FOR by PATTY MCCORD
Less a traditional TED Talk and more a quick (yet insightful) rundown on how traditional company policies can harm office culture, Patty McCord is here to set the record straight. As the former Chief Talent Officer at Netflix, Patty has spent years working in a corporate setting. So what did she learn? Oddly enough, she learned that companies can benefit when they put less focus on controlling employees and more effort on trusting them.
Want to see more TED Talks? Check out our other favorites here.