Non-Productivity
We have spoken about productivity on the forum but I thought it may be worthwhile introducing the subject on non-productivity. What I mean by this is quiet periods when one is not being productive directly.
The nature of my work means that I inevitably have periods when I am quiet. In theory, these are ideal times which I can use to catch up on things or, more importantly, try to learn new skills when I am not under any pressure. This, of course, is the ideal learning scenario for someone with AS.
Today was a good case in point. I am quiet and can't do too much else while I wait on others. I also read a job advert that an agency has sent through which asks for financial modelling, i.e. spreadsheet skills.
My boss is the spreadsheet king and sent me one last week. I haven't looked at yet even though it is an ideal time to now do so and pick up some tips.
I'm not doing so. I think the reason is that I feel I should be being proactively productive - looking for new custom.
I find it hard to do non-essential things even when I know there is no realistic opportunity to bring in new business whilst I wait on leads.
I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to how I could efficiently square this hole so to speak?
Non-Productivity for me
Sometimes I have periods in work when I'm not doing that much. It's not a common thing but it happens. During these times I usually slow down with any work that I might be doing at the moment, look over somethings, prepare for any future tasks, try to look busy and try to avoid being asked to do other tasks since they might end up being part of my job! At times I do help out other people with their tasks.
I don't think I can ever take a nap at work for various reasons including the fact that it's just not me.
I can't help you there.
I can't help you there. Whenever I have a minute of free time at work I tend to goof off, play a short matching game, read an article, or get up and stretch. If the time is extended I might read a book. It is neat to see how people are still so different even with the same condition! I see this limited time as one to clear my mind so I can jump into the next task full steam ahead.
My advice is to plan to look over the spreadsheet and have it scheduled as one of your things to do that day. If you feel obligated or if you have planned for it, there might be little reason to brush it aside so readily in favor for other things that you feel are more important. Think of it this way, your boss feels that it is important in his work to have them to make things organized. Ergo (in a round about way), they should be important to you, because that's how your boss wants data to be presented. I bet he/she would be peased if you started to use them more or learned some new things about them.
Taking A Break
I had never thought really of saying "I'm going to lay back for a while and take it easy". I also conscientiously believe that I should be "doing" something.
I remember when I worked in retail the Managing Director once advised managers at a Conference to take a short nap in the afternoon!
Most people were astonished when he said this but, looking back, I can see the usefulness of stepping back for a while.
This is certainly the case if you have AS because it gives you that all important lull in proceedings.
Indeed! Short breaks at work
Indeed! Short breaks at work are healthy and, I would say, essential, to maintain productivity.
I know what you mean though Malcolm, waiting for other team players to complete their work before you can do yours is frustrating, especially as you don't know how long you will need to wait.
Managing Breaks
Malcolm here (under the Asperger banner in the short term).
Short breaks are essential for us. However, I also feel that it is important to emphasise that they must be closely managed so as not to allow them to turn into elongated ones!
One of the real issues that I have is making a start. I find this incredibly difficult. Why I don't know.
However, once I make a start I can then slowly ease myself into a task and concentrate on it. If I break briefly it does not disrupt my thought process or modus operanti!
However, if I leave it too long then I go back into "I need to make a start" mode which can be problematic. The issue then becomes one of productivity: it slows and output becomes limited.
Its about time management and only we ourselves can ensure that this is done effectively.
Starting
Malcom, I too have difficulties with the whole 'starting' thing.
I always need a deadline - and tend to work up to the wire.
I guess what makes this situation difficult for us aspies is that the work 'break' has no structure, no cohesive whole. If we were given an accurate start and end point for the break 'down time' while we know we are waiting for colleagues, then I am sure we can all plan exactly how and with what we would fill those precious spectrum of time down to the nearest milli-second.