Giraffes have two gaits: fast and slow, or more specifically galloping and walking. Their bodies move differently for each. When galloping, both front legs move at the same time and both back legs move at the same time. When walking, the legs on the same side of the body move together. Giraffes know when to go fast or slow. Do you?

How well do you do getting your work done? Or, better yet, do you get your work done? Done well?  Is your approach the same for all tasks – fast, slow, frenzied, snails-pace?  Does your mood or energy level dictate your pace?

If you are naturally methodical, you likely do most of your work at a slower pace. You spend more time processing and contemplating  than many of your counterparts. The same is true if you are naturally spontaneous; you likely do most of your work at a faster pace than many of your coworkers.  BUT more success can come if you learn how to be more like a giraffe–know when to walk, or move at a slower pace, and know when to gallop, or move at a faster pace. Different tasks need different approaches!

Here are clues to figuring out walking tasks and galloping tasks (and some examples too).

 

 

YOUR TURN in 4 EASY STEPS

  1. Make a list of your tasks.
  2. Identify “walking” tasks.
  3. Identify “galloping” tasks.
  4. Adjust your approach accordingly.

It’s that simple! Leave a comment and share a couple of your walking or galloping tasks!


For more tips on being productive at work, check these out!

3 Time Management Myths

Getting Time on Your Side

The Productive 24-hour Day