[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Our latest How I Stay Productive interviewee is probably the first to recommend an afternoon cup of coffee as a productivity boost, seeing as Phil is the Managing Director of Novell Coffee. In his interview Phil gives us an insight into his everyday productivity challenges and his very own Productivity Ninja skills. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Occupation: Managing Director
Company: Novell Coffee
Location: Leeds
Other Job Titles: Dad, husband, DIY king![/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
What’s important about your workspace?
I like to have a tidy and organised desk in order to stay on top of everything – and as I travel a lot, I need to make sure paper is kept to a minimum.
Which ninja characteristic have you got nailed the most?
Creativity and Unorthodoxy – I have lots of ideas and am always thinking of new ways to improve the business. My mind is always ticking and never stops!
Which ninja characteristic are you still working on the most?
Timekeeping! I struggle to stick to set times for tasks – so definitely need to work on that!
Which five apps could you not live without?
- Dropbox
- Uber
- Evernote
- MileIQ
- And, of course, Microsoft Outlook
What’s your favorite piece of stationery?
Post-it notes! I’m forever scribbling down my thoughts, so I always have a stack of post-it notes and a daybook to hand.
When in the day do you have the most proactive attention?
From 6am to 9am before everyone else starts!
What’s your trick for when you’re tired or struggling with attention in the day?
I have just bought a Fitbit and that’s making me think about clearing my mind with a 5 minute walk every hour.
What’s your best advice for reducing stress?
I think prioritizing is the best way to reduce stress – as you can keep an eye on the most crucial tasks so that nothing slips through the net.
What’s your email regime?
I once tried morning (between 6am and 8am) and evening (between 5pm and 6pm) only – but I find it suits me best to action emails as and when they come through.
What’s your favorite way to take a break in the middle of the day?
Pausing for lunch, stocking up on water and making an espresso or flat white!
What’s the secret to your productivity?
I try to prioritize and delegate tasks so that I finish every day having completed the most crucial jobs. I always keep a notebook handy to write down any thoughts that come to me in the evening, so I’ve got them all captured for the next day.
By Hannah Urbanek
Hannah is Think Productive’s Head of Outreach and is the voice behind a lot of our blog and social media content.
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