Master Your Day: Tap Into the Power of Relentless Single-Tasking

Image Credit: Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

In 1918, one of the most powerful businessmen in America decided to call a renowned productivity expert to help his leaders become more efficient.

Charles Schwab, President of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, had already led his company to become the second-largest steel producer in the country, but he knew they could do more. So he brought in Ivy Lee, one of the most well-known business consultants of the era.

When Lee arrived at Bethlehem Steel, Schwab supposedly told him, “Show me a way to get more things done.”

Lee said all he’d need was 15 minutes with each of Schwab’s executives. Schwab asked how much Lee’s consulting would cost him, expecting to hear an astronomical sum of money.

Lee’s response? “Nothing. Unless it works. After three months, you can send me a check for whatever you feel it’s worth to you.”

Three months later, Schwab cut Lee a check for $25,000 — the equivalent of over $500,000 in today’s dollars.

You may be wondering: What the hell did Lee tell these executives? What could possibly be worth that much money in a mere 15 minutes? And how can Lee’s advice help me in my own life?

Photo of Ivy Lee (Source: PICRYL, public domain)

In his 15 minutes with each leader, Lee shared a simple formula for success that was entirely focused on prioritization and single-tasking:

Before concluding work each day, jot down the six most important things you need to accomplish the following day — in order of importance.
When you begin the next work day, focus on item one until it’s done. You are forbidden to touch the other items on the list.
Once priority one is done, move on to priority two. Then priority three.
When you finish the day, write a new list and carry over any tasks you didn’t complete.
Rinse and repeat.

This Ivy Lee Method is one of the simplest, most straightforward productivity tactics you’ll find. It’s also one of the most helpful. I’ve used it many times and been amazed by the results.

Writing priorities a day in advance helps your brain know what to focus on the following day. Rather than starting at a standstill, you’ll kick off your day moving at 60 mph because you’ll know exactly where you left off.

But regardless of whether you use this exact technique, the Ivy Lee Method illustrates several core productivity tenets every leader should follow:

When everything is a priority, nothing is a priority. Identify what will really move the needle.
At the start of every day, determine what success looks like for that day.
True prioritization is working on one thing at a time.
Half-done tasks don’t help anyone. Work on a task until it’s done.
Multi-tasking is a productivity vampire. Single-task instead.

Lead by example.
Become a pillar of productivity.
Show your team what it looks like to be a relentless single-tasker.