Category: Solutions

There are a couple of different techniques that I use to try to keep on task and pressing ahead while working in the world of SharePoint Engineering.  A few of these include…

• Headphones – If you’re working on a client site and you’ve got to focus, definitely consider getting a pair of in-ear headphones or a pair of over the ear cup noise canceling headphones.  I myself carry both with me (Shure SE530s and Bose QC15s). The in-ear headphones work great for isolating noise and they’re lightweight. The over the ear headphones, well okay, so the noise canceling is awesome. On top of that however, they make it pretty evident that you’re listening to music or something else and that you’ll actually have to try to get my attention – in-ear headphones unfortunately aren’t noticed and folks spend about two minutes yapping at me before realizing that I haven’t heard a word.  Overall benefit – Pretty high considering that it allows me to get rid of all the background noise.
• Ergonomic Keyboard – What they say is true, if you’re more relaxed, you’re more likely to be productive. I use the Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000 and cannot agree more that my hands aren’t more relaxed and able to press through a paper quicker and without as much wear on the joints than when I’m working with a regular keyboard.  Overall benefit – Less wear and tear on the wrists and fingers and increased typing speed when returning to a flat keyboard.
• iPhone – Okay, so is there really anything to say about this? Whether you’ve got a Zune HD or an iPhone or iPod Touch, having music to listen to that isn’t too distracting but that is uplifting and get yous in the zone.  Overall benefit – Provides the rhythm for what I’m working on. For those moments that require significant detail and thought, it’s time for some Carl Orff and Carmina Burana. For those moments that just need focus and momentum, it’s all about Tiesto.
• Screen Real Estate – Dell Ultrasharp 2408WFP LCD Display. So not only is it gorgeous, it’s big and offers tons of real estate to have documents at 100% in Word or multiple Visual Studio windows and code samples open without having to move a window so that you can see what’s in your plan.  Overall benefit – How often do you find yourself having to drag a window down, or left, or minimizing everything or changing the size of your windows? With more real estate, rarely do you have to worry about how to arrange things…

So what about you, what are your top four items that help you to get in the zone and press ahead toward excellence in your tasks and activities?