E33/S2 TACKLE TRIVIA - Just because you’re smart, you can’t avoid the trivial

In this podcast, Andrew discusses the importance of tackling trivial tasks at work.

The story follows Edd, who is frustrated when his college education is not being used, and he is given trivial work to do. However, Edd learns that even small, seemingly unimportant tasks can be valuable and help develop skills such as attention to detail. 

Trivial work may be unavoidable, but it can provide an opportunity to shine, as Edd discovered.  The episode also answers three frequently asked questions about dealing with trivial work, including how to ask for help, how to make the work less tedious, and whether to stay in a job that mainly involves trivial tasks.Andrew suggests that accepting trivial work is essential because many mundane but critical tasks are necessary for individuals and organisations. 

Rather than trying to avoid or make these tasks less tedious, try to improve at doing them to build a reputation for out-of-the-box thinking and persistence.
It is important to remember that even small tasks can be valuable and that avoiding trivial work may lead to being labelled as unwilling to do tedious work.

If you face a lengthy, trivial task, consider sharing the workload with others. Options include hiring part-timers, temporarily borrowing colleagues from other departments, or suggesting automation. 

When it comes to making boring tasks less tedious, try pairing them with another activity that demands more attention, Such as listening to music while working out can be helpful. 

Finally, Andrew suggests that people should be aware of the value of trivial work in developing attention to detail. It may be simple and easy to tackle, but it requires a high level of detail orientation. 

You can learn to be more detail-orientated yet still hold the bigger picture. 

Finally, Andrew argues that while trivial work may be frustrating, it can provide opportunities for you to grow and develop skills.

 

Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.
Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at

www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading

and

www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.

BOOK:
The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

www.myhappinessatwork.com/book