When performing repetitive tasks it is easy to become bored and overlook important details. Please outline in 100 words or less, what would you do in this situation to ensure the job gets done properly?

You didn't say whether this was from a "self" perspective or from a manager perspective - so if you want me rework this, just let me know.

When a task becomes boring and repetitive there are things that can be done to make the job more interesting and to ensure the job is completed accurately with proper attention to detail.

Research suggests that rewards or positive reinforcement immediately following the specific act or task enhance performance. These rewards can be internal (self-generated), external or not tangible. Managers can give specific verbal compliments about the performance and quality of the repetitive job. Frequent positive verbal feedback is not only successful in promoting job quality but also inexpensive for a company.

Take a look at the how tasks being performed are valuable or how they help others. Don't think about the boring nature of a job. Instead think about the job's importance. For example, maybe the job is putting a specific car part together on an assembly line. This part is integral for the car to run and thus to enable people to drive to work, or get their kids to school or to the doctor.

If your job allows, you might listen to music. For some jobs music can actually enhance performance by helping with concentration. The job will also be more enjoyable and time will seem to go by faster. And finally, try to avoid negative thinking and consider breaking the job into smaller tasks if possible. Try to compartmentalize the tasks instead of looking at the big picture in order to make the job seem less overwhelming and boring.

I had some time tonight to work on this essay. Let me know what you think and if you want me to do something different. Nancy

When a task becomes boring and repetitive there are things that can be done to make the job more interesting and to ensure the job is completed accurately with proper attention to detail.

Research suggests that rewards or positive reinforcement immediately following the specific act or task enhance performance. These rewards can be internal (self-generated), external or not tangible. Self-generating positive thoughts and while working repetitively to stock the shelves is a way generate positive reinforcement and quality even when the job is repetitive.

Some may think stocking shelves to be menial. However, take a look at what the job really is and how tasks being performed are valuable or how they help others. Don't think about the repetitive nature of the job. Instead think about the job's importance. For example, food is a requirement for everyone and stocking shelves means parents are going to feed their children and mothers are going to have formula to feed their babies. Every person will need the services the store provides and without someone to stock the shelves, the store would not be able to function and people would lose their jobs. So stocking might be repetitive but it is integral to the function of the community.

Depending on your manager, store rules and the time you are stocking you might listen to music while stocking the shelves. Music can actually enhance performance by helping with concentration. The job will also be more enjoyable and time will seem to go by faster. And finally, try to avoid negative thinking and consider breaking the job into smaller tasks. Rotation of isles and stocking in one section then changing to another may help with the repetitive nature of the job. Try to compartmentalize the tasks. Instead of looking at the big picture and your entire night taken up to stock many isles, map out a plan in your head on how many isles you might stock before a break. The positive reinforcement in the form of a break and compartmentalizing the job will make the time go by faster and make the tasks less overwhelming and boring.

I haven't heard from you about the essay. Would you let me know if this works for your purpose.

Thanks

Nancy