Explore Tools
Skill 03

Work Better

Being busy is easy. Being effective is harder. Working better means spending your limited time on the few things that move results, and running meetings, plans and projects with less waste.

What you'll learn to do

  • Apply 80/20 thinkingFind the small share of effort that drives most of the result.
  • Prioritise workDecide what not to do, not just what to do next.
  • Plan effectivelyWork backwards from the outcome and the deadline.
  • Run better meetingsEvery meeting needs a purpose, a decision or a clear next step.
  • Manage stakeholdersKnow who cares, what they care about and how often to update them.
  • Facilitate workshopsGet a room of people from opinions to agreement.
  • Get things doneClose loops. Turn decisions into owners and dates.

Tools for this skill

See all work tools
Coming soon

Prioritisation Matrix

Plot options on impact and effort. See what to do first.

5 min · Think Preview
Coming soon

80/20 Focus Tool

Find the 20% of your work that drives 80% of the results.

5 min · Work Preview

Guides

All guides
Work Better

How Consultants Use the 80/20 Rule

A small share of causes usually drives most of the effect. Using that idea well is less about maths and more about courage.

6 min read

The other three skills

01

Think Better

Structure problems and make better decisions.

Explore Think Better
02

Communicate Better

Turn complex thinking into clear stories.

Explore Communicate Better
04

Use AI Better

Use AI to amplify your thinking and productivity.

Explore Use AI Better
Newsletter

The Futureback Brief

One useful idea for thinking and working better. No corporate fluff.