According to productivity expert Michael Mankins, the mostproductive person in a company is roughly four times as productive as theaverage person. For example, the best fish butcher in the business can processthree hours’ worth of fish in one hour, and the most productive computerprogrammers can produce nine times more than the average.

Even though they get more done, super-productive peopledon’t spend more time at work. So, how do they get so much done? Research showsthat super-productive people share several characteristics:

1. Set Stretch Goals

Studies show that stretch goals can be more motivating thanmodest goals. For example, the original design specs for Japan’s famous bullettrain called for a train that was far faster than any train in existence. So,the design team did the only thing they could do: they invented new technologyand got the job done. 

2. Know Your Stuff

If your goal is to increase productivity, there’s nosubstitute for subject knowledge and technical expertise. If you haven’t yetmastered the knowledge necessary for your work, invest in training and you’llbe repaid in productivity. After all, it’s hard to complete a project quicklywhen you need to look up information every few minutes! Whether you take acollege class, read a book, or watch YouTube videos, increasing your skillswill increase your productivity. 

3. Be Consistent

Productivity research shows that the most productive peopleare also the most consistent. They don’t procrastinate and then work all night.They don’t have peaks and valleys in their output. They simply do the work, dayin and day out. For example, Danielle Steel, author of 179 books and counting,gets to her desk every single day by 8:30 and starts writing. Find a routinefor getting work done and stick to it. 

4. Be Collaborative

It’s rare to work on a large project entirely by yourself.Most of us work with others in one capacity or another, and studies show thatpeople who work well with others tend to be more productive. Why? Collaborativepeople don’t waste time with interpersonal squabbles or hurt feelings. Theycommunicate well and often, and they share and exchange ideas. All of thismakes them highly productive.

If you need to improve your ability to work with others,start by sharing this goal with your team, and ask them for constructivefeedback on your interpersonal abilities. 

5. Be ProactiveProductive people look ahead, anticipateproblems, and proactively search for solutions. This might look different invarious industries. In construction, it might mean cleaning up a safety hazardbefore being asked. In retail sales, it might mean calling your best customerwhen the perfect outfit comes in stock. Whatever your industry, be sure to takeinitiative and be proactive about solving problems.