If you are human, you have likely given some thought about how effective you are while you're at work. You have likely found some ways to improve your effectiveness but's look at some ways to further increase your on-the-job effectiveness.

If you do not feel very effective or productive while at work, it can lead to a downward spiral. When you do not feel effective, it can lower your feelings of self-worth. This, in turn, leads to even less effective performance, and down and down you go.

A downward spiral is the last thing anyone needs. Chances are you can work far more effectively than you are now and put yourself into an upward trend. How can this be accomplished?

One way is to take control of your time and manage it as well as possible. Try keeping a log for a week or two and track every minute of your day at work, then analyze it. Are you doing things that move you toward your goals (personal or professional)? Next, develop strategies for eliminating time traps and time wasters that are pulling you away from achieving your goals?

Another good opportunity is to stay current with the technical innovations in your business or industry by reading latest books, periodicals, etc. Attend conferences, workshops, and take classes.

What classes are available in an online format that you can work on during the evenings and weekends? Are you willing to put in the extra time and effort to get a certificate that proves commitment to an even better job? If you feel out of date and out of touch, your self-image and performance will definitely suffer.

A third suggestion is to expand the network of people who can stimulate and support you. If you do not have such a network now, it is not too late to start one. Make a point of developing cordial relationships with people who can serve as mentors or who are working on challenging, leading edge projects.

You will be inspired and surprised by how quickly you will be energized by just being around this group who will freely share their thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. Augmenting relationships takes a little effort but has great potential to enhance effectiveness of yourself and your team.