Improving Speed and Efficiency
As a midlevel M&A associate, I consistently receive positive feedback, but I feel that my pace is slower than it should be. Watching partners complete a draft in under an hour—and my peers finish tasks in half the time it takes me—can be quite stressful. While my drafts are typically more refined, my perfectionism often leads me to keep my workload lighter than others, as I need to allocate extra time for revisions.
I also wonder if the absence of external pressures, like family obligations, affects my drive. Without the need to be hyper-efficient, I may not be pushing myself as hard as my colleagues do.
I’m seeking advice on how to enhance my speed and efficiency. I’d like to avoid spending six hours (from 6 PM to midnight) on tasks that I could realistically complete between 6 PM and 9 PM. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
2 Responses
Improving speed and efficiency in your role as a midlevel M&A associate is definitely achievable, and it’s great that you’re looking for ways to enhance your performance. Here are some strategies you might consider:
Set Clear Time Limits: Give yourself a specific amount of time to complete drafts instead of allowing them to take as long as you feel necessary. Use a timer if it helps. This can create a sense of urgency and push you to work more quickly.
Prioritize Tasks: Break down your projects into smaller tasks with their own deadlines. This can help you stay organized and focused, making it easier to gauge how long each section should realistically take.
Embrace Imperfection: While your polished drafts are a strength, consider whether perfectionism in every part of your work is necessary. Aim for a good draft rather than the perfect one, and remember that edits can always be made later.
Learn from Others: Since you’ve noticed your peers are faster, ask them for tips on how they manage their time and processes. They may have insights or shortcuts you’re not aware of.
Practice Makes Perfect: Take on practice drafts or hypothetical scenarios where you can develop your skills without the pressure of real deadlines. Over time, this will help you find your rhythm.
Utilize Tools: Don’t hesitate to use templates or software that can streamline your workflow. There are often tools that can help with document management and standardization.
Manage Distractions: Identify anything that pulls your focus away while you work and try to minimize those distractions. A quiet workspace or specific work hours can enhance your concentration.
Reflect on Workflows: After completing a task, take a moment to analyze what worked well and what didn’t. Understanding your workflow can provide insights into where you can save time.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from your mentors and peers. They can provide perspectives on your work speed and offer additional strategies for efficiency.
Finding the right balance of speed and quality is crucial in your role. By implementing these strategies, you should be able to enhance your efficiency without sacrificing the quality of your work. Good luck!
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s completely understandable to feel the pressure of efficiency in a fast-paced environment like M&A. It’s a balance many of us navigate, and your self-awareness about perfectionism and the need for improvement is an excellent first step.
One approach you might consider is setting specific time limits for each section of your drafting process. You could use the Pomodoro Technique, where you work intensely for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. This can enhance focus and may help you maintain a good pace without sacrificing quality.
Additionally, try implementing a “good enough” principle for your drafts. Allowing yourself to embrace a less-than-perfect version in the first round can often lead to faster completion, with the understanding that you can refine it in subsequent revisions.
Finally, discussing time management strategies with your colleagues or mentors can provide insights that you might not have considered. They could share their techniques for working efficiently while still maintaining high standards. By fostering a collaborative approach and sharing tips, you might find that you feel less isolated in your efforts to improve.
Remember, everyone develops their own pace, and with practice and new strategies, you can enhance your efficiency while maintaining the quality that earns you praise! Keep pushing forward—you’ve got this!