Over the course of a 24-hour day, the most productive people juggle multiple projects while meeting their goals. Experts point out that productivity is not about working longer or harder; it is about working smarter. On themuse.com, Travis Bradberry shares the following tips on the habits of productive people and how to increase workplace productivity:

1. Don’t Touch Things Twice

It’s a colossal time-waster. When emails and phone calls come in, immediately act on, delegate or delete them.

2. End the Day by Preparing for the Following One

This valuable practice solidifies the day’s accomplishments and ensures productivity for the next day.

3. Attack the Most Dreaded Task First

Don’t procrastinate! Attacking the most dreaded item on the to-do list frees the rest of the day for more interesting projects.

4. Focus on Key Tasks

Don’t waste time on insignificant tasks, even if others deem them urgent. Keep your eye focused on what is really important.

5. Stick to Meeting Agendas

Make sure meetings are not time-wasters by setting a time limit and sticking to the intended schedule.

6. Say No

The most productive individuals are comfortable saying no to commitments they are unwilling or unable to fulfil. This also helps them avoid stress, burnout and depression.

7. Check Email at Designated Times

Email can be a constant interruption. Productive individuals check it on a schedule, prioritizing the most important messages.

8. Avoid Multitasking

Multitasking is actually less productive than once thought. Researchers have concluded that the brain can only focus successfully on one thing at a time.

9. Delegate

When it is necessary to complete an important project, trust a colleague to handle nearly everything else that comes in.

10. Take Advantage of Technology

Use apps and technological tools to sort and prioritize emails and notifications.

For more ideas on productivity, check out our Smart Meetings Tips and Tools Section.

New employees typically participate in an orientation session to learn about the company, but too often they don’t learn some things that would help their performance.

Liz Ryan provided some valuable tips on forbes.com regarding what employers need to include in these sessions to improve employee performance. In most cases, the tips pertain to existing employees, as well.

1. Let employees know how your company compares with its competitors and encourage them to network. They then will better understand your company’s unique features and how it fits into the bigger picture.

2. Explain to workers how their work fits into the overall organization and its goals. This helps them to clarify their areas of responsibility and focus on them.

3. Make sure employees know that they need to report any inappropriate activity. Companies with 100 or more workers might consider making a confidential hotline service available.

4. Provide employees with a means of communicating needs for change in your organization. Make sure they understand that everyone—not just managers and supervisors—are welcome to suggest improvements.

5. Find a clear way to communicate what your company is trying to accomplish this year. Don’t make them wade through a sea of complicated material containing loads of numbers; rather, make your presentation visual and concise.

6. Let workers know what they need to do to succeed and be promoted, and then give them opportunities to move up. Your company culture suffers if you hire more outside people than current employees for positions.

7. Familiarize employees with who the company leaders are and what is important to them. Leaders should be instantly recognizable by their staff, and known as people rather than simply as bosses.

8. Make workers aware of any legal issues that might arise in their job, and how they should handle them.

9. Be sure that employees have means to communicate if their boss displays inappropriate behavior.

10. Give employees some flexibility when handling customers’ problems. Too often, workers are given too-strict guidelines, thereby preventing problems from being quickly resolved.

Renee Cash, an avid reader of Smart Meetings, credits the magazine with helping her get into grad school for hospitality and event management. When writing application essays and prepping for her interviews, the director of protocol & senior special events manager for the Department of the Navy’s Commander Navy Installations Command says she sought inspiration and wisdom from articles in the magazine.

“Also, as a good luck charm for my interviews, I tucked a copy of your fantastic magazine in my handbag to carry with me and add a bit of confidence,” Cash says.

She was accepted by two top-notch schools in Washington, D.C.—The George Washington University School of Business Master of Tourism Administration program and Georgetown University’s Master’s in Hospitality Management program. She decided to enroll in the prestigious George Washington University program and began classes as a part-time student on August 31. Cash will continue to work full-time as a civil servant while she pursues her Master’s (and perhaps even a PhD.) at the school.

A big believer in professional development, Cash holds a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Maryland University College, a professional certificate in event management from The George Washington University School of Business, and a professional certificate as a protocol officer and international protocol consultant from The Protocol School of Washington. She is also in the process of becoming a Certified Meeting Professional.

A Love of Helping Others

Cash, who lives in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, knew early on that she wanted to work in a field that was customer service-oriented. Recognizing that some of the most in-demand career opportunities were in the hospitality industry, she decided to pursue the field.

“I strongly believe that the hospitality industry is a very stable industry in which to build a future. It’s an industry that is flourishing, and many experts project that the hospitality industry will continue to grow rapidly,” Cash says. “I believe getting a Master’s Degree in Hospitality is heading me in the right direction.”

As part of her job Cash routinely executes a myriad of special events, including bilateral and multilateral conferences and briefings. She says she thrives on variety, and likes the fact that in her chosen field no two days are ever the same, and that there is never a dull moment.

“This industry allows me to meet and work with people from different walks of life, and allows me to express my creativity when planning meetings and events. It gives me the opportunity to let my own personality and unique style shine through,” she says.

Cash, who has worked as director of protocol and senior special events manager for the Department of Defense for almost a decade, adores her job. “When people hear the word ‘protocol,’ there is a misconception that I just deal with diplomatic formality, precedence and etiquette,” she says. She points out that her responsibilities are multi-faceted. In addition to ensuring that place settings at formal dinners are correct and that everyone is dressed appropriately, she must be well-versed in foreign country customs and traditions. She is called upon to suggest, purchase and maintain records of appropriate official gifts to be given by the Commander to foreign dignitaries. As a special assistant to the Admiral, she provides crucial behind-the-scenes support that enables him to create and solidify important relationships around the world.

As might be expected, her position requires keen diplomacy skills. “It’s my responsibility to ensure that we don’t do something unintentionally offensive when meeting with various dignitaries,” she says. “When the Admiral travels abroad, I provide details about what foods may be served, what greetings and toasts are appropriate, and I apprise him about the receipt of business cards. Exchanging business cards is very precise and formal in certain countries such as Japan.”

When distinguished guests come to Washington to visit the Admiral, Cash greets and escorts them to his office. She carefully prepares for these encounters. “Well in advance of the meeting, I read all of their biographies and the news from their country, city or state,” she says.

Cash has an impressive background, working previously as special events coordinator at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and artistic coordinator for the National Symphony Orchestra. In the former position, Cash coordinated and/or supervised more than 800 events per year—from  donor cultivation events to major fundraising galas—managing logistics, budgets, vendor contracts, security and event risk management. In the latter position, she developed a deep understanding of Washington’s social and political milieu, and what was required to execute events for world renowned artists, Fortune 500 businesses and high net worth donors and guests.

The Future Looks Bright

Cash recently attended a Smart Meetings event in Tysons Corner, Virginia, where she personally met members of the Smart Meetings team, including CEO Marin Bright. “For many years I heard very successful people say that you should find something you are passionate about and pursue it,” Cash says. “I absolutely love that I have your magazine as a constant reference and reminder to keep striving to pursue my passion.”

Cash is excited about what the future holds for her, saying, “Ms. Bright has provided me the tools and the foundation to build a very ‘bright’ and promising future in a career field that I am so passionate about being a part of.”

Life is filled with decisions, big and small. As Travis Bradberry points out on themuse.com, the average person is confronted with approximately 70 decisions daily. These can range from what to prepare for breakfast (a small decision) to whether to relocate to a new city for a job (a major decision).

For some, decision-making comes easy. Others struggle, always questioning whether they have made the right choice. Below, Bradberry offers nine tips for better decision-making.

Eliminate Small Decisions by Transforming Them Into Routines. For some, deciding what to wear is an onerous chore. A routine habit of dress eliminates that daily decision. The technique works for Catholic school girls (who must wear uniforms), Steve Jobs (who dressed in a black turtleneck every day), Mark Zuckerberg (who always dons a hoodie) and Barack Obama (who wears either gray or blue suits.)

Make Key Decisions in the Morning. Address complex decisions in the morning, before decision fatigue sets in. A successful strategy for some is to make small decisions the night before, thus leaving their mornings free for more important contemplation. Such individuals might make their lunch or set out their outfit for the following day the night prior.

Consider Emotions. Decision making should be rational and objective, which becomes difficult when emotions get in the way. A bad mood can trigger a bad decision. Likewise, a good mood can cause a person to be overconfident or impulsive. Learn to recognize the role emotions play in decision making.

Rely on Your Moral Compass. Morals matter when making important decisions. When you find emotions pulling you astray, use your moral compass to guide you back to solid decision-making.

Sleep on It. Don’t be rash, especially when it comes to an important decision. Focus on acting rather than reacting. Taking some time to think carefully about a decision is wise, and often reveals new facets that previously may not have not been considered.

Seek Other Opinions. When leaning toward a decision, the natural tendency is to find support for it. This is called confirmation bias. Avoid this by specifically seeking advice from those willing to bring a different perspective.

Don’t Fall Prey to Analysis Paralysis. When analysis paralysis sets in, it becomes almost impossible to make a decision. While mulling over many different prospects is advisable, it is important to establish a deadline for reaching a final decision.

When in Doubt, Exercise. Stress produces cortisol, a chemical that triggers the fight-or-flight response in the body and interferes with one’s ability to think clearly. Exercise can bring everything back into balance. Some find that an exhilarating walk or run refreshes the brain and makes it easier to come to a decision.

Reflect on Previous Decisions. We all make mistakes; the key is to learn from them.