Working independently can take many different forms, including working from home, completing solo projects at work, or even starting your own business. Working independently is a dream come true for many people, as well as the logical next step in their career or personal development plans. With the need for remote work and unusual work schedules during the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea of independent working has gained popularity in recent years.
PBIS video of “Working Independently.”
Benefits of working independently
Some benefits of working independently can include:
What is working independently?
Being able to work independently means being able to complete tasks assigned to you. A manager or supervisor may give you guidance on projects, but they can trust you to complete tasks with little to no supervision. As you work to complete projects and assignments on your own, working independently can foster a sense of responsibility and self-reliance.
Anyone who enjoys working independently might find a variety of jobs appealing, such as consulting, teaching, or positions in the entertainment industry. Since they frequently run their own business, consultants can set their own hours. Additionally, they have the option of working on individual projects without a team. Teachers frequently create their own lesson plans and function alone in the classroom. Musicians, artists, and producers might all have jobs in the entertainment industry. Some of these roles might be performed on a freelance basis, and others might work alone while touring.
Important traits for working independently
Numerous qualities can be helpful when working independently. Some of these traits include:
How to improve your ability to work independently
Working by yourself can be a rewarding and effective way to carry out your job duties. The following suggestions can help you become more independent at work:
1. Create a team system
Together with your team, develop a system that will enable you to complete independent tasks. You could schedule a period of time for everyone to work on individual projects. You could set up a system where one person at a time works independently of the team if this is not applicable to your workgroup. To increase your capacity to work independently during this time, communication with your coworkers is essential.
2. Try remote work
To determine whether working remotely is an option for your position, check with management. Because of technological advancements, some offices may switch to full-time remote work. Some people might also be considering programs that let staff members work remotely once or twice per week or month. While you are not physically present with your team, working remotely can help you become more adept at working independently. While working without some office distractions, you might concentrate better on projects or increase your productivity.
3. Block off time on your calendar
Block time on your calendar as time to work independently. You could also change your status on business instant messaging apps to “busy” or “do not disturb.” During this time, try turning off social media apps and other distractions to focus on your current tasks. If your schedule allows, start by blocking out small amounts of time on your calendar and work your way up to longer periods. The more time you have to block off and concentrate, the more you can do to hone your independence.
4. Have a quiet zone
Try creating a space to work quietly in. This could entail arriving at work early or secluding yourself in a room during a break. If your employer permits it, think about spending some time at your desk or workspace with noise-canceling headphones. By doing this, you can create a peaceful environment where you can concentrate and gain more time for solo work.
FAQ
How do you say you can work independently?
- Describe a time when you had to complete a project alone.
- Talk about projects that required extra accountability.
- Describe instances where you were required to oversee multiple projects at once.
What does it mean to work individually?
When you work alone, you are solely accountable for the entirety of a project’s process and its final results. Being solely responsible entails being given credit for all of your efforts.
Why is working independently important?
Because you are in charge of organizing your tasks and receiving the credit for your success when you work independently, you might experience greater job satisfaction. Additionally, you might be more inclined to take a chance on your own. You can experience a sense of fulfillment from your work when risks pay off.
What does it mean to work independently of one another?
adjective. One thing or person cannot affect or be affected by another if they are independent of one another because they are separate and unconnected.
