Improving productivity at Middlesex in the Community
The Client
Leadership Management International (UK) recently delivered a series of Effective Personal Productivity programmes for employees at Middlesex in the Community, the charity arm of Middlesex Cricket.
Its purpose is to promote cricket in the seventeen London boroughs that form the cricket county of Middlesex and its surrounding areas. The objectives of Middlesex in the Community are to promote community participation and engagement in cricket by providing and assisting in the provision of facilities (land, buildings & equipment) and activities that promote the advancement of health, education, community development and recreational sport for people residing, working, in education or visiting the 17 London Boroughs of Middlesex.
Facilitator: Ash Taylor
Programme: Effective Personal Productivity
Participants: Jack Davis and Sajeewa Karunaratne
The Challenge
Before joining the programme, Jack found himself stuck in a cycle of constant busyness, yet rarely feeling productive. Days were filled with distractions, urgent demands, and firefighting. “I thought delegating was laziness. I believed asking for help made me a burden. And if someone disagreed with me, I assumed I was wrong.” This mindset left Jack feeling reactive, overwhelmed, and stretched thin — both professionally and personally.
Before the programme, Sajeewa described himself as constantly busy but not genuinely productive. He felt exhausted even after short workdays due to poor planning and reactive work habits. Tasks were often kept in his head, which made it difficult to manage coaching responsibilities alongside other commitments.
The Solution
Jack and Sajeewa both joined the Effective Personal Productivity programme, facilitated by Ash Taylor, to gain control over their time and work habits. The approach focused on improving personal productivity through better planning, prioritisation, and time management.
Through structured guidance and peer discussion, they began weekly planning, improving task prioritisation, and regular reflection.
Key tools and principles included:
• Weekly planning with high-payoff activities
• Structured daily planning and task management
• Prioritising difficult tasks to build daily momentum
• Calendar blocking to create focused, uninterrupted time
• Practical delegation and boundary-setting techniques
• Seeking feedback and collaborating with team members
The Results
For Jack the shift was immediate and powerful as he transformed his approach to work through:
• Planning instead of reacting
• Letting go of unhelpful beliefs about delegation and support
• Hitting work goals while maintaining personal commitments
• Developing confidence and clarity in daily decision-making
• A tangible ROI of £8240 by the half-way stage!
I realised I had the time — I just wasn’t using it productively. I’m still coaching, still training, still playing cricket — and I’m hitting my work targets too!
More than just increased productivity, the programme gave Jack back a sense of control and wellbeing.
Before, I was firefighting. Now, I’m planning — and progressing. This programme didn’t just change how I work. It made me happier, personally and professionally.
Sajeewa experienced a significant shift in mindset and productivity. Planning on Sundays helped him feel prepared and in control. He received more positive feedback from players, coaches, and teachers, and reported better team communication and reduced stress levels.
He began to think beyond just delivering sessions — now he focuses on continuous improvement and long-term impact. This structured approach made a noticeable difference both professionally and personally.
Before the programme, I was tired after just six hours of work — not because I was doing too much, but because I wasn’t doing it well. Planning the week ahead each Sunday and putting everything into my calendar changed everything for me. I used to keep everything in my head. Writing it down and planning it out made me more productive and less exhausted. Now, I reflect every week and set clear objectives. That’s been a huge change for me. Just trying to improve 1% at a time made a real difference.
Coach’s view
Ash Taylor, who worked closely with Jack and Sajeewa throughout the programme, shares:
Jack embraced the tools and challenged his own assumptions. His progress is a great example of how the right mindset, supported by structure and accountability, can completely transform your productivity and fulfilment.
Sajeewa showed exceptional growth throughout the programme. By applying a structured system and staying consistent, he transformed from a reactive coach into a reflective and productive professional, keen to improve and contribute more meaningfully to his role and team.
It was a pleasure working with them both over this six month period, seeing their dedication, personal growth and improved results. Kudos to Middlesex In The Community for their ongoing commitment to, and investment in, their people.
Ash Taylor
LMI-UK Leadership Coach