How to boost your efficiency at work: Bear these points in mind

London: Want to be effective at work? Start your day by thinking about what kind of leader you want to be, even if you're not the boss, suggests a new study.

"It's as simple as taking a few moments in the morning while you're drinking your coffee to reflect on who you want to be as a leader," said Remy Jennings, a doctoral student in the University of Florida's Warrington College of Business.

Whether you're the boss or on your way up the ladder, "this is a tool to be more effective at work", said Klodiana Lanaj, management professor at the varsity.

"Just a few minutes can entirely change your focus for the rest of your day," Lanaj added.

Early morning thoughts on being a leader led study participants to help their co-workers and provide strategic vision than on days they did not do the morning reflection.

They also felt more leader-like on those days, perceiving more power and influence in the office, revealed the study published in the journal Personnel Psychology.

"Leadership is really challenging, so a lot of people are hesitant to tackle leadership roles or assignments," Lanaj said.

"Reflecting a few minutes in the morning really makes a difference,"Lanaj added.

And unlike being given extra responsibility or leading a team project, a morning reflection is under the employee's control.

"They're not dependent on their organisation to provide formal opportunities. They don't have to wait until they have that title that says they're a leader to take on leadership in their work," Jennings said.