Introduction to The BA Programme in English for Science and Technology

PORTFOLIO 4
Week 8 Critical thinking
Read and make notes of a source you use for your presentation using the Cornell
system. The notes and summary should include questions and/or comments to
demonstrate your critical thinking abilities.
You should consider the line of reasoning, the evidence, the validity of information
and conclusions, and the possibility of hidden assumptions and/or agendas.
THE TEXT
HARD WORK – VERSUS – SMART WORK
https://www.globalwealthhub.com/hard-work-versus-smart-work/

The Text

In most cases, hard work is about quantity and productivity. In this type of
process, supervisors and staff implement a template and repeat the same steps.
Smart work, on the other hand, is about increasing quality and flexibility. Smart
work entails testing new ideas and methods, and may result in greater outcomes
at a lower cost than hard work. Nonetheless, both approaches are necessary to
achieve desired outcomes. Ultimately, which is better for you?

When choosing between smart and hard work, you should consider how much
impact your effort has on the outcome. Smart work includes planning your
workload in advance, setting deadlines and goals, prioritising your tasks, and
taking notes of the impact of your efforts. Smart work also involves using time
wisely and prioritising what you do most often and focusing your effort on
more critical tasks. By working smart, you will have more time for personal
growth and competence and will increase efficiency. Hard work, on the other
hand, is exhausting and requires more physical effort. While it displays a
determination to succeed, it often yields low or ineffective results.

In contrast, smart work focuses on maximizing efficiency. It involves

learning about the work you do and implementing new techniques to improve
efficiency. It is imperative in today’s fast-paced world, as smart work can help
you accomplish the same results in less time. It is important to distinguish
between the two styles of work, as the latter can lead to greater success. And
you can apply these two techniques in different areas. You’ll soon find that the
combination of both methods can produce the best results.
 There are two types of work: hard work and smart works. In general, hard
work involves long hours and a lack of flexibility. Smart work, on the other
hand, relies on time management, prioritization, and delegating tasks. Smart
work also involves working smart and leveraging other people’s time. Smart
work can be done at any organization size, whether it’s a start-up or a large
corporation.

One example of smart work involves placing heavy bricks on wheels, or

rolling objects. This saves time and physical effort and allows smart people to
accomplish the same results as hard workers. Moreover, smart workers are
often free-thinking and innovative, while hard workers tend to follow a set
system. In a nutshell, smart work involves learning and developing skills that
will help you achieve the goals you’ve set. Smart work focuses on acquiring
specialized knowledge to improve efficiency.

As an example, smart work involves using analytical skills and knowledge

to solve problems in a more efficient and expeditious manner. For instance,
smart workers learn new skills and knowledge in parallel to completing tasks
that they already have. Moreover, they employ improvised methods and use
new skills to complete tasks that would have taken longer to learn otherwise.
Ultimately, smart work means making decisions and taking decisions based on
your talent, interests, and family traditions.

The two types of work are often contrasted. While hard work requires
longer hours, smart work requires more careful planning. It often emphasizes
quantity over quality. In other words, hard work can be effective for achieving
goals, while smart work is more efficient and time-efficient. Smart work is also
more flexible, and involves less physical effort than hard work. It also
emphasizes results rather than quantity. In short, smart work emphasizes
learning, while hard work relies on following rules.

The key difference between hard work and smart effort is how you approach
tasks. Hard work means working throughout the day and putting forth the
maximum effort possible to achieve a goal, while smart work involves strategic
planning and efficiency. Smart work is more efficient when it comes to
completing tasks and avoids burnout. Smart work prioritizes tasks and works
toward achieving goals without wasting time on non-important tasks. The
benefits of both methods can be mutually beneficial.
 Introduction to The BA Programme in English for Science and Technology

NOTES
Title: HARD WORK – VERSUS – SMART WORK
Source information:
Author: Alex Silva
Publication date: 18th April 2022
Publisher: Global Wealth Hub
(Online source) Link: https://www.globalwealthhub.com/hard-work-versus-
smart-work/

Cues/Questions/ Notes
Summaries

o How do you know - I’ve searched it on google,

this? globalwealthhub.com for details.

o Is this source - Yes, Global Wealth Hub is a reputable

trustworthy? organization founded in the bustling heart of
New York in 2015, Global Wealth Hub
embarked on a mission: to deliver impactful in-
person workshops, insightful seminars, and
tailored consulting services. Their dedication to
financial literacy and empowerment set us
apart in those early days.

o Is the author - Yes, because he is an American Entrepreneur,

trustworthy? Author and Finance Educator. He is the
Founder of Global Wealth Hub, Master
Excellence Academy & Other Companies in
the Field of Finance & Personal Development.
Alex also runs one of Europe's largest private
Consulting institution.

o Why does this - Because you need to choose the suitble type
matter? of work to have better productivity and have
better mental and physical health.
 - I totally with this source. As the article
o Do you agree or mentioned, hard work and smart work “are
disagree? Why? necessary to achieve desired outcomes”, but it
has its own benefits and disadvantage.
Therefore, we better choose the style of work
which is suitable for us.

- The key difference between hard work and

o What is the key smart effort is how you approach tasks.
difference
between 2 types
of work?
- According to the article, when choosing
between smart and hard work, “you should
o How could we consider how much impact your effort has on
know which style the outcome”.
of work is
suitable for us?

- Totally yes. Although the two types of work are

often contrasted, the benefits of both methods
o Can we combine can be mutually beneficial. You can apply
both methods? these two techniques in different areas. You’ll
soon find that the combination of both methods
can produce the best results.

Summary: While working hard and working smart are completely different
approaches, ideally you can find a balance between the two approaches while
achieving your goals. Comparing hard work to smart work can help you
determine which approach is best when it comes to achieving your goals.