Time Management Tips for Managers...By Dr. Ahmed Shaltout
Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the number and complexity of projects that need to be completed at work each day? As the day flies by, do you often feel as if you haven't paid enough attention to each task because other tasks keep landing on your desk, co-workers interrupt you with questions or you can't get it all organized?
You probably know that managing your time effectively will help you get more done each day. But it has important health benefits, too. By managing your time more wisely, you can minimize stress and improve your quality of life
But how do you get back on track when organizational skills don't come naturally? To get started, choose one of these strategies, try it
for two to four weeks and see if it helps. If it does, consider adding another one. If not, try a different one
Plan each day
Planning your day can help you accomplish more and feel more in control of your life. Write a to-do list, putting the most important tasks at the top. Keep a schedule of your daily activities to minimize conflicts and last-minute rushes
Prioritize your tasks
Time-consuming but relatively unimportant tasks can consume a lot of your day. Prioritizing tasks will ensure that you spend your time and energy on those that are truly important to you
Say no to nonessential tasks
Consider your goals and schedule before agreeing to take on additional work
Delegate
Take a look at your to-do list and consider what you can pass on to someone else
Take the time you need to do a quality job
Doing work right the first time may take more time upfront, but errors usually result in time spent making corrections, which takes more time overall
Break large, time-consuming tasks into smaller tasks
Work on them a few minutes at a time until you get them all done
Practice the 10-minute rule
Work on a dreaded task for 10 minutes each day. Once you get started, you may find you can finish it
Evaluate how you're spending your time
Keep a diary of everything you do for three days to determine how you're spending your time. Look for time that can be used more wisely. For example, could you take a bus or train to work and use the commute to catch up on reading? If so, you could free up some time to exercise or spend with family or friends
Limit distractions
Block out time on your calendar for big projects. During that time, close your door and turn off your phone, pager and email
Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly
A healthy lifestyle can improve your focus and concentration, which will help improve your efficiency so that you can complete your work in less time
Take a time management course
If your employer offers continuing education, take a time management class. If your workplace doesn't have one, find out if a local community college, university or community education program does
Take a break when needed
Too much stress can derail your attempts at getting organized. When you need a break, take one. Take a walk. Do some quick stretches at your workstation. Take a day of vacation to rest and re-energize
Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the number and complexity of projects that need to be completed at work each day? As the day flies by, do you often feel as if you haven't paid enough attention to each task because other tasks keep landing on your desk, co-workers interrupt you with questions or you can't get it all organized?
You probably know that managing your time effectively will help you get more done each day. But it has important health benefits, too. By managing your time more wisely, you can minimize stress and improve your quality of life
But how do you get back on track when organizational skills don't come naturally? To get started, choose one of these strategies, try it
for two to four weeks and see if it helps. If it does, consider adding another one. If not, try a different one
Plan each day
Planning your day can help you accomplish more and feel more in control of your life. Write a to-do list, putting the most important tasks at the top. Keep a schedule of your daily activities to minimize conflicts and last-minute rushes
Prioritize your tasks
Time-consuming but relatively unimportant tasks can consume a lot of your day. Prioritizing tasks will ensure that you spend your time and energy on those that are truly important to you
Say no to nonessential tasks
Consider your goals and schedule before agreeing to take on additional work
Delegate
Take a look at your to-do list and consider what you can pass on to someone else
Take the time you need to do a quality job
Doing work right the first time may take more time upfront, but errors usually result in time spent making corrections, which takes more time overall
Break large, time-consuming tasks into smaller tasks
Work on them a few minutes at a time until you get them all done
Practice the 10-minute rule
Work on a dreaded task for 10 minutes each day. Once you get started, you may find you can finish it
Evaluate how you're spending your time
Keep a diary of everything you do for three days to determine how you're spending your time. Look for time that can be used more wisely. For example, could you take a bus or train to work and use the commute to catch up on reading? If so, you could free up some time to exercise or spend with family or friends
Limit distractions
Block out time on your calendar for big projects. During that time, close your door and turn off your phone, pager and email
Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly
A healthy lifestyle can improve your focus and concentration, which will help improve your efficiency so that you can complete your work in less time
Take a time management course
If your employer offers continuing education, take a time management class. If your workplace doesn't have one, find out if a local community college, university or community education program does
Take a break when needed
Too much stress can derail your attempts at getting organized. When you need a break, take one. Take a walk. Do some quick stretches at your workstation. Take a day of vacation to rest and re-energize