10 Time Management Techniques (Part 2)
Denny 10 Apr 2008 | : Self-Improvement
6. Set or get deadlines for your tasks. When setting yourself a task or getting one from someone else - always find out when it needs to be done. Then diarize an appropriate amount of reminders before the due date.
7. Work/life balance seem to be the buzz words all over the world at present - but you really do need to put time and energy into this area. Schedule in time to relax, time with family, time reading, time with your partner - if it’s in your diary and you are committed to it, you’re less likely to neglect it.
8. My desk at work is my haven. My trays work for me. Now I can’t tell you what the best desk system is for you, all I know is that if yours doesn’t make your day easier - change it, constantly change it until you get something that works. For me, I don’t allow anyone to put anything on my desk. My assistant is allowed to put things in one tray and one tray only, everything else is put in my communal pigeon hole. I have a single out tray - this simple tray stops me from getting up 20 or 30 times a day as much of what comes in to me needs to go elsewhere in the office. I have a tray full of non urgent things to read, when I get time, I start going through it. I have a tray full of things I’m waiting on others for and I have an email folder full of these sorts of emails - my diary prompts me with a recurring reminder to check through these two areas. Whatever works for you, works for you, just take some time to find it!
9. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. What’s worse - asking for help once or doing the task incorrectly or incompletely 5 times, or even worse, hiding the work! It happens, don’t be a victim of the “scared to ask” disease.
10. Your mind isn’t a computer, use your computer to help your mind become like one. Each week on a Friday a little reminder comes up in Outlook telling me to send out my weekly email. Each week on a Wednesday I’m told I have two meetings first up. You’re not a machine; use your technology to its best advantage.
“Nothing is a waste of time…if you use the experience wisely.” - Rodin
