Tip #474: 6 Time Management Tips

OK, you have internal and external client deadlines to meet, e-mails to address and phone calls to return.  Oh yeah, many meetings to attend as well.  The key is to find a way to get everything done without working 24/7.   

Before You Start Your Day, Plan Your Day.

Improving your time management skills is oftentimes up to you, as most people are not taught this in business.  That being said, we have listed below a number of tips to help you not only improve your time management skills but master them.

The 6 Tips To Help You Manage Your Day's Time.

Tip #1: Multitasking Is Killing Your Productivity (And Makes You Look Disinterested)  - Just because you can read a client's e-mail while talking on the phone with another client and then send an instant message to a colleague, doesn't mean you should. While multitasking may seem like a great time management technique, it can actually decrease your productivity.  By the way, people know when you are not engaged with their conversation; therefore, try to limit your tasks to one at a time. 

Tip #2: Map Out Your Action Items - To get your top priorities completed without delay, create a list. Break down large tasks into small, manageable action items. As you complete a task, check it off your list. You will be making progress in no time. 

Tip #3: Start With The Hardest Task(s) First - Many times finishing a project isn't the problem. The real issue is starting it. When faced with a daunting task, sometimes it's best to just jump in and get going. Devoting even an hour to a tough job will help make an impossible task seem less overwhelming. 

Tip #4: Don't Let Your Inbox Manage You - You are deluged with e-mails each day. People expect a predictable response, not necessarily an immediate one.  Responding to each email as it comes in interrupts other tasks and can slow productivity. Instead, set aside time each day at regular intervals to open and respond to e-mails. This "e-mail time" can be part of your to-do list.  

Tip #5: Find A Time That Works For You - Do you work best early in the morning? Or maybe the afternoon is the time of day where you kick into high gear. Each person has a time of day when they perform most efficiently. What is yours? Manage your schedule so that you are doing your most important work at the best time of day for you. 

Tip #6: Keep Meetings Short With A Defined Start Time And End Time - If you are the person coordinating a meeting at your office, let everyone know what time the meeting will start and end.  Additionally, send out the meeting's goals/objective before your meeting starts.  This is a great way to get everyone focused on an outcome with action items.      

Executive Summary: By following these 6 tips, you will be on your way to planning your time wisely. Once you can map out your day and get things focused as an "action item," you will find that your day is not only more productive but also has a lot less stress.  The key is to follow these simple steps for the next 30 days by developing a plan - a plan to tackle your most important tasks first but also carefully balancing the big picture when it comes to your "to do" list. 

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