Time is our most valuable resource and ONCE IT IS GONE IT’S GONE!
Whether you’re a business owner or a manager, there never seems to be enough hours in the day.
The biggest key in time management is having clear priorities. By dividing your to-do list into URGENT tasks, short and long-term goals, you’ll be able to allocate your time more effectively. Here are my 5 Top time management tips:
1. Communication – prioritise it !
Email, can be both your best friend or worse enemy ! On one hand, it’s a way for passing vital information but if you are distracted by the new message box popping up every few minutes then it can be a huge distraction from you achieving your goals. Set aside a specific time to review emails. Not only will this keep you in the loop, but allow you to knock out the tasks you need to throughout the day.
2. Default diary your “focus” time
One of the aspects of running a business involves being pulled in all sorts of directions. Block off portions of your daily or weekly schedule and dedicate it solely to your goals and most important outcomes. Make sure you are disciplined during this time and fully concentrate on the tasks at hand that lead you towards your goal achievement.
3. Book meetings in chunks
When it’s time to book meetings, try to group them shortly after one another. This will not only keep you forcibly punctual but won’t break up the remainder of your day. Doing this will keep you motivated and focused – meetings will be more productive.
4. Prioritise with the Goal in Mind
When you’re a business owner or manager, you must learn to be flexible. Each day presents a different challenge and curve balls will be thrown at you. To organise yourself, determine priority and plan tasks by urgent and important and others that can remain on the back burner. From there, build your list based on importance, time involved, or resources needed. Remember the 4 Ds “Do it, Delegate it, Defer it or Dump it” and create checkpoints to keep yourself on track.
5. Agendas for every meeting with outcomes / intent defined
Long, drawn out, ineffective meetings are the biggest eater of time. You have the power to change this. Give your meeting purpose by creating a simple, template. You should include topics, major discussion points, and action items and WHO owns the action and by WHEN.
Following these 5 QUICK TIPS will gain you back more of your most important and scarce resource.
TIME is one of the most important areas we work with business owners and their teams on. If TIME is one of your challenges then I can help you get back in control.
Call me 02392 454 111 or email sarahwilliams@actioncoach.com
Learn more about the author here: Sarah Williams
