Tips for Time Management

Time Management is the key to a successful career

No matter what you do or what your passion is, you are a Manager of some kind. One of the quickest ways to get what you want is to master Time Management.

Understand what your business is about – what your main topic of focus is, and what your responsibilities are.

If you are in a position of LEADERSHIP, at the heart of that role lie the three overlapping core responsibilities of any leader and enhance your Time Managment Skills

1) Motivating and developing the individual
2) Building and maintaining the team
3) Achieving the task

LEADING IS ABOUT
1) Giving direction, especially in times of change
2) Inspiring or motivating people to work willingly
3) Building and maintaining teamwork
4) Providing an example
5) Providing a personal output

MANAGING (the core of Time Management) IS ABOUT
1) Running your business in steady-state conditions
2) Day-to-day administration of what you HAVE to do
3) Organizing structures and establishing systems
4) Controlling, especially your finances

TIME MANAGEMENT = CONTROLLING YOUR NECESSARY TASKS

EFFICIENCY = Ensuring that things run smoothly

EFFECTIVENESS = Being economical and prudent about the use of means (resources) to accomplish ends

THE 10 KEYS OF TIME MANAGEMENT

1) DEVELOP A PERSONAL SENSE OF TIME
2) IDENTIFY LONG-TERM GOALS
3) MAKE MEDIUM-TERM GOALS
4) PLAN THE DAY
5) MAKE THE BEST USE OF YOUR BEST TIME
6) ORGANIZE YOUR SPACE
7) MANAGE MEETINGS
8) DELEGATE EFFECTIVELY
9) MAKE USE OF COMMITTED TIME
10) MANAGE YOUR HEALTH

Time Management Key #1 – Develop a personal sense of time
Keep a time log, recording how your time is actually spent.

There is often a gap between what we think we are doing and what we are actually doing.

TIME – Human time is the most precious natural resource you have.

Time is well managed if:1) Things that ought to run smoothly are doing so2) Desired ends are being achieved by the economical use of time

Must also have an awareness of the importance of other people’s time.

Time Management Key #2 – Identify long-term goals

You need to define your purpose.

Write a Mission Statement that answers the following questions:

1) Why is what you’re doing important for you and the world you live in?

2) To what end is all this effort and time being expended?

Then define your strategic aims. Think hard about these questions:
1) Where are you now?
2) What are your present strengths and weaknesses?
3) Where do you want to be in five years’ time?
4) How are you going to get there?
5) How can you improve your general capabiilities?

Time Management Key #3 – Make medium-term plans

Identify the five or six areas of your job – then in each of those key areas set objectives.

At the end of every month, review your performance.

BE ALERT FOR EXCUSES and really look to why results were not achieved.

Time Management Key #4 – Plan the day

You need to set time limits for your tasks. Some require quality time. Some you can do quickly, and some you can delegate.

Work on your sense of priorities, and do the MOST IMPORTANT tasks of each day.

HOW TO PLAN THE DAY
1) Review yesterday’s plan. What remains to be done?
2) Check the weekly plan. Transfer items for completion into today’s plan.
3) Look at today’s commitments and allocate time for preparation.
4) Firmly decide when you will complete the one or two most important tasks of the day.

Time Management Key #5 – Make the best use of your best time

Ask yourself: Do I make the best use of my time?

Do you know clearly how much of a morning or night person you are?

Do you regularly program your day so that your best times of day are given to the high-priority tasks?

Did you know that the speed and coordination with which you perform complicated tasks with your hands peaks during the afternoon?

Most of us seem to reach our peak of alertness four to five hours after waking up.

Short-term memory is best in the morning.

We tend to do the hardest and most difficult tasks in the morning.

Time Management Key #6 – Organizing your space

The place where most of your work is done.

Control interruptions by setting a time limit and then quickly getting back to work.

Eliminate unnecessary paperwork, and simplify the remainder where possible.

When writing to others, be clear and concise.

Time Management Key #7 – Managing your meetings

Constantly ask yourself three fundamental questions at meetings:1) Is this meeting necessary?
2) If so, how much time is the subject really worth?
3) Will it begin on time and end on time?

End your meetings on a positive note – always.

Time Management Key #8 – Delegate effectively

Effective delegation gives you more time to lead and manage the following:

1) Complex and difficult tasks
2) Self-improvement
3) Fine-tuning your craft
4) Communication of vision and strategy
5) Staying close to major people
6) Listening to your mentors

If you don’t need to do it…do you need to do it?

Skills of delegation
1) Selecting the right people who WANT to do this job. If they can’t do it, get rid of them.
2) Stand back and support – resist temptation to get involved

Time Management Key #9 – Make use of committed time

There are different types of time:

1) Discretionary Time – The time which you can choose to spend as you will.
2) Committed Time – Time that is booked for one reason or another.
3) Free Time – Portions of the day where nothing is going on. What will you do with it?
4. Daily Routines (which are, in effect, committed time) – Driving etc… Take advantage of it and listen to or do other things.

A DAY HAS A HUNDRED POCKETS OF TIME IF YOU KNOW WHERE TO LOOK FOR THEM

Time Management Key#10 – Manage your health

Moderation is key.

Relax and allow time for reflection.

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