21 answers
Daniel
Student
Orlando, OK
1
Question
Asked
4548 views
What is the best way to keep your time management in your job?
do i need to write any schedules to help me with my time manegment or do i need to justget better and my time
21 answers
Pam C
National Operations Director - Talent Development
4
Answers
Fairfax, Virginia
Updated
Pam’s Answer
Great solid advice from all the responders here around prioritizing, breaks, etc... I manage my time using these principles and also keep in mind a few things that help me (personally) be more productive which in turn, helps me be more efficient with my time. The less time it takes me to complete a task, the more time I have for other items on my list.
Time of day: I work best in the morning - when no one else is around, meetings haven't started yet, and I am at my peak for ideation and creativity. So I take on my toughest/more detailed tasks during this time. Doing the tougher tasks at the end of a day is just a waste of my time since I will likely need to review it more than once.
Delegation: The tasks I personally dont have to tackle, will be delegated to someone else who has time for the task or could be better at it than me.
Planning: Plan for tomorrow, tonight. Always look at your action items, schedule, breaks, etc... so you can plan when and what you need to do for the next day.
Find the time: If you dont have the time on your calendar to complete the task, consider if you need to block the time to do it.
These tips work for someone who has a little flexibility in their hours/scheduling.
If your role has set hours, work with your manager to see if you can grab a few minutes at the start or end of your shift (during work hours), to complete what work you need done.
Good luck on all your future endeavors!
Time of day: I work best in the morning - when no one else is around, meetings haven't started yet, and I am at my peak for ideation and creativity. So I take on my toughest/more detailed tasks during this time. Doing the tougher tasks at the end of a day is just a waste of my time since I will likely need to review it more than once.
Delegation: The tasks I personally dont have to tackle, will be delegated to someone else who has time for the task or could be better at it than me.
Planning: Plan for tomorrow, tonight. Always look at your action items, schedule, breaks, etc... so you can plan when and what you need to do for the next day.
Find the time: If you dont have the time on your calendar to complete the task, consider if you need to block the time to do it.
These tips work for someone who has a little flexibility in their hours/scheduling.
If your role has set hours, work with your manager to see if you can grab a few minutes at the start or end of your shift (during work hours), to complete what work you need done.
Good luck on all your future endeavors!
Jeffrey Garwood
Manage Technical Team
4
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
Expanding just one thought from the other great answers. Recognizing that using all the techniques to manage the known and prioritizing is a core skill it is important to build in time for what you can expect to be unknown but important tasks that will come up during most days. If you don't put some time in to expect the unexpected it can cause additional stress or long days.
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
464
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Daniel,
Here's a more direct way to put it:
1. Be aware of how you use your time.
2. Follow a daily plan.
3. Set your priorities.
4. Start with the hardest task.
5. Group similar tasks together.
6. Set achievable time frames.
7. Know when to decline.
8. Stay away from multitasking.
Here's a more direct way to put it:
1. Be aware of how you use your time.
2. Follow a daily plan.
3. Set your priorities.
4. Start with the hardest task.
5. Group similar tasks together.
6. Set achievable time frames.
7. Know when to decline.
8. Stay away from multitasking.
Tracy Thiesen
Facilities
1
Answer
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
Effective time management is crucial for any job, many great ways to manage your time will depend on your skillsets and are mentioned here already but in summary I would suggest writing things down, keep a checklist every day, and start a new list each day pulling over what you didn't finish the day before. This allows you to free up the space in your head and know that you're on top of your priorities.
Shawanda Milligan
Program Management
2
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Shawanda’s Answer
Hello Daniel,
Here's a piece of friendly advice that could be a game changer for you - maintain a schedule. Think of it as your personal roadmap, guiding you towards the tasks that demand your attention and helping you identify your priorities. But remember, just like any good traveler, you need to be adaptable too. There will be times when your plans will have to be rearranged due to time limitations or evolving business requirements. I like to think of these as fire drills, moments when a high-priority task might require you to reshuffle your plans.
Always be ready to embrace change, it's part of the journey!
Here's a piece of friendly advice that could be a game changer for you - maintain a schedule. Think of it as your personal roadmap, guiding you towards the tasks that demand your attention and helping you identify your priorities. But remember, just like any good traveler, you need to be adaptable too. There will be times when your plans will have to be rearranged due to time limitations or evolving business requirements. I like to think of these as fire drills, moments when a high-priority task might require you to reshuffle your plans.
Always be ready to embrace change, it's part of the journey!
Jenna Rusconi
Audit Accountant
3
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Jenna’s Answer
Adapting to time management in the business realm has been quite a shift for me. A strategy that has proven effective is requesting a completion deadline whenever I'm tasked with a new project. This enables me to devise my own work plan, incorporating necessary breaks to maintain focus.
In peak periods, I jot down all my assigned tasks. From this list, I draw up a daily action plan. As I finish each task and tick it off, I take a brief pause to refresh my mind before diving into the next assignment.
In peak periods, I jot down all my assigned tasks. From this list, I draw up a daily action plan. As I finish each task and tick it off, I take a brief pause to refresh my mind before diving into the next assignment.
Ashley Church
Project Manager
2
Answers
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Here's a more engaging version of your text:
Start by jotting down your tasks. As you finish each one, take satisfaction in crossing it off the list. Always arrange your tasks in order of importance, from the most urgent to the least. Remember, self-care is also a priority, so make sure to include it on your list. To avoid exhaustion, take regular breaks between tasks. If a task seems too time-consuming, don't hesitate to ask for help.
Start by jotting down your tasks. As you finish each one, take satisfaction in crossing it off the list. Always arrange your tasks in order of importance, from the most urgent to the least. Remember, self-care is also a priority, so make sure to include it on your list. To avoid exhaustion, take regular breaks between tasks. If a task seems too time-consuming, don't hesitate to ask for help.
Bob Moore
Supply Chain, Energy. Oil & Gas, Leadership, Management, Careers Overseas
52
Answers
The Woodlands, Texas
Updated
Bob’s Answer
There are different ways to answer this depending on the job and business need.
There are a number of jobs that pay by the hour and for these jobs you need to log start and stop times
There are a range of jobs where you charge your time to a paying customer. There are a number of ways to keep time - ranging from manual to system generated reporting . With these systems one documents start and stop time and in some cases you need to log against a range of cost centers to satisfy accounting needs,
For salary jobs there is generally guidance for start and stop times however you generally do not need to log time.
In addition to the above you can manage your day using a calendar per hour/half-hour - using this to schedule meetings with others or blocking off time for key activities.
Finally, I would say that whatever your job is good to keep a daily list of priorities - focusing on the priority deliverables - this to optimize your time
There are a number of jobs that pay by the hour and for these jobs you need to log start and stop times
There are a range of jobs where you charge your time to a paying customer. There are a number of ways to keep time - ranging from manual to system generated reporting . With these systems one documents start and stop time and in some cases you need to log against a range of cost centers to satisfy accounting needs,
For salary jobs there is generally guidance for start and stop times however you generally do not need to log time.
In addition to the above you can manage your day using a calendar per hour/half-hour - using this to schedule meetings with others or blocking off time for key activities.
Finally, I would say that whatever your job is good to keep a daily list of priorities - focusing on the priority deliverables - this to optimize your time
Mike J
Product Operations
1
Answer
Brookhaven, Georgia
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Hi Daniel.
Several great answers here. As mentioned earlier suggest prioritizing and setting specific objectives at the beginning of each week and month and holding yourself accountable against those objectives on a daily basis in tracking progress against these goals.
Also, depending on your profession, manage calendar invites and consider whether beneficial against your objectives and if you will gain insight / add value through attending.
All the best on your career journey and optimizing time management.
Several great answers here. As mentioned earlier suggest prioritizing and setting specific objectives at the beginning of each week and month and holding yourself accountable against those objectives on a daily basis in tracking progress against these goals.
Also, depending on your profession, manage calendar invites and consider whether beneficial against your objectives and if you will gain insight / add value through attending.
All the best on your career journey and optimizing time management.
Deborah Christopher-Adeniji
Researcher
73
Answers
Nigeria
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Managing time effectively in a job can be approached in various ways. Writing schedules or using planners can indeed be incredibly helpful. They act as guides, ensuring you allocate time to different tasks and responsibilities. However, improving your time management skills is equally important. Learning to prioritize tasks, setting achievable goals, and staying organized can make a significant difference. It's about finding a balance between having a structured plan and honing your ability to make the most of each moment. Experiment with different methods—some people find written schedules helpful, while others rely on improving their time management habits. Over time, you'll discover what works best for you and helps you excel in managing your time effectively at work.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1816
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This is very good question. Many students have similar question. Firstly, you need to identify a time management tool, .e.g. Google Calendar, Phone Calendar, MS Outlook, etc.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Put down the time you need to attend classes in school
2. Assign some time everyday for your assignment, projects, etc. and do revision on the material covered in the class. Have 5-10 min break every 1.5 - 2hours
3. Make sure you have enough time to sleep
4. You can allocate some time for your leisure, family and friend gathering, etc.
You do not fill up your schedule completely. You can keep some 'me' time to relax and reflect.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Put down the time you need to attend classes in school
2. Assign some time everyday for your assignment, projects, etc. and do revision on the material covered in the class. Have 5-10 min break every 1.5 - 2hours
3. Make sure you have enough time to sleep
4. You can allocate some time for your leisure, family and friend gathering, etc.
You do not fill up your schedule completely. You can keep some 'me' time to relax and reflect.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Melanie Raycraft
operations/sales support
2
Answers
Tewksbury, Massachusetts
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
My best advice is to complete your most important and most demanding tasks first. Create lists of thoughts you have or tasks you need to accomplish throughout the day. By recording as much as you can, it will be easy to remember which tasks you need to revisit later. Mobile devices and laptops often have built-in time-management tools to make this easy. You could also keep a small notepad on hand to add to as things come to mind. At the end of each day, you can review the tasks and create a to-do list for the following day, knowing that everything is handled. Spend a few minutes at the end of each day to create a daily to-do list for the following day. This will make it easier to include items that you may be tempted to put off until another day. It will also help you get right to work the next day, as you'll know what tasks you need to start with. Also try to monitor your time. Knowing how you're managing your time is an important step for great time management. Consider taking one or two days and documenting each task or activity you do. You could also use a productivity app that will monitor your activity on your phone or computer.
Ben Ryrie
IT Director
4
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Some simple steps I would encourage you to try:
Prioritize Tasks: Identify and prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Focus on high-priority assignments first to ensure you're addressing critical responsibilities.
Create a To-Do List: Make a daily or weekly to-do list to organize your tasks. Having a written list can help you visualize your workload and stay on track.
Set Realistic Goals: Be realistic about what you can accomplish within a given timeframe. Setting achievable goals prevents overwhelm and ensures a sense of accomplishment.
Break Down Larger Tasks: If you have large projects, break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This approach makes it easier to tackle one step at a time.
Use Time Blocks: Allocate specific blocks of time to different types of tasks. This helps create a structured schedule and minimizes distractions, allowing for better focus.
Prioritize Tasks: Identify and prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Focus on high-priority assignments first to ensure you're addressing critical responsibilities.
Create a To-Do List: Make a daily or weekly to-do list to organize your tasks. Having a written list can help you visualize your workload and stay on track.
Set Realistic Goals: Be realistic about what you can accomplish within a given timeframe. Setting achievable goals prevents overwhelm and ensures a sense of accomplishment.
Break Down Larger Tasks: If you have large projects, break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This approach makes it easier to tackle one step at a time.
Use Time Blocks: Allocate specific blocks of time to different types of tasks. This helps create a structured schedule and minimizes distractions, allowing for better focus.
Itamar Costa
Accountant
8
Answers
Lisbon, Portugal
Updated
Itamar’s Answer
Hi Daniel
Effective time management is crucial in any job. Consider these tips:
Set Clear Goals:
Define short-term and long-term goals for clarity.
Prioritize Tasks:
Tackle high-priority tasks first based on urgency and importance.
Create a To-Do List:
Develop a daily or weekly list to stay organized.
Time Blocking:
Allocate specific blocks for different tasks to manage time efficiently.
Use a Calendar:
Utilize a calendar to track deadlines, meetings, and appointments.
Break Down Large Tasks:
Divide big projects into smaller, manageable tasks.
Eliminate Distractions:
Minimize disruptions to stay focused during work.
Regular Breaks:
Schedule short breaks to maintain productivity and prevent burnout.
Reflect and Adjust:
Regularly assess and adjust your time management strategies.
Continuous Improvement:
Invest time in improving your time management skills.
Flexibility:
Remain flexible to adapt to unexpected changes or tasks.
Whether you choose to write schedules, use digital tools, or simply improve your awareness of time, finding a method that suits your style is key. Experiment with different techniques to discover what works best for you, and be open to adjusting your approach as needed.
Effective time management is crucial in any job. Consider these tips:
Set Clear Goals:
Define short-term and long-term goals for clarity.
Prioritize Tasks:
Tackle high-priority tasks first based on urgency and importance.
Create a To-Do List:
Develop a daily or weekly list to stay organized.
Time Blocking:
Allocate specific blocks for different tasks to manage time efficiently.
Use a Calendar:
Utilize a calendar to track deadlines, meetings, and appointments.
Break Down Large Tasks:
Divide big projects into smaller, manageable tasks.
Eliminate Distractions:
Minimize disruptions to stay focused during work.
Regular Breaks:
Schedule short breaks to maintain productivity and prevent burnout.
Reflect and Adjust:
Regularly assess and adjust your time management strategies.
Continuous Improvement:
Invest time in improving your time management skills.
Flexibility:
Remain flexible to adapt to unexpected changes or tasks.
Whether you choose to write schedules, use digital tools, or simply improve your awareness of time, finding a method that suits your style is key. Experiment with different techniques to discover what works best for you, and be open to adjusting your approach as needed.
Steven Gonzalez
Client partnership
1
Answer
Hamilton Township, New Jersey
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Hey Daniel,
A lot of good answers here. Something that helps me manage my time is of course making record and keeping lists of key actions I have to get done. But something I can’t stress enough is to train yourself and keep yourself accountable in getting better at managing time.
One of the best ways to do this is to take a course on project management early on in your career. Becoming project management certified can be done free via online resources, but a lot of those courses give you great frameworks to begin getting yourself thinking about how best to attack situations and keep things moving forward productively.
One of the most invaluable tools is having processes lined up so that you can quickly reference those processes whenever you find yourself wondering how to manage time and resources.
A lot of good answers here. Something that helps me manage my time is of course making record and keeping lists of key actions I have to get done. But something I can’t stress enough is to train yourself and keep yourself accountable in getting better at managing time.
One of the best ways to do this is to take a course on project management early on in your career. Becoming project management certified can be done free via online resources, but a lot of those courses give you great frameworks to begin getting yourself thinking about how best to attack situations and keep things moving forward productively.
One of the most invaluable tools is having processes lined up so that you can quickly reference those processes whenever you find yourself wondering how to manage time and resources.
Doug Walker
Corporate Trainer
12
Answers
Mansfield, Texas
Updated
Doug’s Answer
Mastering time management is a journey of personal discovery. What works for one person may not work for another. Some people thrive with a tangible, printed agenda book, while others prefer the convenience of digital tools. Utilizing a synchronized calendar across your computer, phone, and tablet can be incredibly beneficial. Alerts and notifications serve as your personal time management assistant, keeping you on track.
Remember, in the whirlwind of work, each individual project seems to demand immediate attention. The challenge is to discern and prioritize your daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Not every task can be an urgent priority.
Always ensure that your schedule has some wiggle room for unexpected tasks that may arise. If no surprises occur, you can use this time to tackle lower priority tasks. Above all, never forget to carve out time for a healthy work-life-family balance. This balance is the key to not just productivity, but also happiness and fulfillment.
Remember, in the whirlwind of work, each individual project seems to demand immediate attention. The challenge is to discern and prioritize your daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Not every task can be an urgent priority.
Always ensure that your schedule has some wiggle room for unexpected tasks that may arise. If no surprises occur, you can use this time to tackle lower priority tasks. Above all, never forget to carve out time for a healthy work-life-family balance. This balance is the key to not just productivity, but also happiness and fulfillment.
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
478
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
I suggest avoiding becoming a slave to a tool, such as a calendar or software app. Time to study is what is generally misused. Just declare a fixed time and dates for studying and stick to that. My other guideline is to focus on your priorities. There will be a lot of trivial fluff at college that you do not need. Focus on the priorities, keep a dedicated time for studying and everything else will come together. And have fun.
Lys Arya
education
5
Answers
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
Lys’s Answer
Hello Daniel, often, difficulties in managing time arise when you're juggling multiple tasks and have more work than you can handle. To tackle this, make sure to consistently seek clear guidance from your manager regarding your priorities. Utilize your project management skills to facilitate these discussions. This approach will enhance your communication with your manager, enabling you to focus more effectively on crucial tasks and manage your time successfully.
Tanganyika A Williams
Program and Project Management
1
Answer
Buford, Georgia
Updated
Tanganyika A’s Answer
Mastering time management is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Here are some strategies that I employ to keep everything in check:
1. Regularly set goals and prioritize them. This helps to keep your focus sharp and your tasks organized.
2. Find a tool that can help you keep track of all your tasks. This could be as simple as using the task function in your calendar or the notes app on your mobile phone. This way, you can jot down tasks even when you're away from your workspace.
3. Tick off completed tasks. It's a simple yet effective way to visualize your progress.
4. Delegate tasks whenever possible. This not only lightens your workload but also gives you some free time. Can you ask family or friends for help with some tasks? Or perhaps use apps and services to handle important tasks. For instance, you could have your groceries delivered while you're busy with a project, or ask a family member to pick up dinner.
5. Jot down any tasks that pop into your mind as you wind down for the day. I often do this before going to bed. It's a great way to reassess my priorities and ensure I'm not missing any deadlines.
6. Remember to take breaks. I've found that taking short breaks helps me return to my tasks feeling refreshed and more productive.
7. Keep communication lines open. Regularly update your clients or customers about the status of their projects. This keeps everyone in the loop and avoids misunderstandings.
8. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small. Completing tasks and finishing projects are achievements worth celebrating. This not only boosts your morale but also helps you realize just how much you've accomplished.
1. Regularly set goals and prioritize them. This helps to keep your focus sharp and your tasks organized.
2. Find a tool that can help you keep track of all your tasks. This could be as simple as using the task function in your calendar or the notes app on your mobile phone. This way, you can jot down tasks even when you're away from your workspace.
3. Tick off completed tasks. It's a simple yet effective way to visualize your progress.
4. Delegate tasks whenever possible. This not only lightens your workload but also gives you some free time. Can you ask family or friends for help with some tasks? Or perhaps use apps and services to handle important tasks. For instance, you could have your groceries delivered while you're busy with a project, or ask a family member to pick up dinner.
5. Jot down any tasks that pop into your mind as you wind down for the day. I often do this before going to bed. It's a great way to reassess my priorities and ensure I'm not missing any deadlines.
6. Remember to take breaks. I've found that taking short breaks helps me return to my tasks feeling refreshed and more productive.
7. Keep communication lines open. Regularly update your clients or customers about the status of their projects. This keeps everyone in the loop and avoids misunderstandings.
8. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small. Completing tasks and finishing projects are achievements worth celebrating. This not only boosts your morale but also helps you realize just how much you've accomplished.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Daniel,
Effective Time Management in the Workplace
Time management is crucial for productivity and success in any job. There are several strategies that can help individuals improve their time management skills and maintain a balanced work-life schedule.
1. Prioritize Tasks
One of the most effective ways to manage time in a job is to prioritize tasks. This involves identifying the most important and urgent tasks and allocating time to complete them. Using techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix can help individuals categorize tasks based on their urgency and importance, allowing them to focus on what truly matters.
2. Set Clear Goals
Setting clear, achievable goals is essential for effective time management. By defining specific objectives, individuals can better structure their time and efforts to accomplish these goals. This approach helps in maintaining focus and avoiding distractions that can derail productivity.
3. Create a Schedule
Creating a schedule or daily planner can be immensely helpful in managing time effectively. By allocating specific time slots for different tasks, individuals can ensure that they devote adequate attention to each responsibility. Additionally, scheduling regular breaks can prevent burnout and enhance overall productivity.
4. Avoid Multitasking
While multitasking may seem like an efficient way to manage time, it often leads to decreased productivity and increased stress. Focusing on one task at a time allows individuals to give their full attention to the job at hand, resulting in higher quality work and better time management.
5. Use Time Management Tools
There are numerous tools and apps available that can aid in time management, such as calendar apps, task management software, and time tracking tools. These resources can help individuals organize their schedules, set reminders, and track their progress, ultimately improving their overall time management skills.
6. Continuous Improvement
Continuous improvement is key to effective time management. Individuals should regularly assess their methods and make adjustments as needed. Reflecting on past experiences and learning from mistakes can lead to more efficient time management practices.
In conclusion, effective time management in a job requires prioritizing tasks, setting clear goals, creating a schedule, avoiding multitasking, utilizing time management tools, and continuously seeking improvement.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review provides insights from industry experts and researchers on various business-related topics, including time management strategies.
Forbes: Forbes offers articles and expert opinions on workplace productivity, including tips for effective time management.
The Muse: The Muse is a reputable source for career advice and workplace tips, including guidance on improving time management skills in a job setting.
These sources were selected for their credibility and expertise in providing guidance on workplace productivity and time management strategies.
Imagine you are like a big motor with a throttle you have the throttle under your foot or in your hand max it out
Effective Time Management in the Workplace
Time management is crucial for productivity and success in any job. There are several strategies that can help individuals improve their time management skills and maintain a balanced work-life schedule.
1. Prioritize Tasks
One of the most effective ways to manage time in a job is to prioritize tasks. This involves identifying the most important and urgent tasks and allocating time to complete them. Using techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix can help individuals categorize tasks based on their urgency and importance, allowing them to focus on what truly matters.
2. Set Clear Goals
Setting clear, achievable goals is essential for effective time management. By defining specific objectives, individuals can better structure their time and efforts to accomplish these goals. This approach helps in maintaining focus and avoiding distractions that can derail productivity.
3. Create a Schedule
Creating a schedule or daily planner can be immensely helpful in managing time effectively. By allocating specific time slots for different tasks, individuals can ensure that they devote adequate attention to each responsibility. Additionally, scheduling regular breaks can prevent burnout and enhance overall productivity.
4. Avoid Multitasking
While multitasking may seem like an efficient way to manage time, it often leads to decreased productivity and increased stress. Focusing on one task at a time allows individuals to give their full attention to the job at hand, resulting in higher quality work and better time management.
5. Use Time Management Tools
There are numerous tools and apps available that can aid in time management, such as calendar apps, task management software, and time tracking tools. These resources can help individuals organize their schedules, set reminders, and track their progress, ultimately improving their overall time management skills.
6. Continuous Improvement
Continuous improvement is key to effective time management. Individuals should regularly assess their methods and make adjustments as needed. Reflecting on past experiences and learning from mistakes can lead to more efficient time management practices.
In conclusion, effective time management in a job requires prioritizing tasks, setting clear goals, creating a schedule, avoiding multitasking, utilizing time management tools, and continuously seeking improvement.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: The Harvard Business Review provides insights from industry experts and researchers on various business-related topics, including time management strategies.
Forbes: Forbes offers articles and expert opinions on workplace productivity, including tips for effective time management.
The Muse: The Muse is a reputable source for career advice and workplace tips, including guidance on improving time management skills in a job setting.
These sources were selected for their credibility and expertise in providing guidance on workplace productivity and time management strategies.
Imagine you are like a big motor with a throttle you have the throttle under your foot or in your hand max it out
Mary Ann Higgs
Communications, Training, and People Development
31
Answers
Hayward, California
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Hi Daniel,
Time management is a good skill to build early. And good time management will help you to be successful in any job you choose. I think the best way for me to answer your questions it to share with you how I manage my time in my job. My job requires me to attend meetings, do work with teams, and do work on my own. So, I need to make sure I have time for all of these things. The way I manage my time is to use a calendar and a to do list.
My usual workday is a total of 9 hours. 8 hours for working (meetings and doing work with teams and by myself) and 1 hour for lunch. In the morning. These are the steps I follow to manage my time.
- The first 30 minutes of every day is for reading email and planning my work for the day. When reading my email, I respond to messages that are asking a question and for items that need me to do some additional work, I add that item to my to do list.
- Next, I look at how many meetings I have and how much free time I have. If I have a total of 4 hours of meetings, that means I have 4 hours left over to work with teams or do work on my own.
- Next step is to look at my "to do" list and decide which items need to be done today. When deciding what needs to be done today, I think about when it needs to be finished and I think about whether I need to do a little bit of work to make progress on a long term project (like a report). I put a letter "A" next to these items. Then I look at all the items with an "A" next to them and decide the order I will do them in. I think about how long it will take me to complete the item. I think about whether or not I have all the information I need to complete the item or do I need to get information from someone else. Once I'm clear on what needs to be done and how long it will take me, I prioritize everything on my "A" list by adding a number after the "A". So, my "to do" list for the day shows A1, A2, A3, etc. And then when I am not in a meeting, I go to my to do list and just start at A1 and work through the priorities. Things on the "A" list might say "A1 - Write a blog post about our team fun event; A2 - Request monthly results from Thomas, Lavanya, and Cathy; A3 - create a spreadsheet for monthly results; A4 - Do research on the internet for report due in one month"
- I always have more items on my "to do" list than I can do in one day. For the items that are less important, things that can be done later in the week, next week, or later in the month, they get marked with a "B" or a "C" to help me keep track of what work is coming up. And, if I finish all my "A" items, I can start working on something marked with a "B".
The more you do something, the more you learn how long it will take you to complete a task. And that will help you to manage your time at your job. Think about how you plan time for homework. You know that somethings aren't going to take very long because they come easy to you, and other things are going to take more time. So, you probably do the things that you can do quickly first to get them out of the way. Then, you can focus on the thing that's going to take more time. It's the same with prioritizing things in a job.
Hope this helps you to build strong time management skills.
Time management is a good skill to build early. And good time management will help you to be successful in any job you choose. I think the best way for me to answer your questions it to share with you how I manage my time in my job. My job requires me to attend meetings, do work with teams, and do work on my own. So, I need to make sure I have time for all of these things. The way I manage my time is to use a calendar and a to do list.
My usual workday is a total of 9 hours. 8 hours for working (meetings and doing work with teams and by myself) and 1 hour for lunch. In the morning. These are the steps I follow to manage my time.
- The first 30 minutes of every day is for reading email and planning my work for the day. When reading my email, I respond to messages that are asking a question and for items that need me to do some additional work, I add that item to my to do list.
- Next, I look at how many meetings I have and how much free time I have. If I have a total of 4 hours of meetings, that means I have 4 hours left over to work with teams or do work on my own.
- Next step is to look at my "to do" list and decide which items need to be done today. When deciding what needs to be done today, I think about when it needs to be finished and I think about whether I need to do a little bit of work to make progress on a long term project (like a report). I put a letter "A" next to these items. Then I look at all the items with an "A" next to them and decide the order I will do them in. I think about how long it will take me to complete the item. I think about whether or not I have all the information I need to complete the item or do I need to get information from someone else. Once I'm clear on what needs to be done and how long it will take me, I prioritize everything on my "A" list by adding a number after the "A". So, my "to do" list for the day shows A1, A2, A3, etc. And then when I am not in a meeting, I go to my to do list and just start at A1 and work through the priorities. Things on the "A" list might say "A1 - Write a blog post about our team fun event; A2 - Request monthly results from Thomas, Lavanya, and Cathy; A3 - create a spreadsheet for monthly results; A4 - Do research on the internet for report due in one month"
- I always have more items on my "to do" list than I can do in one day. For the items that are less important, things that can be done later in the week, next week, or later in the month, they get marked with a "B" or a "C" to help me keep track of what work is coming up. And, if I finish all my "A" items, I can start working on something marked with a "B".
The more you do something, the more you learn how long it will take you to complete a task. And that will help you to manage your time at your job. Think about how you plan time for homework. You know that somethings aren't going to take very long because they come easy to you, and other things are going to take more time. So, you probably do the things that you can do quickly first to get them out of the way. Then, you can focus on the thing that's going to take more time. It's the same with prioritizing things in a job.
Hope this helps you to build strong time management skills.
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