Process and Time Management

Process and time management are also critical for the manager.

Some of my peers might tell you that I cover this topic in theory only. There is truth to that. In particular, time management is my Achilles heel. For that reason, I have to spend a little more effort in this area.

If you have problems meeting deadlines or keeping track of significant project or work milestones, you might need some remedial help in this area.

This goes beyond writing things down on sticky notes or on the back of your hand. Time is our most precious commodityand it is a commodity that we can only spend. You cannot save time or bank it. You must master its use.

Following are some ideas that I have found critical regarding time management:

• Keep a single journal or book for your tasks and appointments.

  Although you don't necessarily need to go out and purchase an expensive time management binder, you should try to keep information about tasks, appointments, and projects in a single location.

  I have worked with many professionals who have multiple notepads with notes and contact numbers in each. Later, finding key pieces of information is difficult.

• Take a few moments at a designated time to plan your day's critical tasks.

  This can occur at the end of the day or early in the morning. Use whatever time is effective for you. Sit down and make a list of critical tasks for the day, and then prioritize those tasks.

  Of critical importance here is to look over your schedule and see whether you have overbooked your tasks and appointments. Although it is great to be ambitious, your day might be encumbered by many unplanned distractions. If you schedule and plan for tasks without room for delays, you'll find that you're constantly failing to finish your list.

  Make sure that your list is ambitious but achievable.