Tips to Improve your Time Management
Emails are a Distraction!
The amount of emails that we receive are impacting upon our time at work and home. Research indicates that “87% of all emails sent are accessed and read by the recipient within 7 seconds. Many people with smartphones check their emails 20 to 40 times per day.”
This has become an addictive habit for many of us.
One useful tip is to remove the email alarm or notification icon on your computer and smartphone. This will have instant benefits, your attention focus will improve, you will be “present” when communicating face to face with others, the quality of your reports and documents will increase because you are not being distracted by checking and reading the emails.
Try “Chunking” where you identify specific times during your day for answering and deleting emails. Also think about reducing the amount of emails you receive by removing your details from distribution lists that are no longer relevant to your role and be prepared to speak to other employees who tend to CC you in on emails that are not relevant to your role or position.
The Art of Saying “No”
Why do we find it so difficult to say “No” to others? Well some of us think it may upset others, or that it is a sign of weakness and people may think we can’t do our job. Some of us have a personality of wanting to help others even when it may have negative consequences for our own time management.
Here is the good news. It’s OK to say “No”
Try following these simple steps:
1. Say “No” in a polite and respectful manner
2. Provide the other person with a realistic and honest reason why you have to say “no”
3. Having a “To Do” List on your desk can also be used to demonstrate how busy you are.
For Example, “John I wish I could help you with that task, but I have to say No. As you can see, I already have some important jobs on my “to do list” that I need to complete”
Eat That Toad for Breakfast
Procrastination is a major problem for most of us. It effects our personal performance and the efficiency of most businesses. Why do we tend to Procrastinate. Well sometimes the task is difficult, boring or routine. Sometimes the task might involved having a difficult conversation with a staff member or client.
Want the answer to reducing Procrastination in your work and private life?
Well you need to “Eat that Toad for Breakfast”. What this really means is when you have that difficult report or conversation to address (that’s the Toad) do if first thing in the morning. Yeah it still may be difficult or challenging, but once you get it done and out of the way, you will feel great, your stress level will decrease and your performance for the rest of the day will improve.
Start looking for those “ TOADS’
Leadership & Performance Partners can assist you and your business in developing contextualised workshops focusing on Effective Time Management. For more information go to our website www.leadershipandperformance.com.au or email us at info@leadershipandperformance.com.au