I don’t have to tell you that today we are being asked to do more than ever; through attrition we are inheriting more and more duties and if we don’t like it, we are pointed to the door. Time management skills are a must to have in your arsenal as you climb the ladder of success. Here are some time management tips that have helped me and will also help you:
Know your job inside and out; learn what is expected of you and the goals you are to achieve. If you don’t know where you are going, how will you know when you get there?
Prioritize you tasks, if you know your job you will know what is important and what can wait. Focus on first priority and everything else should fall into place.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for advice; your boss will appreciate your effort in getting an assignment finished properly and in a timely fashion. Take notes so you don’t have to ask again, make everything a learning experience.
Make lists, no matter how well trained you are in your job, constant interruptions and multitasking make us forget the simplest thing; do not rely on memory.
If your attendance is not necessary at a meeting, asked to be excused; many meetings are a waste of time.
Be honest with your supervisor, if you are having problems meeting a deadline say something, in advance of the deadline of course. Can you delegate or ask for help? Do you need more training? Maybe your time management wasn’t at its best, again make everything a learning experience.
Organize your day. Before you leave in the evening make a list of pending assignments and prioritize them so in the morning you are ready to go. Set aside time to answer emails and return phone calls. You don’t have to jump at every request. Manage your time and prioritize.
Time management is learned over time so keep your eye on the ball, focus on what is important and you will do well.