Welcome to MakeTimeWork4U

Welcome to the first installment of my blog. I hope to cover many areas of time management, sharing ideas and best practices, and answering questions. I hope to create content based upon what you want, need, or have interest in. Join in on the action, discuss, offer ideas, and request topic specifics at the MakeTimeWork4U group on LinkedIn. MakeTimeWork4U LinkedIn Group

Time Management – what is it?

To properly define time management, we must first identify what it is NOT. While it may be obvious to some, time management is not a calendar, a To Do list, a notebook, a software application, or a PIM (Personal Information Manager). Those are all tools that aid and assist you in managing your time by keeping your information in one place. And one place is important and we will discuss that further.

While many mistake the tools as Time Management, remember, all are inanimate objects. Each does nothing without input from the human being using it! And without a sound methodology upon which to base the use, these tools rob more of the precious time that you are trying to recover or gain control over.

Are there days when you feel like this?

Well, enough of that! You get it, right? So to ask again, what IS time management? In theory, it is a discipline and a behavior. It is a conscious focus on time and productivity and taking direct and specific steps to take control.

It is a process that one applies to organize the planning process, establish and manage priorities, more effectively communicate with others (and track that communication), and organize the information that you need in a manner that becomes readily available to you.

The communication can be verbal (in-person or over the phone) or written. In our current culture, the written format of communication far outweighs that of the verbal. And email is the number one method of communication.

Effective and continuous application of the process will lead to some relief from the heavy workload stress that we all encounter on a daily basis. Properly using the tools available, and there is no one right tool, will become a valuable tool in your arsenal. 

What is the best time management concept to use (and be trained in)?

There are many organizations that offer some type of productivity/time management trainings. Some of the more recognized are those offered by Franklin Covey ® and Priority Management ®. Both offer programs that utilize software applications such as Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Notes, and well as device specific offerings for use on Apple, Android, and BlackBerry. The one that is ultimately the best for you is going to be the one that you will use and adopt.

I have been trained in both Covey and Priority Management programs and both are excellent offerings. I have chosen to utilize the “Working Smart with Outlook” program offered by Priority Management. That does not mean that the Covey offering is inferior. I believe that they have equal footing and I merely choose one over the other based on personal preference.

Regardless of if you choose Priority Management, Franklin Covey, or any other recognized vendor, the most important thing is to USE the tools and techniques and develop the discipline needed to control your time. Do so and you control your time. Otherwise you will let time control you. That will lead to stress, frustration, lower productivity, and in some cases, health issues. You cannot burn the candle at both ends forever. And there will ALWAYS be more work to be done.

I’ll finish this segment with a real world example of the results of successfully applying the principles of a good time management program. In the 8 years that I have used the techniques and tools of the Priority Management training, I have not missed 1 deadline. I have not missed completion of any task. I have far exceeded the productivity levels that I had achieved previously. And I have been able to free up time in my day to handle the unexpected without creating undue stress. And if I can do it, so can you!

Take control of your time and RELAX!

Coming up next – Email Best Practices