Susan says… Number 6 – What Is Time Management?

Our Business Advisor, Susan George, is a highly effective economic development professional with extensive senior management experience in both the private and public sector. We wanted to make the most of Susan’s wealth of experience and she hints and tips on relevant topics throughout the year.

Here are Susan’s 20 top tips for effective time management:

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve daily, weekly, and monthly.
2. Prioritize Tasks: Use the Eisenhower Matrix to focus on tasks that are important and urgent.
3. Create a Schedule: Plan your day with a time-blocking method to allocate specific times for specific tasks.
4. Use a To-Do List: Write down tasks and check them off as you complete them to stay organized and motivated.
5. Avoid Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time to improve productivity and quality of work.
6. Eliminate Distractions: Identify and remove distractions like social media notifications or unnecessary meetings.
7. Delegate When Possible: Assign tasks to others when appropriate to free up your time for more important activities.
8. Take Breaks: Schedule short breaks to rest and recharge, preventing burnout.
9. Use Technology: Utilize apps and tools like calendars, project management software, and timers to streamline tasks.
10. Learn to Say No: Politely decline additional tasks or projects that do not align with your goals.
11. Set Deadlines: Create realistic deadlines for tasks to ensure timely completion and avoid procrastination.
12. Review and Reflect: Regularly review your progress and reflect on what is working and what isn’t to adjust your approach.
13. Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together to save time and maintain focus.
14. Limit Meetings: Schedule meetings only when necessary and keep them focused and brief.
15. Plan for the Unexpected: Allocate some buffer time in your schedule for unexpected tasks or emergencies.
16. Practice Self-Care: Ensure you get enough sleep, exercise, and relaxation to maintain high energy levels.
17. Stay Organized: Keep your workspace and digital files organized to avoid wasting time looking for things.
18. Learn to Use Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts and other efficiency hacks in the tools you use.
19. Focus on Results: Concentrate on outcomes rather than the amount of time spent on tasks.
20. Continuous Improvement: Continuously seek ways to improve your time management skills through learning and adaptation.