Getting control of your schedule can reduce some of the stress that comes from a busy job. You may find yourself running from one task to another, yet feel like you’re not accomplishing anything.
The problem is that there are only so many hours in your day. Let’s invest them the right way, in you, with these actionable strategies in this episode of our Performance Improvement for Leaders series.
What Performance Questions Does This Video Answer?
- How to get control of your schedule at work?
- How can you improve your time management skills?
- Do I spend too much time on low priority tasks?
- How can I rush around less at work?
Video Transcript for Get Control of Your Schedule at Work
Do you suffer from a packed schedule at work? Maybe you’re so busy that you’ve added all these tasks to your schedule over time and now your schedule feels like that overpack suitcase, where it’s barely holding itself together.
You don’t want that on the job. Here are some strategies designed to help you unpack your schedule:
The first is think about your top priorities on the job. What are the three things where you really need to be spending most of your time on those tasks. Identify those, and make sure that you are giving those things, the time they deserve.
Next, I want to talk to you about those smaller tasks that can add up, take a lot of your time, when you put them all together. For those tasks, really try to figure out how long do things take for you to do?
Sometimes what happens is we become very much a perfectionist with these tasks, where a 10 minute investment of time is all that you need to give it. But instead you spend an hour or two hours, trying to make it perfect, when perfect really isn’t needed or appreciated. So make sure the smaller tasks you give a limited amount of time to.
Finally, I want you to have some open time in your schedule. A couple times a day, can you block out 15 minutes, where other people can’t really schedule over that.
This just gives you some time to catch up on things, To catch your breath, so you’re not just running into a meeting, right after being in another meeting. You have time to prepare, get focused.
Also, these little 15 minute breaks give you a buffer. So when the unexpected happens, you have some time to handle it. It’s not like suddenly you’re going to have to stay late or get everything done that much faster. Think about your schedule strategically that can help you unpack your busy day. I’m Ken Okel. Take care.
About This Video Series
Ken Okel’s ongoing Employee Productivity video series will make you more effective on the job. Every week, you’ll learn a new, easy to understand tip that you can use right away.
Got a challenge at work? Let us know and we’ll feature it in an upcoming episode.
About Ken Okel
As a motivational speaker, Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To see a sample of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit his video page.
