1. IDENTIFY THE TIME BANDITS
We all suffer from the work of the time bandits. Keep a time log for a few days and analyse the results. Create tactics for dealing with time wasters. Focus on what you can change now. Deal with interruptions and don’t get distracted.
2. USE THE RAFT TECHNIQUE
Go through your paperwork and sort it aggressively using the RAFT categories. Plan to only handle each piece of paper once. Use the bin – if it’s really important someone will eventually send you a copy! Refer, Action, File, Trash!
3. FOLLOW THE CATEGORIES OF TIME RULES
Focus on the important but not urgent category. It stops them moving into important and urgent!
4. KEEP A MASTER TO-DO LIST
Use a note book and update ACT! or Outlook daily.
5. BREAK IT UP INTO BITE SIZED CHUNKS
Break big tasks down into bite sized chunks. You will be surprised how quickly you complete the task. Use sub-lists for large projects.
6. PLAN YOUR DAY
Be sure to plan tomorrow at the end of today. Use the Hard Hat planning sheet.
7. GOT A SPARE MINUTE?
If you find yourself with a spare ten minutes, look at your to-do list and complete a small task. Alternatively, look at a bigger task and break it down into a sub-list. Plan to do the sub-list elements to ensure you get the job done on time.
8. STAY ORGANISED
Don’t let your desk get out of control. Tidy using RAFT often and file things immediately. It will improve your retrieval time no end! A tidy desk improves productivity too.
9. BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF
Look at how you use your time. How often do you play solitaire or freecell? Don’t waste your time. You could go home earlier!
10. TAKE A BREAK
Frequent breaks improve productivity and clear your mind. Walk round the business and talk to people. They need to see you. Eat often and keep your fluids up. Drink water not tea or coffee. Keep a fruit bowl on your desk instead of a pile of random papers!
Filed under: Time Builder, hard hat, management, time
Business Issues 