How can Strategic Communications professionals effectively manage their time while working long hours?

In over 17 years of corporate communication, I've learned that strategic time management is both a constant challenge and a critical skill. It involves: 1. Prioritizing high-impact tasks. 2. Delegating efficiently. 3. Utilizing tech for organization. 4. Setting clear boundaries to maintain focus. These steps help navigate the demanding world of Strategic Communications.

Absolutely! Effective delegation and teamwork is key. Remember the communication landscape is wide, ranging from community relations, stakeholder management, media relations, crisis communication... The list is endless! Any attempt at working in silos will render one ineffective. My over 25 years in PR has shown me the importance of teamwork and making every skill count in the team is cardinal. This calls for deliberate and intentional planning too

My to-do lists have their own to-do lists. Jokes aside, it's important to define your "must do" for the day and week in order to stay focused on what is essential. We all get distracted by Slack messages and emails, so resist the urge to get sidetracked unless necessary. Leave some room in your day for the unexpected priority ask from a colleague or an external stakeholder. It's also okay to negotiate timelines and adjust meetings that are less urgent today in order to accommodate something pressing.

1) Accept that there is no optimal work-life balance as it is a constant flux. Sometimes work is busier and sometimes life is busier. Reduce social activities during busy work period and schedule them during the slower months, e.g. December and public holidays. 2) Maintain the basic level of me-time and self-care no matter how busy work gets. Take a break when the adrenaline wears off and exhaustion kicks in. Sometimes a quick power nap at the desk during lunch time works, but don't depend on it. 3) Schedule in a non-negotiable relaxation activity. If a walk in the park is important, block an hour weekly. Do it during official meal break, before heading home, or during the weekend. This is Stephen Covey's "Sharpen the Saw" Habit #7.

Mastering time management amid extended hours in the field of Strategic Communications involves a nuanced interplay of priorities and self-awareness. It's about discerning the critical from the trivial, ensuring each invested hour aligns strategically. Personally, adopting concentrated work intervals, punctuated by brief respites, establishes a rhythm that sustains productivity. Reflecting on the ebb and flow of energy throughout the day guides effective task allocation. This journey in time management is an evolving art, recognizing when to immerse in the work and when to pause for a breath—striking a balance where productivity and personal well-being harmonize within the constraints of the clock.