How can you prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment?

Create a task list for the day, list what’s urgent and important- start there. For other tasks consider parking those for now and working on them when you have more time.

List down your tasks for the day. Categorize them based on what is important and what can be delayed for the day. If everything is on priority, start work right away. Practice time blocking: set specific time blocks for each task.

For me, it's the importance of being realistic about what can be achieved in a day. It's not just about sorting tasks into categories; it's about knowing how much you can handle. For instance, I start by identifying the top two or three tasks that absolutely must get done that day – the ones that would have the biggest impact or consequences if not completed. Then, I look at the rest of my list and ask, "What can wait?" This helps prevent overloading my schedule and keeps my focus sharp on what's truly urgent and important. It's also crucial to leave some buffer time for unexpected tasks or issues that pop up. This approach has allowed me to meet deadlines more effectively, without the constant stress of an unrealistic to-do list.

I have found that scheduling my most demanding tasks in the morning (when I'm at my best) and saving the afternoons for meetings and less demanding tasks works really well for me. Putting all the things you have to do in your calendar, not just meetings, gives you a lot more confidence to push back on meetings that you might not need to attend - because if the meeting clashes with time you've allocated to do some demanding work then you'll have to find an alternative time to do that work. That often means doing it at a time when you have less energy, e.g. in evening, and so you won't do it as well (unless you're a night owl!). Knowing this means you're more likely to push back.

One trick that's worked for me is matching my task list with my own energy levels during the day. For example, I'm at my sharpest in the mornings, so that's when I tackle the big, urgent tasks. The less pressing stuff, like emails or planning, I save for after lunch when my energy dips a bit. This way, I'm not just working hard, but also smart, by doing the right tasks at the right time. Also, I keep an eye on my task list and adjust it as things change – because they always do. Staying flexible and in tune with my own work rhythm helps me stay on top of deadlines without getting overwhelmed.

Forgive yourself if you did not stick to your timeline. However, your goal should be to pick up the pace once you're already behind schedule. It also helps to welcome re-strategizing even during the middle of the day - since it will also help you pause and build resilience in case a plan fails.

If you've created something then allowing a bit of time between creation and review normally means your review will be much better. So, if you have the time, review the following day, or at least later in the day, as opposed to immediately after creating something.

Reflect at the end of the day. What went wrong and what went good? Strategies that went good are good practices to take on your next deadline-driven project. Strategies that needs to be scrapped or improved has to be reflected immediately after the day - so that you know what you'll do on your next challenge.

Here are some more factors to consider that will help you to achieve peak performance so that you can meet deadlines: 1. Get enough sleep 2. Eat nutritionally dense whole foods 3. Remove distractions by putting your phone on 'Do Not Disturb' and close unused tabs on your computer 4. Journal at the end of every day and think about what you can improve on/change to achieve the outcome you desire

Según mi experiencia, todo queda muy bien desde el punto de vista técnico, porque bajo una determinada planificación, un buen plan de contingencia, y retroalimentación la mejora sería constante. Sin embargo que pasa si vamos más allá, en qué paso podemos visualizar el sentir del equipo, cuán motivado viene a cumplir con las tareas y si dispone de su 100% para desempe?arse con efectividad en lo asignado. No hablo de la parte técnica, que de por sí se puede analizar con métricas, sino de lo personal, de lo emocional, que impactará positiva o negativamente en su desempe?o.