How do you balance your own workload and your manager's expectations?

1 Plan ahead

The first step to balancing your workload and expectations is to plan ahead. You need to have a clear overview of your tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities, as well as your manager's goals and preferences. Use a calendar or a project management tool to organize your work and track your progress. Review your schedule regularly and update it as needed. Anticipate potential challenges or changes and prepare contingency plans. Prioritize your tasks based on urgency and importance, and allocate enough time for each one.

2 Communicate clearly

The second step to balancing your workload and expectations is to communicate clearly with your manager and other stakeholders. You need to keep your manager informed of your status, achievements, and challenges, and seek feedback and guidance when necessary. You also need to communicate with your colleagues, clients, and vendors, and coordinate your efforts and expectations. Use appropriate channels and formats for your communication, such as email, phone, or video call. Be respectful, concise, and professional, and avoid misunderstandings or conflicts.

3 Delegate and outsource

The third step to balancing your workload and expectations is to delegate and outsource some of your tasks, when possible and appropriate. You don't have to do everything yourself, especially if you have a team or a network of reliable partners. You can delegate or outsource tasks that are not within your core competencies, or that are repetitive, low-value, or time-consuming. This will free up your time and energy for more strategic or creative tasks, and improve your productivity and quality. However, make sure you provide clear instructions, expectations, and feedback to the people you delegate or outsource to, and monitor their performance.

4 Set boundaries and limits

The fourth step to balancing your workload and expectations is to set boundaries and limits for yourself and others. You need to respect your own capacity and well-being, and avoid overcommitting or overextending yourself. You also need to respect the capacity and well-being of others, and avoid imposing unrealistic or unreasonable demands on them. Learn to say no politely and firmly, when necessary, and negotiate realistic deadlines and deliverables. Establish clear rules and expectations for your availability, communication, and collaboration, and stick to them.

5 Review and improve

The fifth step to balancing your workload and expectations is to review and improve your performance and processes. You need to evaluate your results, feedback, and satisfaction, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You also need to evaluate your methods, tools, and systems, and identify any gaps, inefficiencies, or opportunities for improvement. Seek continuous learning and development, and apply best practices and innovations to your work. Celebrate your achievements and recognize your contributions, and seek recognition and support from your manager and peers.

6 Balance your own workload and your manager's expectations

The sixth step to balancing your workload and expectations is to balance them. You need to find a healthy and sustainable equilibrium between your own needs and goals, and your manager's needs and goals. You need to align your work with your manager's vision and strategy, and demonstrate your value and impact. You also need to align your manager's expectations with your reality and capabilities, and communicate your challenges and solutions. You need to balance your quality and quantity, and deliver consistent and excellent results. You also need to balance your work and life, and maintain your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?