You’re a GIS professional who’s always pressed for time. How can you manage your schedule more effectively?

1 Set realistic goals

One of the first steps to managing your time better is to set realistic and achievable goals for your GIS projects. You need to have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish, how long it will take, and what resources you need. You can use a project management tool, such as Asana or Trello, to break down your goals into smaller and measurable tasks, assign deadlines and responsibilities, and track your progress. You should also review your goals regularly and adjust them as needed, depending on the feedback, changes, and challenges you encounter along the way.

2 Prioritize your tasks

Another key to effective time management is to prioritize your tasks according to their importance and urgency. You can use the Eisenhower matrix, a simple tool that helps you categorize your tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. You should focus on the tasks that are urgent and important first, then plan ahead for the ones that are important but not urgent, delegate or outsource the ones that are urgent but not important, and eliminate or minimize the ones that are neither urgent nor important.

5 Communicate and collaborate effectively

Communication and collaboration are essential skills for any GIS professional, especially if you work in a team or with external clients and stakeholders. You need to communicate and collaborate effectively to ensure that everyone is on the same page, that you understand the requirements and expectations, and that you deliver high-quality and relevant GIS products and services. You can use various tools and methods, such as email, phone, video conferencing, online meetings, or shared documents, to communicate and collaborate with your team and clients. You should also use clear and concise language, avoid jargon and technical terms, and use visual aids, such as maps, charts, and diagrams, to convey your GIS information.

6 Take breaks and recharge

Finally, one of the most important tips to manage your time better as a GIS professional is to take breaks and recharge. Working on GIS projects can be mentally and physically exhausting, and if you don't take care of yourself, you can suffer from stress, fatigue, and reduced performance. You should schedule regular breaks throughout your day, where you can step away from your computer, stretch, walk, or do something else that relaxes you. You should also maintain a healthy lifestyle, by getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and having hobbies and interests outside of work. By taking breaks and recharging, you can boost your energy, creativity, and productivity.

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?