Here's how you can effectively handle your workload as an executive and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

The ABCD method of prioritization is a simple and effective way to organize tasks based on their importance and urgency. Here's a straightforward explanation: - A (Absolutely must do): These are the highest priority tasks that are critical and need immediate attention. If not done, they have serious consequences. B (Better to do soon): These tasks are important but not as urgent as 'A' tasks. They should be done soon, but they don't require immediate action. C (Could do when possible): These tasks are less important and have no immediate deadline. They can be done when you have extra time. D (Delegate or Drop): These tasks can be done by someone else. Delegate these tasks or simply drop them if they are not necessary.

When you're dealing with a set of tasks, it's essential to accomplish them within a timeframe. Some tasks require short-term completion, while others are for the long run. Creating a tight schedule is necessary, taking into account the time spent on brainstorming ideas or even times when you're not mentally prepared to work. I believe it's also crucial to prioritize decisively. In my personal experience, I prepare some reports either monthly, every three months, or annually, along with some unexpected reports related to work conditions or specific tasks. Without organization and finding sufficient time, I don't think I can execute them on time.

Prioritizing tasks is an important part of effective time management. Just think of the 80/20 rule aka Pareto principle. 20% of your effort will produce 80% of your gain. That said, ask yourself, what tasks make up that 20%? An easy way to find this out is to create a master list of the things you have to do at work. Then categorize them based on if they are important versus non-important, urgent versus non-urgent. Your top 20% will likely fall into the category of important. These important tasks can be urgent or non-urgent if they contribute to long-term goals and prevent future crises. An important, urgent task might be completing a project due tomorrow, while an important, non-urgent task could be planning your career development.

Once Ive been assigned for the new project the following steps should be done: 1. Studying the whole project; 2. Dividing the project to several parts. 3. Delegating the parts among team members with mentioning deadlines. 4. After delegating to make discussions whether the tasks can be automated or not. 5. Collecting fulfilled tasks and completing the whole project.

Delegation is a key skill for any executive. Recognize that you don't have to do everything yourself. Identify your team members' strengths and assign tasks accordingly. Provide clear instructions and context to ensure their success. Trusting your team empowers them and frees up your time for strategic planning and high-level responsibilities. #TimeManagement

To avoid multitasking, I clear my desk of everything except the one thing that I am working on. I work on this one item until my energy runs out. Then it’s time to move onto something else. I use the same process with removing the old work and bringing in the new work to shift my focus. Having a clear desk helps me stay on task.

While multitasking might seem efficient, it often leads to decreased productivity and increased stress. The brain isn't designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, resulting in errors and lower quality work. Focusing on one task at a time and giving it your full attention produces higher quality results. This approach allows for deeper understanding and better outcomes. Completing tasks sequentially with full concentration improves work quality and helps you progress through your to-do list more efficiently. Single-tasking also reduces cognitive load and stress, fostering more mindful and productive work habits, ultimately enhancing both professional performance and mental well-being.

I do not believe in the concept of multitasking. It is rare to be able to devote 100% of your attention to more than one thing at a time. As a leader, you do not want your team to be checking email while having a staff meeting. You will not have their full attention. The more you plan and structure your time on the front end, the better you will be able to stay focused on the important items. In addition, when you team needs you, if you attempt to multitask with them, you may come across as distant, unfocused, and uncaring.

Boundaries are a two way street. As the leader, you need to invest time getting structure around your time. Establish protected time to ensure you can be focused on important activities. Proactively inform the team of those times to limit interruptions. However, you also need to honor the boundaries of your team and not disrupt important times for them. When they know their time will also be honored and respected, you will find you have a more productive group.

Leaders need to walk the talk. You can’t tell employees to do what it takes to get the job done and then set an example of working during the evening and on the weekends. This will pressure your staff to do the same. Set an example that you respect your time away from work and set your family as a priority during these times.

This will require consistent communication, but your people need to know when you are available and when you're not -- and yes, you do need time to be unavailable, just as your people need time for themselves. Model good boundaries for your people. If you have to write an email late at night, don't expect the recipient to just know somehow that you don't expect them, to take action in the evening. Instead, schedule the email to go out during normal business hours. Set aside time when your door is closed and you are unavailable unless there's an actual emergency, like something's on fire. Block it on the calendar. Otherwise, that's time to work on the business, or to spend time working in deep focus mode.