What do you do if your time management skills are causing stress and inefficiency?

For me, I found it is crucial to analyze factors such as peak productivity times for critical thinking tasks and the impact of meeting schedules on overall time management. Implementing a structured approach to time management can lead to increased productivity and reduced stress. For instance, my team has established a policy of scheduling meetings between Tuesday and Thursday, allowing for more focused work on Mondays and Fridays. Additionally, recognizing my optimal productivity in the morning, I have adjusted my schedule to capitalize on this time.

I have discovered that breaking down large, complex tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces can reduce feelings of intimidation and procrastination. By approaching projects in 'bite-sized' increments, it lessens the time required and provides a sense of accomplishment as each task is completed. I love checklists! One effective tool that I have used for this purpose is Microsoft Planner. It is especially valuable for coordinating efforts across teams, particularly in scenarios where tasks are interdependent and need to be completed in a specific sequence. Additionally, Microsoft Planner serves as a useful repository for historical task documentation and offers a streamlined approach to establishing standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Why is multi-tasking seen as a valuable skill in the workplace? It is a common requirement listed on resumes and is highly desired by employers. However, attempting to juggle multiple tasks at once can lead to a lack of focus and reduced productivity. This often results in missed opportunities for high-quality work. Instead of trying to do everything at once, it is beneficial to break down tasks into smaller segments and give each segment your full attention. By focusing on one aspect of each initiative at a time, you are more likely to complete each task successfully and produce work of a higher standard while still achieving results on each initiative.

Delegating tasks can be an effective strategy. However, it requires letting go of control and having confidence in the individual's ability to complete the task. In the past, I've struggled with relinquishing tasks and sometimes found myself continuing to work on them. To overcome this inefficiency, I now carefully assess which tasks are suitable for delegation and ensure that the team member assigned the task receives clear, concise, and comprehensive information and resources to complete it. Furthermore, I set a realistic timeline for task completion to facilitate smooth workflow and enhance productivity. It is crucial to ensure that individuals are positioned for success, enabling both team success and personal development opportunities.

I must acknowledge that there have been periods during my career in which managing time has been challenging. However, I have learned from past experiences, such as when I served as a teaching assistant while pursuing my Employment Relations graduate degree. I can proudly say that I was known for being diligent, impartial, knowledgeable, and consistently meeting deadlines. I often found myself receiving more requests for teaching assistance than I could realistically handle each semester while maintaining fairness to myself, my family, my studies, instructors, and their students, I carefully reviewed the requirements of each course and only accepted commitments that I knew I could fulfill without compromising my existing obligations.

Batch similar tasks together for efficiency (e.g., checking emails at set times). Build in buffer times between tasks to account for unexpected delays. Leverage productivity tools or apps for scheduling, task management, and reminders. Review your processes regularly and adjust as needed to optimize your workflow. Effective time management takes practice, but establishing routines and utilizing techniques can reduce stress and boost productivity over time.