Time as a Resource: Maximizing Efficiency and Effectiveness

Various verticals of sports management involve various activities, and to derive fruitful results of those, along with other elements, requires the process of time management.

In sports broadcasting, for instance, delivering live, accurate, and engaging content requires excellent time management due to the constant pressure involved.

Adhering strictly to the broadcast schedule, making efficient use of resources, and maintaining constant communication between the on-air talent, producers, directors, and technical crew to ensure that pre-game shows, half-time analysis, interviews, commercial breaks, and post-game shows all fit within the broadcast window.

The bowling team in cricket can be drawn in parallel with this narrative.

In a match characterized by constant pressure, high intensity, and strategic making, the team with the ball ensures that everyone in the field is on the same wavelength in terms of the plan.

The captain is swift in terms of decision-making regarding field placement and bowling changes, and there is a proper channel of communication between the team members to complete their allotted overs within the given time frame, properly managing the over-rate, thereby avoiding further penalties.

Managing time effectively involves the allocation of time slots for tasks, breaking down the larger tasks into manageable ones, creating a schedule, and determining priorities.

By having a structured schedule, a sense of urgency and accountability develops, leaving no space for procrastination. Also, prioritizing and setting deadlines reduces the tendency for delay (MS Dhoni's no procrastination approach behind the stumps, swiftly removing the bails without any delay or hesitation).

When everyone who is involved with an athlete, be it manager, agent, analyst, coach or athlete assistant, emphasizes scheduling, prioritizing, and planning, it ensures that all aspects of the athlete's training and competition schedule are well organized. Allowing the athlete to focus on his or her performance while the team handles other aspects, ultimately contributing to the athlete's success.

As a leader, time management gives you the space for optimum utilization of resources, making decisive decisions in crucial scenarios, and strategically crafting the plan.

Consider the IPL 2017 final, where Rohit Sharma brilliantly showcases this skill by strategically rotating the bowlers, managing their spells, tactically making field changes in a tense situation, and defending the low score of 130 against the Rising Pune Supergiants.

In time management, there is a process of delegation; just as in playing 11, everyone has been designated with a role to play; in a sports organization or the management of a sports event, the delegation of activities to various individuals ensures that the goal is achieved within a short period, the workload is distributed, and events run smoothly, with each member contributing to the success.

Efficient time management also allows for regular breaks and recovery periods, which are essential for maintaining high-performance levels. A proper work-rest balance results in enhanced productivity and effective results.

In the next session of the Sports Talk series, let's explore how effective allocation of resources impacts outcomes and more on resource management.