Who runs the calendar? You, or your calendar?

For most, a typical calendar is filled with meetings and appointments usually covered by others. Where there are open times, people hope to accomplish various tasks and projects they need to complete (usually assigned to them by the ones who are filling their calendar with meetings).

This is not meant to be critical of your boss or supervisor. Every employee in the company has their own set of priorities. 

So, if you determined that your calendar (or others) is running your calendar and not you, here are 5 solutions to help you take control.

1. Plan at least 2 weeks in advance, “The 14 Day Rule”

The further out you can define time on your calendar, the better opportunity you have limit outside influences from defining your timetable. The more you fill open times on your calendar, the harder it is for others to fill it for you.

2. Organize every hour

If you leave open time on your calendar in the hope of completing tasks or projects, you open yourself up to others filling that time. Allocating the time up front will help you be more productive.

3. Negotiate protected time

This might be your top priority to running your calendar. Discussing this approach with your boss and coworkers can lead to greater productivity. Working to help the rest of your team establish protected time also helps you maintain yours.

4. Challenge interruptions

Learn to challenge with respectful questions: Does this need to be done now? My calendar is free later, can we schedule something formal? On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is this?

5. Prepare for contingencies

Plan on changes to happen. Expect those changes to happen. Your calendar should not be static. Solutions 1 through 4 bring rigidness to the process, but your calendar will never be written on stone tablets.

Your time is important. Make your calendar more productive by planning (14 days out), organizing, negotiating protected time, challenging interruptions, and preparing to make changes. 

For more information on these and other time management opportunities, visit Kairos Management Solutions.