Are You Managing Your Time?

Control your schedule or your schedule controls you.

That's your choice as a leader.

The quicker you understand that time is the most important currency, the better off you'll be in your career (and in life especially as a parent).

Managers need to prioritize their time.

The factors vary, but let's start by segmenting your tasks into 3 categories: urgent (independent) work, meetings (1:1's + team) and low priority work (emails, asynchronous, to-do list, etc.)

Determine what falls into each category, but there's an order to the madness.

First, block off time in your schedule weekly for urgent work that has a deadline and is of greater importance.

Second, plan for meetings with individuals and groups.

Lastly, if possible, end your day with tasks that don't require as much bandwidth as the two above.

The x-factor in all of this is how you mobilize your energy throughout the day.

For example, my optimal work hours are 9 AM - 3 PM.

I tend to do my best work in the morning, so I prefer to work alone and uninterrupted.

Next I like to schedule meetings either late morning or early afternoon because it gives me a boost of energy to get through the day.

Late afternoon is used for sending and responding to emails, scheduling meetings, networking, etc.

As a speaker, if I have an event that takes priority over everything else.

Now as ideal as this schedule sounds it doesn't always come to fruition.

But this framework is based around time blocks.

60 - 90 minute focused tasks then a quick break to clear your headspace.

I like to think of it as working in "pockets."

I love to schedule everything (both personal and professional) in my phone calendar so I don't forget and my mind can go on auto-pilot.

You have to experiment to see what works and understand how to create flow so you can optimize your time.

Managing isn't just about people.

It's also about using your time wisely.

When schedules dictate your day/week it's hard to summon the proper energy to show up in meetings and complete urgent tasks.

Without a game plan you feel like you're constantly playing catch up (not a good feeling).

A visual I find helpful is think of management like a well-oiled machine.

Take care of the details prior with preparation so you can sit back and watch the process unfold.

At the same time you can be available for emergencies when they arise.

Management is skill and an art form.

Manage your time effectively and you'll have the energy to utilize accordingly.

What are you waiting for?