by Paul Lines

Created on: December 29, 2006   Last Updated: April 13, 2007

Efficient time management is of benefit in all aspects of live, particularly within the workplace. Inefficiency in work time management will delay targets and have the effect of increasing costs. In my opinion, the following are a list of the eight most important aspects of time management.

1) If you have a software program, such as Microsoft Outlook, you can set up a template for your time management, either on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Alternatively, you can create a manual system.

2) Where possible, you should identify the optimum times for fulfilling certain duties. For example if making sales calls, there is little point in allocating this task at a time when your contacts are likely to be at lunch. Similarly filing and other duties may be best performed during late afternoon, so that the desk is tidy at the end of the working day.

3) Do not set impossible time scales for any of the tasks to be undertaken. For example, if experience shows that a certain task will take 3 hours, do not attempt to place it in a two-hour slot. All this will do is delay everything else that you need to do.

4) Allocate a priority level to the tasks that need completion and then place them in you program in a position that ensures priority tasks are completed within the prescribed time scales. For example, if you have tasks for completion by Tuesday lunchtime, it is not wise to start them Tuesday morning. Better to allocate these to the previous day.

5) Remember that even the most mundane of tasks are important to the smooth running of a business. Whilst there may be a temptation to put these off to the last possible moment, this is not wise because something will be forgotten. Do not put off until tomorrow what can be done today.

6) Do not allow others to interfere with the time management programme that you set yourself, irrespective of the temptation. Customers and suppliers alike will respect you more if you operate effectively. If they see that you are treating others with favouritism, you are likely to lose credibility.

7) Always make sure that your work time does not affect your private life. If you have to take time out of your private life to provide enough time to complete your work, then you are not managing your business correctly.

8) Review time. It is important at some stage in the week or month, to have some time to review the performance of the tasks and duties of that period. This will allow you to monitor your time management system, ensuring that it is being properly implemented.

Learn more about this author, Paul Lines.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.