Quick Time Management Tool

If you are like about fifty percent of the adult population then time management will always be somewhat of a challenge for you.

This tool works whether you have a line manager or whether you work on your own and whether the work is a small or larger piece of work such as a project or programme.

When a piece of work comes in resist the temptation to leave it until the day before the deadline agreed with your line manager or other customer.

Apply the following questions from the 'six wise men'.

1. How long do I/we estimate that this work will take?

This question will help you to allocate the time required working back from the deadline. For example, if a piece of work is estimated to take 20 hours and you have ten days to the deadline then you may choose to allocate two hours per day each day until the deadline to do this work.

2. What are the key inputs and what does the output look like?

This question helps you to consider the data and information that you will need to source for the work. It also helps to ensure that you are meeting your customer's expectations. For example, you agree with your line manager that the output is a one page work document or a ten slide powerpoint presentation which covers why the change is happening, what the benefits are to the business, teams and individuals and how the change is being managed as well as a question and answer slide. The more detail about specifics, agreed, the more closely the output will meet the customer expectations.

3. When does the work need to be delivered to my customer?

This question helps you to plan ahead and remember that the customer may need it before their customer so that they have time to check or quality assure your work output. I always say to my clients plan to complete the work before this deadline so that you have time spare at the end just in case....

4. Who can help me?

This question will help you to address the issue of the best resources for the work.

5. Where so I need to deliver this work to?

This question helps again with meeting your customer's expectations. For example, they may want a hard copy printed and left on their desk rather than an e mail attachment.

6. Why do I need to do this work?

This question is a sanity check for you and your customer. For example, how does this work relate to the wider business objectives?

I am sure that you can play with this and add in your own questions.

Remember that the point is to improve your own time and workload management.

If you would like help with this or any other development need and change that you want to make please get in touch via enquiries@westofenglandcoachingandcounselling.co.uk/01761 237400