 Dear :
This month's "Think Zink" is focused on time management and how you can take control of your time.
We live in a world where everyone seems to want a piece of us - our customers, our bosses, our family, church, civic groups, etc.
We all want to think we have less time than the next person, but the reality is - we all have the same amount of time available to us every week. (No DUH, right?)
So why is it that some people get so much work done while others struggle to complete the minimum tasks? The truth is that those people have learned to take ownership of their time.
So who really "owns" your time? YOU do! And until to re-take ownership of your time, you will never truly be able to manage your time well.
In this newsletter, I'm going to give you some tools that will enable you to begin re-taking ownership of your time.
Sarah Zink
P.S. Are you writing a newsletter and need some "snippets" of information? You are welcome to quote anything in this e-zine, provided you give appropriate credit.
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Four Steps to Re-take Control of Your Time
Cost Your Time
How much is your time worth? Take a moment to figure out how much you're worth. Using your gross salary, factor in what your company pays on your behalf for benefits, perks, etc. Divide that by 45 hours per week (NO, you can't divide by 60, or 50... even if you work that much). Use this figure when trying to determine tasks. Is it worth it for you to do any given task based on what you cost the company per hour? If you're spending hours organizing the supply cabinet, and it's not your job to do so, you're not only wasting time, you're wasting the company's money.
Block Your Time
Be aggressive about planning your time, because in essence, you are managing your energy. When your co-workers invade your office to chat, make a point that you're happy to meet them in the break room at 10:15, and block off 15 minutes for that purpose. Block off other chunks of time to read and answer emails and voicemails, and to work on larger projects. Don't hesitate to close your door or put a sign on your door/cubicle indicating your need some quiet time to focus.
Set Goals
How do you know you're successful at planning your time if you don't set goals? Turning reports in on time, creating/finishing projects, etc. are the benchmarks for many people when determining if they are successful at time management. Decide for yourself what the goals are for you and then see what it will take to make that happen.
Learn to say "No"
All too often, we are tempted to say "yes" in order to be cooperative, when in reality, we are simply self-sabotaging. In the privacy of your home, car, or office, practice saying "no" in a firm, yet pleasant way. "Thank you so much for thinking of me, but I simply can't take on another task right now." If it's your boss asking you to take on more work, let them know that if you are going to work on the new task, something else will have to slide... give them the opportunity to decide what task WON'T get done in order for you to complete this new one.
If you would like Sarah to come and speak
to your group, organization or company,
please click HERE. |
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Three Time Traps and Tools to Overcome Them
TRAP:Talking about an idea RIGHT NOW
TOOL:The Parking Lot
Take a large sticky flip chart sheet and tack it to the wall, and in meetings, when someone wants to discuss something off-topic, or when someone comes into your office with a "great idea that will just take a minute", have them write their great idea on the "Parking Lot", and discuss it at a more appropriate time. (Staff meeting, private meeting, etc.)
TRAP: Trying to do everything at once
TOOL: Prioritizing
How do you prioritize? I always defer to deadlines. Any time you are given a task, be sure to ask when it's due. As you prioritize, always ask yourself, "Is this effective?"
TRAP: Trying to do everything yourself
TOOL: Delegating/Deflecting
One of the worst concepts that was ever misinterpreted was the phrase " Never say It's not My Job." the reality is - there are some things that are simply NOT your job. Whenever you are beginning a new task, be sure that it's something that you are being paid to do. What is your job description? Is this task something that ought to be completed by someone else?
Click HERE to schedule Sarah as a speaker for your next event. |
What is The Biggest Time Waster on the Planet?
MEETINGS!
Four Tips for an Effective Meeting
- ALWAYS have an agenda and stick to it, even for a meeting with two people, even for a phone call. This helps you stay on-task. If possible, distribute the agenda beforehand so people can come prepared.
- KNOW the reason for the meeting. There are only three reasons to meet:
- Distribute Information
- Distribute Tasks
- Brainstorm Challenges
Set aside a period of time for the meeting (one hour at the most). Start on time, end on time.
DON'T MEET. Can this task be accomplished with a memo or phone call?
If you would like Sarah to come and speak
to your group, organization or company,
please click HERE.
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February "Think Zink" Sponsor:
Ruthe Jackson Center
Corporate Meetings and Events, Garden Weddings
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