14 Time Management Tips

Do you want to make better use of your time at work? If so, you're not alone. We all want to be more productive in order to get ahead in our careers; however, none of us want to spend every waking hour at work.

Time management is really about managing yourself. It's about making a commitment to be more organized, maintain your focus and use your time to your best advantage.

Here are some tips to help you become active and proactive with your time.
stick to the plan
1- Maintain a to-do list
Create a to-do list and make it a habit to continually update it. Include urgent and non-urgent items so you'll never forget or overlook anything again. Carry your list with you at all times, either in your iPhone or your daily agenda. Also, be sure to break down your projects and assignments into specific action points. For instance, instead of noting "Prepare Performance Reviews," write:

* Research absenteeism records on employees
* Review personal files
* Read employee goals
* Assess performance
* Prepare "Performance Review" documentation
* Meet with employees to discuss reviews

2- Allocate your time
Include an estimated time frame for each action point and the date by which the task must be completed. If the order in which you perform the tasks doesn't matter, you might be able to accomplish something during unexpected pockets of free time. For instance, you could research information on the internet while waiting in your office for a conference call to begin.
3- Set and respect deadlines
Be realistic about setting deadlines and strive to meet them. It's true that any task takes the exact amount of time allotted to it. Have you ever noticed how quickly you can blitz through paperwork, delegate assignments and make decisions on the last day before your vacation? Although we tend to get a lot done when we're under pressure, it is a lot less stressful and considerably more professional to establish and stick to an action plan.
avoid wasting time
4- Use your time wisely
Consider accessing your e-mail only at certain times of the day and let your voice mail pick up your calls to give you an uninterrupted hour or two. If possible, never touch the same piece of paper or e-mail twice. Do not open your mail unless you have time to read it and take action on it; that is, reply to it, delegate it, file it or discard it.

More time management tips to help you get organized coming up...

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5- Get organized
Organize your desk, your hard-copy and computer files and your e-mail folders so you can find things easily. Far too much time is wasted searching for lost information. Benjamin Franklin said it best: "A place for everything, everything in its place."
6- Stay on task
Have a clearly designated "in" basket so people do not put things on your desk randomly. Have you ever returned from a meeting to find extra files, letters and documents all over your desk? Instead of following your own schedule, you probably became sidetracked by someone else's priorities.
7- Avoid disruptions
If you have a door, close it occasionally. Having an "open-door policy" for your staff is self-defeating if you don't have the time to really listen to their questions and concerns. If a coworker comes to your desk when you're too busy to chat, ask to set an alternate time to meet.
streamline teamwork
8- Collaborate and cooperate
Colleagues will expect your work to be done on time, so be sure to avoid any delays. You'll have the same expectations of them. To be safe, build extra time into the project time line to counteract unexpected snags, miscommunications or missed deadlines. If your presentation date is the 25th of the month, make sure you have everything scheduled for completion by the 23rd.
9- Avoid unnecessary follow-ups
If you pass the buck or assign work to someone else, let it go unless it is your specific responsibility to oversee it. Too many men waste valuable time listening to or reading reports about someone else's project. If your colleagues' research or business responsibilities do not impact your day-to-day work, job performance or career goals, you should only express an interest by way of supportive conversation.
10- Cancel routine meetings
Determine if meetings are absolutely necessary. If they are, establish an agenda and stay on track -- start and end on time. If your presence is not essential for the entire weekly operations review meeting, ask your boss privately if it might be appropriate for you to excuse yourself early.

Stop procrastinating by using these time management tips...
maintain your focus
11- Keep busy
Keep your skills sharp by having at least one project on the go at all times. Two or more is even better, as it gives you the opportunity to switch gears and concentrate on something else for a change of pace. Working on different projects simultaneously ensures that you always have something to work on. It also keeps your mind active and your perspective fresh.

12- Pick your projects carefully
Make