The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

MANAGING YOUR TIME / 187

Making time

Planning encourages you to think not

just about the day ahead, but also the

more distant future. It’s all too easy

to put off big but necessary strategic

projects, such as arranging training

for your staff or creating a database

of contacts, because you are immersed

in day-to-day activities. Think about the

longer-term projects you would like

to implement in the next quarter. Break

these tasks into manageable chunks,

and estimate how much time it will take

you to complete each chunk.

Keep a sheet of paper on your

desk, divided into two columns.

Assign a code or letter to each of

these categories (e.g. emails = E,

thinking = T).

Categorize your tasks, e.g.

answering emails, writing

reports, planning, thinking,

visiting clients, traveling.

Split your day into 15-minute

segments; enter these

periods in the first column.

of workers do not make

or use a “to do” list

30 %

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