Problem Possible remedies- Postponing unpleasant tasks ■ Set a timetable and stick to it
■ Get unpleasant tasks over with
quickly – you will feel better
afterwards. - Insufficient time to think ■ Reserve blocks of time – part
of a day or week – for
thinking. No paperwork, no
interruptions.
PEOPLE- Constant interruptions from ■ Use PA to keep unwanted
people calling into your office visitors out
■ Make appointments and see
that people stick to them
■ Reserve block times when you
are not to be interrupted. - Constant telephone ■ Get your PA to intercept
interruptions and, where appropriate, divert
calls
■ State firmly that you will call
back when convenient. - Too much time spent in ■ Decide in advance what you
conversation want to achieve when you
meet someone, and keep
pleasantries to a minimum at
the beginning and end
■ Concentrate on keeping
yourself and the other person
to the point – it is too easy to
divert or be diverted
■ Learn how to end meetings
quickly but not too brusquely.
PAPERWORK- Flooded with incoming paper ■ Get your PA to sort it into
three folders: action now,
action later, information
■ Take yourself off the
circulation list of useless
information
How to Manage Time 197