What have you learned in 2005?
As we enter the holiday season and the end of the year draws closer, I like to reflect on the successes and lessons learned over this year. One area in particular is how well I have managed my time. How many times have I had to redo, reprint, revise items etc? Have I used my time and resources satisfactorily? Or have I wasted time and resources redoing projects? Here are some strategies for overcoming wasted time.
Do you procrastinate?
- Make those unpleasant items a priority (if they really are important). Get them done first; then you can go on to a more preferred item.
- Schedule one of these tasks a day or a specific time or day of the week to do them.
- Divide the larger tasks into smaller ones or ask someone to help you with a part of the project.
- Then when you are done - celebrate!
Don't spread yourself too thin
- Again, setting priorities; scheduling a specific time and following that plan will help you accomplish your goals and get the most important things done first.
- Just say "no" - that is, when asked to do a task, evaluate if it is best performed by you or someone else on your team. Work as a team player and let others do specific jobs.
- Share the phone duties. There are times when you can work best when undisturbed. Work out a plan to share this important customer service responsibility.