5 Tips from a Multi-Tasker to Help Manage Your Time Better
Multi-tasking has become a way of life for many of us and with our responsibilities pulling us in many different directions; it’s easy to become overwhelmed. As an Account Executive at an advertising agency, I manage anywhere from 15-20 clients on a daily basis and am juggling dozens of projects at any given time. Since most of us can’t cut down on the amount of things we have to do, learning how to manage our time better can help one go from spinning your wheels to actually getting somewhere. Here are five tips I practice in order to utilize my time more effectively in order to get more done:
1. Prioritize Your Tasks – First thing every morning create a list of the tasks that need to get done that day. Rank them in order of importance and list the amount of time you expect each to take. This puts a clear plan in place and will allow you to fit them in throughout the day amongst various other responsibilities.
2. Delegate –Many times there are a lot of important things that need to get done, but do not require a deep knowledge of the project or brand. Assign these tasks to other team members that have the availability and knowledge necessary to complete the task(s) successfully. Be sure to provide clear instructions and layout your expectations at the beginning to see the results you desire. It can be hard to let go sometimes, but handing some of these smaller things off can free up some of your time which will allow you to focus on the bigger tasks at hand.
3. Block Off Time – Set time aside in your day for priority tasks and become unavailable to any outside interruption. Do not take any calls, e-mails, or walk-ins in order to ensure nothing takes your mind off the task at hand until it is complete. “Success in any endeavor requires single-minded attention to detail and total concentration.” – Willie Sutton
4. Organize – Having your inbox overflowing and your desk full of post-its will immediately make you feel overwhelmed. Take the time to file your e-mails leaving only those in your inbox that require action on your part and put all notes into the respective client or project folders. You will now not only feel more relaxed, but nothing will fall through the cracks and you will be able to locate anything on a moment’s notice.
5. Schedule Time for the Unknown – Rather than jam packing your day, leave at least an hour open for the unknown. I constantly have unplanned things coming in throughout the day that require my immediate attention. If you book a full day of meetings and tasks, chances are you will either not get everything done that you planned to, or will be working extra hours that day.
Implementing time management strategies is crucial for any modern day multi-tasker. Putting a plan in place will help you get more done and feel more relaxed at the end of the day. By breaking everything down into a manageable plan, you can leave every day knowing you are on track and ready to take on the next task at hand.
What else do you do to help you manage your time more effectively? Share them with us here.
