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Time management tips


Part three


John Harrison Learning and Development Business Partner at YPO


Here’s the final part from my time management series, with more advice and tips to help you master your time. I hope you find these useful, along with the tips from the last two editions.


Sleeping lions


Being more productive isn’t just planning and organising, but also resting and regrouping. Just working more and more hours only leads to rapidly diminishing returns. For the research to back this up see: http://is.gd/MHV0ZG


Sharpen the saw...


Stephen Covey tells the story of a man who was walking through a forest when he came across a frustrated lumberjack.


The lumberjack was trying to cut down a tree and was swearing and cursing as he laboured in vain. “What’s the problem?” The man asked. “My saw’s blunt and won’t cut the tree properly.” The lumberjack responded. “Why don’t you just sharpen it?” “Because then I would have to stop sawing.” Said the lumberjack. “But if you sharpened your saw, you could cut more efficiently and effectively than before.” “But I don’t have time to stop!” The lumberjack retorted, getting more frustrated.


The man shook his head and kept on walking, leaving the lumberjack to his pointless frustration.


So what does this signify? If your physical, spiritual, mental and emotional dimensions are out of balance, you will not be at your best to tackle your day to day challenges. Covey suggests targeting one hour per day in focusing your energies on enhancing one of your dimensions, if you feel this would be too much, consider this; what if you could take one night a week without flopping on the sofa and watching TV – take time out to read for pleasure, go for a swim or to the gym, cook with your family or friends, listen to that album you’ve been meaning to listen to? Start with that and build.


Defend your sanctuary


For a one–minute distraction – someone coming to your desk to ask a question/email/call etc. – how long does it take for you to get back into concentration? 15 mins.


Even when what’s to be done is clear, distractions (whether self–created or from outside) are a major threat. As well as the time for the item itself, it can take up to 15 minutes to find your place again and get ‘back in the zone’.


Use do not disturb signs (either virtual or real). Phone set to silent. Mark as busy on shared calendars. Home workers: make sure others know you are at work, and when you’ll be home.


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