22. Priorities Stephen Covey - First Things First “I attended a seminar once where the instructor was lecturing on time. At one point, he said, ‘Okay, time for a quiz.’ He reached under the table and pulled out a wide-mouthed gallon jar. He set it on the table next to a platter with some fist-sized rocks on it. ‘How many of these rocks do you think we can get in the jar?’ he asked.”
23. Priorities “After we made our guess, he said, ‘Okay. Let's find out.’ He set one rock in the jar . . . then another . . . then another. I don't remember how many he got in, but he got the jar full. Then he asked, ‘Is this jar full?’ Everyone looked at the rocks and said, ‘Yes.’"
24. Priorities “Then he said, ‘Ahhh’ He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar and the gravel went in all the little spaces left by the big rocks. Then he grinned and said once more, ‘Is the jar full?’"
25. Priorities “By this time the class was on to him. ‘Probably not,’ we said. ‘Good!’ he replied. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in and it went into all of the little spaces left by the rocks and the gravel. Once more he looked and said, ‘Is this jar full?’ ‘No!’ we roared.”
26. Priorities “He said, ‘Good!’ and he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in. He got something like a quart of water in that jar. Then he said, ‘ Well, what's the point?’ Somebody said, ‘Well, there are gaps, and if you work really hard you can always fit some more things into your life.’”
27. Priorities “’No,’ he said, ‘that's not really the point. The point is this: Put the Big Rocks in First!’”
48. Time (Self) Analysis Time Management Questionnaire Planning Your Time Does my present schedule allow enough time for planning? Do I plan each day in advance? Do I make frequent cancellations or changes of schedule? Would more time spent on planning help? Do I constantly prioritize tasks? Do I habitually consider the time implications before agreeing to additional activities?
49. Time (Self) Analysis Time Management Questionnaire Tools & Techniques Do I use an agenda to keep meetings on target? Do I deal repeatedly with the same problems due to lack of a written policy/procedure statement? Do I make use of appropriate office equipment & technology to streamline the use of my time? Do I work with a personal calendar or PDA? Do I consciously attempt to keep written communications short and to the point? Can I take steps to control frequent interruptions? Do I save up several short, non-pressing items before calling a conference with someone?
50. Time (Self) Analysis Time Management Questionnaire Your Time Use Am I frequently late for meetings/appointments? Is the amount of time I spend on various activities proportionate tot the amount of time I think I should spend on them? Do I respond in a timely fashion correspondence? Do I regularly work more than my scheduled hours? Do I procrastinate? Do people frequently have to wait in order to see me? Do I frequently have to take work home? Do I want to take work home? Are production dates consistently met in my department? Do I have too many phone interruptions? Can my telephone work be more effectively handled? Am I interrupted too often by people with questions? Could I develop a procedure to streamline the interruptions and questions? Do I have time to read professional journals, etc. to keep up-to-date on the latest developments in my field?
51. Time (Self) Analysis Common Enemies of Time 1. Procrastination - Creates challenges and consumes time - Caused by inappropriate, preconceived attitudes, fear of failing, the lack of inertia, or the basic lack of planning. - Deprives us of satisfaction, success, happiness and time to do what we really want to do.
56. Action Plan List ALL of your tasks and action items personally and professionally Prioritize your tasks/activities Divide into “Must Do” and “Should Do” lists Must Do – What needs to be done today? - Will my family or work suffer if I fail to do this today? - Prioritize working on this list immediately in order of priority. - Use a scale of 1-10 2. Should Do – After completing the items on your ‘Must Do’ list, prioritize your items on your Should Do list. - What can be delegated? - What can be eliminated? - Start working on this list in order of priority. - Use a scale of 1-10 2. Use Urgent vs. Important Matrix Review & prioritize your lists at the start of each day. - Life happens; priorities and necessary actions change. 4. Identify the best use of your time – Delegate whatever you can. Focus on the 20% of your work that will give you 80% of the results.
58. Time Management Tips The 2 Minute Rule – Will the task will take less than 2 minutes? - Do it, Delegate it, or Drop it! 2. Just say “NO” – Don’t accept invitations due to guilt or pressure. If you take on more than you can handle, you won’t have enough time to do anything well. 3. Delegate – You know what to do! Plan for Meetings - Develop & distribute an agenda prior to the meeting - Start & stop on time. - Take notes during the meeting including: - What was discussed - Decisions made - Actions taken/who is taking them.
59. Time Management Tips 5. Remove the clutter - When you finish tasks, file the papers immediately. Create a default calendar - Set specific times to check e-mail, text messages, voice mail, etc. - Set specific times for specific activities when your energy level aligns with the action. - Include some time alone for yourself where you are undisturbed. 7. Avoid distractions before they begin. - Turn-off the e-mail pop-up. - Turn-off the phone ringer (when appropriate) - If you work from home, plan around the family’s schedule or find a location that is free of distractions. (Laundry, animals, etc.) 8. Use idle time wisely - Waiting time in doctor’s office, airport, in traffic, public transportation. - Listen to an audio book/read a magazine - Work on your Must Do/Should Do lists - Bring paper/pen - write down those ideas that bubble to the surface