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Friday, December 11. 2009
The utmost challenge for working people with families is how to achieve success in both worlds at the same time. Juggling both is really challenging. In order to balance the demands of both aspects of your life, you would have to hone your time management skills.
Set a schedule or deadline with the rewards of achieved goals in mind
Schedules and deadlines are the road map to your destination of work-life balance. Setting a deadline and making schedules in order to meet it will help you in your individual tasks.
Work overtime but not on weekends for a more effective time management
You must strive for work not to encroach on your personal life. One way of doing this is to allot the weekend purely for the family. If you have to work overtime, you will not feel guilty for not coming home early since you’d know that you will be with your family the whole weekend.
Managing your time well will also give you the chance to de-stress. This is your “me time,” and you should give as much importance to it.
Wednesday, April 25. 2007
Clock's always ticking and I always find myself in panic. Every morning, I'd sometimes wake up late for a meeting. I'll always turn the bed into a tornado looking for my stuff and my wife will soon rattle my brains out with her nagging. I panic like hell, and the more I do, the more I bungle up with work and my routines. I stub my toes every damn day and I don't know if it's just my klutziness or something, may be something is seriously wrong with me. Then I figured that panic takes most of my time.
Tuesday, April 24. 2007
The worst thing that panic can do is to mess up with your brain. Okay, so you're late, but it doesn't mean that turning into a wild twister will save you time either. Panic reinforces the "tic-tic" sound of an alarm ready to explode any minute you stop moving your ass. It helps you to speed up, but it makes you lose your common sense. For instance, when I was rushing to get dressed, I forgot to put on my socks and left my PDA behind. Why? I was moving fast, too fast that I'm no longer thinking on my toes. Panic kills time, and the more you're hurried, things will turn out to be more messy than it already is.
Monday, April 23. 2007
 So how do you save time? Think first before you act, pull things together before you budge. You'll be surprised that there are more seconds you can save from fidgeting and moving endlessly. Think of the things you need to do but, more importantly of the things you don't want to leave behind. Slowly act on them at once and in no time you'll be done. The next time, you may want to plan ahead before you go sound asleep. Put all your things in one corner. Make it your routine for safekeeping. Save time so you'll always have the luxury of keeping abreast with your demands and challenges for every day.
Friday, March 30. 2007
 Staff meetings and other relevant corporate gatherings often end up in grandstand forum while the focus of discussion is often derailed. More and more corporate players feel the drowning of time in their seats. Thus, they lose their motivation to achieve a consensus.
There is precious time saved if reports will be more specific and goal-oriented. Even with an elaborate visual aid, some reports take time more than they should. Speakers set the floor for endless blubber or too elaborate presentataions when they are already missing the main point.
Economy of words must be observed at all times. To achieve a common understanding is to stress on key words- words that are simple but powerful. If you are to conduct the meeting yourself, assess the needs of the participants. It goes more than the refreshments or the accomodations. For instance, all participants are acquainted with the subject, there's no need to prolong discussions. Present questions on hand and get answers. Take note of their objectives and evaluate their reasons. Sometimes, ego gets in the way, it hinders successful business meetings. Better yet, smoothe it out and act as the neutralizer. Hear everyone out and make a wise and honest decision.
A direct and straight forward approach rewards immediate end-results. As time is of precious value in any enterprise, qualify your use. Economy of words equals shorter time and clearer views.
Monday, March 26. 2007
You can prevent a whole stressful meal and day when you know how to manage your time. Remember that the key to a healthy and satisfying career and personal life is time management. Once you master it, it can make you a productive and efficient individual.
One crux of time management is having a clear goal in mind. Things that you should accomplish first should be written down on a paper. A to-do list can help you smoothly carry out these tasks until their completion. Your schedule should not only contain tasks but also the set time for meals, recreation, and relaxation. Bear in mind that even though your tasks may be that Herculean, allot several minutes of breaks or transition period for you to avoid exhaustion and avoid getting mentally drained.
Schedules would also make you avoid procrastination, believe it or not. I know some people cannot be that efficient with schedules, but trust me, a mental or a jotted schedule would do the trick. No matter how trivial the task may seem, do not let it pile up so you won't cram at the eleventh hour. After you have done your schedules, refer to it from time to time and try to make necessary adjustments so that you can monitor your progress or your shortcomings. Reset your priorities and goals when you notice that you are still failing in your job.
Sunday, March 25. 2007
 Work simplification is the smartest aspect in managing our time since it works to benefit our mind, body, and responsibilities. Simple does not mean to be simple minded, neglecting your duties and obligations. Rather, simplifying means to set a plan of action that works effectively and smoothly while reaching for your goals.
If we are making plans to obtain goals, then we want to analyze carefully which techniques work best to attain that goal. We should have a plan schedule that is simple and logical; so that it informs us which steps to take next to reach our level of success intended, without feeling doubts or running into complications constantly along the path. No strategy or plan is flawless, so remember when you're making schedules "role playing" can often decrease risks in plans. This means when you come up with an idea for your planning scheme, you would ask questions, play out the part, and focus on the results. If good results come from the actions or decisions, you know then that the plan will run smoothly.
Life is very short to misuse time, and time is wasting money, so understand the essentials of time management so you can attain your goals. Manage your life by managing your time. No matter what we do in life, it all rotates around time. We can spend time wisely and get results from our efforts, or we can waste time and sit back wondering what happen to our lives?
Saturday, March 17. 2007
 Technology can be an effective tool in today's work environment, but it can also be a serious distraction for those who are not effective managers of time. It has been found in a study that only 10 percent of today's techno-savvy users are using this high-tech gadgets and tools to improve their efficiency and productivity. Non-urgent phone calls, emails, and time spent surfing the web for useless information account for much of the wasted time at work. Remember also that a flurry of activity does not necessarily mean productivity and it is often a way to avoid even thinking about doing what's most important.
For you to get more things done, here are some basic (mental) tips that can help you to be a successful time manager. First, you have to do first things first. This means picturing the task/s, analyzing it, and separating the important from the not-so important tasks. Then, actually concentrate on the task (like a laser beam, eh?) until it is complete. This will not only help you get more done, but it will also motivate you with a sense of accomplishment to move down the list to the next priority. Also, follow the golden rule: Think before you act on that very task. Indeed, one of the excellent means of productivity is to sit and think about a project before rushing into it. Planning your course of action before actually doing it minimizes unnecessary retakes and gives you a smooth flow while accomplishing the task.
Monday, January 22. 2007
The best thing that I love about being a freelance sales agent is the freedom. I can choose the products I want to sell. I am not restricted by daily quota. Although I do not receive a regular salary, the commissions that I get from selling various products are enough to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. I can take a day off anytime I want. I consider myself as an excellent salesman. Heck, I can even sell sands in a desert or ice in the North Pole. Being a free lance sales agent does not require big investment. You simply need to earn the trust of big distributors that you can represent them to the customers.
Another perk about being a freelance sales agent is that you get to work with the most motivated and positive people. There are sales projects that I have handled that required working with teams. The spirit of camaraderie is a sales team is very inspiring. It is comparable to team sport coordination.
I think that being a freelance sales agent is the best job there is. Time management is not so much an issue of quota. I usually focus on one sales project at a time. I avoid multi-tasking or conflicting projects. For instance, if I am selling real estate, I only work for one brokerage at a time.
Saturday, January 20. 2007
 Finding a job is not as easy as having an impressive resume. If you are a new graduate and do not yet have an employment experience even if it's just as a part-time nanny, it may take sometime before you can find a company that will hire you. Ironically, it is sometimes more difficult to find a job if you are a college graduate.
Obviously, college graduates will not seek menial jobs such as being a gasoline station attendant or waiter. College graduates seek high-paying and professional jobs. However, most job seekers only get frustrated. They may get employed, but the job may not fit their expectations.
To save money and other resources, a job seeker must carefully pan his job hunting. Some basic job hunting tips may be helpful. A job hunter must learn how to manage his time. For instance, a job hunter may focus on a particular business district in applying for a job. In this manner, he may not need to commute long distance in reporting from one job interview to another. Managing time in job hunting also means optimizing time. A job hunter should narrow down his search. He should not respond to every job advertisement. He should only focus on the job opportunities wherein he is most qualified.
Monday, January 8. 2007
 Time is perhaps the most precious resource that we have. Unlike other resources such as money, wasted time cannot be earned again. Time is intangible yet we can see its effects. Change is the direct result of the passage of time. There are changes that are favorable to us. There are also changes that put us in miserable or unhealthy situations. However, whatever our present situation is the result of our decisions, actions, and circumstances in the past. Although we cannot totally control our destiny, the overall direction of our life is still a matter of choice.
We all have 24 hours within a day, but most of us do not use this time wisely. On the average, we have 8 hours for work, 8 hours for leisure, and 8 hours for sleep. However, this is not applicable to all persons. To wisely manage time, you should consider time as an investment opportunity.
You should not abuse your time by overindulging in unproductive activities such as playing violent computer games. Your daily activities should be properly scheduled. Give priority to the most important tasks of the day. If you are a student, you should prioritize studying instead of partying.
Friday, January 5. 2007
 Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or AD/HD problem often encounter conflict with their time management. If you're one of them, you might have a problem with things that you have to remember. A person who has this kind of disorder usually experience difficulty in time management. Thus, they tend to fail in fulfilling their daily responsibilities. But, one way to face the problem is to make use of day planners.
The proper use of day planners will make you survive with time arrangement dilemma. So, it is better to utilize the day planner in the likes of your small calendar and phone directory kit. List everything you have to accomplish within the day, and put all the telephone number of the persons you know. Also, you can write the date of anniversaries, serial numbers, birthdays, and other information you like to know. Then, place it in accessible area, where you can easily find it when needed.
Bring your planner anywhere you go, so that you will recall things you have to accomplish. Study the day planner habitually so you may know what thing happen or what you should do within the day. And of course, you have to practice looking at your reliable day planner.
Saturday, December 30. 2006
One of the hardest things to do is to manage a time. The old saying says " time is gold" that is why we must know how to use it wisely and productively. To manage your time, you must set your priorities and schedule your planned activities. There are three basic rules in managing your time.
First is to avoid creating situations that are impossible. Do not force yourself to perform jobs that you cannot actually do because that will just cause health problem. You must determine your priorities and excel in it. The second rule is defining your priorities. Make a list of your schedules and plans. This will serve as your daily guide for your activities.
You also need to list the things you are supposes to do for the day because this will be your reminder. You must have this everyday for organization purposes. Further, list your long term objectives and goals. This will make you think of the future and not just concentrate on present. Meanwhile the third rule says, you should avoid being distracted and concentrate on your priorities. With these set of rules in time management you will surely attain your future goals.
Thursday, December 21. 2006
 I believe that I am a time-conscious person. I know that every second counts and each second falls is very important. I love to accomplish many tasks in a day. I do not want to get in bed without accomplishing something significant in a day. That is why, time management is very important to me.
I use an organizer to keep my time schedule well. I attend to what I believe is priority during the day. I am a strict follower of my time schedule planner. I do not to waste my time doing nothing. When idle, I think of business dealings.
I believe that doing a lot of things in a day will give knowledge to a person. Time management is a matter of knowing your time in a day and how are you going to use it. Every hour should give you a productive result.
Time is gold, as what the old saying says. But, though it is old, it is still very true. You can never get back the time. So what you can do today, do it now. For you never know if you are still there tomorrow just to finish your undone things.
Saturday, December 9. 2006
 In this fast paced world, there shouldn't be any minute wasted. Scheduling and organizing your thing to do is one way to make sure you make the most of your time. Another way would be to develop multi-tasking skills.
Multi-tasking means doing two or more things at the same time. Some say that women are best at doing this. I say, men can equally do this, too. Professionals or non-professionals should learn how to do this.
Let's say you have to meet certain clients. You can do this over your lunchbreak. This ensures that you do your task and also get to eat. If you have to prepare for a presentation, do this in your laptop computer on your way to the office.
The trick is to find tasks that are have a connection. Do this at the same time but do not cram. Prioritize one job and focus more on it but also take note of the other thing you have to do. Check up on the other task every now and then. When the time comes for the schedule of your other task, then you can finish it faster and have more things to do. Also, always remember to do the things you can right away instead of leaving it for tomorrow.
Saturday, November 18. 2006
 Time management is one of the most important factors for a successful career. You may be oh-so-smart but, if you cannot manage your time wisely, then that's a big problem. Everything works according to time because in today's society, time is very valuable. Time is a resource that you cannot just take back. Wouldn't you rather just sit back and relax after a satisfactory day's work, because you have managed your time well? Or would you prefer rushing around because you're always chasing time?
How you keep up with time also reflects on how you handle life. If you're in control of your time and schedule, then you have a grasp on the idea of total responsibility. Having time management gives you the power to control your everyday schedule. Don't you just hate it when you rush things? Rushing and cramming only makes work sloppy. You don't give your best efforts because you're pressured with the lack of time. Time management also gives you the opportunity to organize your plans in life, or even your weekly activities. This would also give you the disciplinary skills on balancing the other areas in your life. Time management is like a good investment plan. When you invest your time to something, you wouldn't have to worry about those problems in the future. It will also pay off in the end when you've achieved your goals ahead of time.
Thursday, November 9. 2006
 In the world of work and business, not everything is cut and dried, in black and white or laid out in a straight line. Before I bore you with clichés, the point I'm trying to get across is that there is more than one way to skin a cat (sorry. That's the last one. Promise.).
Flexibility is the name of the game in the businessworld. A manager should be open to new ways of doing things, and not tied down to a proven method while another one might prove more efficient for the amount of time and effort invested in it.
There are many ways to do things, and some are more efficient than others. A good manager is open to these new methods and is willing to take risks to try them out.
Friday, November 3. 2006
 Have you ever felt like you have been working for eight hours straight, but you just can't seem to finish your workload? If it does, then it is probably time for you to face the truth: you cannot do the work alone.
One of the basic tenets of time management is allotting time for a specific task. However, if time is not on your side, then move on to the next assignment or get someone to help you out. For most of us, rotation of work is not provided immediately and there is only one type of task assigned to us each day. In this case, sharing the load with a colleague or delegating the responsibility to a subordinate increases your chance to focus on other issues at hand.
Don't be an obsessive-compulsive and hog all the credit. Sometimes, admitting that we need help and being humble speaks more than what we are capable of, don't you agree?
Tuesday, October 17. 2006
 There are two things people must learn to save: time and money. Yet while they can still regain money, they can never bring back a time that is lost. Indeed, every second counts and time must be spent in being productive and in realizing things with purpose. The following are a few suggestions that may help you save or manage your time in order to accomplish more things:
First, establish your most important goals and priorities.
Second, organize and make a schedule for all your daily, weekly, and monthly activities. Making the list also helps you to check whether you are right on track or lagging behind.
Third, while you must discipline yourself in following your schedule, you must also leave room for flexibility.
Fourth, do not focus or even eliminate tasks which are trivial or bear no consequence at all towards your long-term goals.
Fifth and last, refrain from being a perfectionist. Putting too much attention to details is impractical and will cost you a lot of time.
Monday, October 9. 2006
 As a manager, people in the office think that you have all the time in the world. All you have got to do is oversee the operations, do a report, and monitor your staff. What others do not fully realize is, the hardest part in this whole job of yours is that you are responsible for all those things, even if you are not actually doing the tasks.
One of the logical ways to remain on track, avoid lapses, and still be counted as an excellent manager is sticking to the schedule. After listing the assignments and prioritizing, the jobs have to be done on time. Of course, there are instances wherein unexpected events can occur and mess with the schedule. This considered, being on time also means making allowances and realistic checks or approximations on the duration of the assignments. Only when you think of deadlines AND allow certain adjustments can you be said to manage time wisely.
Saturday, September 30. 2006
 Managing your time effectively can be one of the hardest things to do. After all, it can be very difficult to prioritize work over your leisurely activities such as basketball, tennis, swimming, jogging, and a lot more. In some cases, you give more time on your extracurricular activities instead of your job. If you are a workaholic, your tendency is to work all day and not have any fun.
This is not the way for you to do it. To come up with an effective time management table, you have to know yourself as well as your goals in life. When you already know these, it will become easier to prioritize your activities for the day, week, or even month. Even though your work is your priority, it does not mean that you should remove fun activities from your schedule.
Also, coming up with a flexible schedule is important. For this reason, it is vital to create one that fits your personality and your life.
Saturday, September 2. 2006
Keeping track of your staff, especially in a large company, can be a difficult task. You have to know where your people are at all times, chase after them and give them pointers all that stuff. With so much to do, it can get quite hairy trying to keep it all together.
But with Schooldude.com, you can now keep track of all your staff and their work with Schooldude.com's easy-to-use, trouble-free file and facility management systems! Schooldude.com offers a variety of management systems, from inventory to online conferencing management for your company's needs.
Schooldude.com is an innovative and easy way to improve your staff's productivity and service levels. Invest in it today!
Thursday, August 31. 2006
Time is a precious commodity. As they say, time waits for no one. This becomes more apparent at work than anywhere else. Sometimes there just isn't enough of it to go around. Managers are particularly familiar with this lack of time I speak of.
But there is a way to avoid this lack of time. The solution is learning to delegate. Simple, you say? Maybe, maybe not. Some people choose not to delegate because they are afraid of losing control and believe that no one can do a better job than they do.
That is a wrong frame of mind when it comes to the management of time. Delegating frees you up and gives you more freedom to move and monitor your staff - something you won't be able to do tied up to a job you didn't delegate. And remember: You, as a manager, have the final say. So don't be afraid to delegate. You can always tell them to do it again, and according to your specifications.
Saturday, August 26. 2006
You're busy with your responsibilities as a manager when human resources calls and tells you you've got a new employee coming your way. You go out and meet the new guy, and he's understandably enthusiastic about being there.
Now you could handle this in one of two ways: You could either cut his enthusiasm short and break his spirit, leaving him demoralized and broken, or you could fan his eagerness to your advantage, and the staff's advantage, by encouraging him and guiding him so that he can do his best and then some. But be careful - Enthusiasm can be very infectious!
Saturday, July 22. 2006
We can often become complacent and so cocksure of ourselves that we often believe that if things go wrong, we can always do it over. Unfortunately, this way of thinking leads to waste and lost productivity. In the long run, the cost of doing things over will come back to haunt you, whether it be a lack of funds, time or manpower.
The best way to avoid this type of scenario is to get things right the first time round. Getting it right the first time will save you a lot of trouble later on. You should approach a project as if you were going skydiving: You've only got one chance to get things right, and unless you do, you'll go splat on the ground.
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