86,400 seconds. That is all we have in Edmonton. From the time we get up in our part of Canada, until the time we get up again, we all have that same 24 hours. How we use that time is extremely important. In every 2014 organization, leaders and employees must get results in less time and with fewer resources. Throughout the day, everyone encounters delays, distractions and interruptions. These three variables hurt our performance and take away from true purpose. How can we get any work done?
Dale Carnegie Training offers the following seven strategies for effectiveness and efficiency:
- Organization: Have a daily game plan and check off everything on the list as it gets done. Do one for every single day; it is okay to carry over work from yesterday to today’s list as things reprioritize.
- Expect interruptions: It will happen. The only thing anyone can do is manage the unexpected well and move forward. Patience and flexibility are important.
- Manage urgency: “First things first” is the old adage. It is a true one. Assign importance to everything.
- Lead effective meetings: The big time wasters are those meetings that happen with no agenda, no facilitation, no note taker and no timekeeper. Make sure people show up on time and that everyone contributes.
- Prioritize communications: Push the button on the computer and 100 new e-mails show up. The voicemail is full, and your texts keep “binging” the phone. Remember that first things first thing; which communication is most important?
- Support teamwork: Results happen more quickly and with more success when everyone is involved. Teams make things happen.
- Focus: This simple yet effective term truly makes a difference. Place a 3×5 card near your work area with this word in capital letters. Glancing at it occasionally will keep the task at hand.
Building productive work relationships is at the heart of the message found within How to Win Friends and Influence People. Effective engagement and time management go hand-in-hand.
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Photo: Danilin, FDP