Time management offers us a wonderful tool in assessing our day’s activities and the amount of energy we expend. It helps us stay in control of our day while reducing stress and non-valued added pursuits. It can also allow us to leave work at work by not taking a briefcase home, which is basically an extension of the office.
Within the manufacturing sector, labor costs for product design, prototype fabrication, testing, production, and logistics are all measured in time. In other industries, labor hours are assigned to various campaigns, projects, programs, and customer accounts – all factors that determine ultimate cost and profit margin. Managers are always looking for ways to reduce cycle time to build a product, provide a service, or complete a process.
Simply put, we are all called on to do more in less time. Managers are expected to lead, supervise, coach, motivate, discipline, and reward their team members; prepare reports; attend meetings; give presentations; participate on joint teams; and complete self-improvement training or acquire a higher degree. A time management routine would help.
The sooner we can implement to a logical, workable time management routine, the greater the impact on our performance, enjoyment, and overall well-being. The secret is to stick with it until we think of something better! For example, if our job requires writing…..accomplishing writing tasks soon after we get to work may work better as we are more relaxed and creative. Conducting staff meetings soon after our superior’s allow us to flow down information, answer questions, provide guidance, and get updates. Even our geographic location may allow us to lump telephone calls to our primary customers. Whatever we do to reduce non-value added energy, will improve our own enjoyment and performance.