As a manager, you probably have more on your agenda than you can handle at most times. When you have a lot going on, but only so many hours in a day to accomplish everything, it’s important to have stellar time management skills.
Staying on top of your workload and having the ability to anticipate what’s coming down the pipeline is crucial. It takes a special type of person to achieve managerial success, so prove you have the time management skills needed to shine!
Five Time Management Tips To Be A Better Leader
1. Make A To-Do List
It’s no secret that managers have a lot on their plates — probably more than you’ve ever had to tackle at once. Make a to-do list and stick to it to make sure you don’t drop the ball. It’s much easier to prioritize when you know exactly what the day has in store for you.
2. Learn To Delegate
As a manager, you’re accountable for the results produced by your team, so it’s understandable that you want to have your hands in everything. However, you’re only one person and you can’t do it all yourself. Show your team how much you trust them by delegating your responsibilities. This helps everything get accomplished on time and allows your team to grow their skills.
3. Communicate With Your Team
Make sure your entire team is on the same page before starting a project. It may take a little extra time to meet and discuss expectations, but it will take a whole lot longer if you have to backtrack and start from scratch because everyone was doing their own thing. Create a culture of open communication where people feel comfortable coming to you with questions.
4. Designate Set Times For Email
Email is a huge distraction. You probably spend about half your day responding to the seemingly endless stream of messages that constantly appear in your inbox. Turn off email notifications and make a point to only check your messages two or three times per day. This allows you to actually focus and get work done, instead of constantly getting sidetracked.
5. Know How To Handle Interruptions
Having an open-door policy with your team is important, but if you’re always available, you’ll never get anything done. Block off certain times on your calendar where you can shut your office door, put your head down and allow yourself to work uninterrupted. Tackle your most challenging assignments during this time and save the easier tasks for later when disruptions won’t quell your progress.
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