If you feel there is never enough time in the day to get all your work done, then finding an effective time-management strategy and technique to get the most out of each day is crucial.
A recent study found that only one in five managers (18%) has a structured time-management system. The remaining managers (82%) simply relied on the least-successful time-management technique of “dealing with whatever comes up as it happens.”
The study also found that just 12% of managers felt their work is under control every day.
Regardless of your motivation for improving your time management, implementing some form of process will provide key benefits, including increased productivity, reduced stress, better control of your workflow and more consistently hit deadlines.
Managers experience a wide array of perceived obstacles that reduce their ability to manage time effectively. Fortunately, it is possible to identify and address time-management challenges, which can help optimize productiveness. Obstacles and remedies
for poor time management include:
Overbooking. Although it is often easy to accept new tasks with enthusiasm, sometimes the reality of the time needed to carry out them exceeds the time available. Carefully consider your current workload before taking on new assignments, and ask for an
estimate of the time needed to complete the job. Sometimes it’s OK to politely say “no.”
Not enough rest. Hard-working individuals sleep fewer hours or choose to avoid breaks in hopes of having extra time. However, reducing rest and/or time off makes you less effective in the long run. Productivity increases with adequate rest, so it is vital
you establish a consistent sleep schedule. Consider building breaks into your day.
Multiple distractions. Overuse of electronic devices sometimes gets in the way of strong time management. Try distraction-proofing your workspace by using indicators that you are working, such as wearing a set of headphones or closing your door, if appropriate.
Perfectionism. Attention to detail can be a valuable asset; however, perfectionism can interfere with productive time management. It can cause you to spend more time than necessary on details that might not have a significant impact on the overall outcome.
Try integrating preset success measures into your to-do list.
Rigid planning. This can sometimes be as much of a time-management challenge as disorganization. Interruptions will arise throughout the day, even with the best plans in place. Try being mindful of the value of flexibility when unavoidable interruptions
arise.
The ability to organize yourself and keep on top of tasks has a major impact on your success, and it can have a knock-on effect for your team. Creating a sense of order and calm for yourself creates a platform for productivity. Really organized people
are not usually born organized; they cultivate healthy habits that in time become behaviors that help them stay organized.
My top five tips for being organized are:
- Carry a notepad and write things down.
- Follow a routine.
- Make deadlines.
- Don’t procrastinate.
- Give everything a home; declutter regularly.
- Keys to building a strong time-management schedule that works for you include:
- Pay attention to how you feel. Create a workflow that helps you perform your best by matching jobs with your mood and level of motivation.
- Make mornings effortless. Create a simple set of morning habits that help you establish a reliable starting point each new day.
- Set priorities for the day. Avoid being distracted by everything you want to do. Identify the top three most important tasks, then schedule enough time to accomplish them.
- Accomplish challenging tasks first. By getting an important job done early, you give yourself the motivation to keep working. It can also help you be happier at work.
As you begin improving time management and increasing your productivity as a result, try rewarding yourself. Biologically speaking, rewards increase dopamine levels in your brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps us feel happy, increases our
memory retention, helps us sleep and regulates our mood and appetite. Experiencing this helps us become content and even more productive.
Phil Helmn, MG, is a four-year GCSAA member with more than 35 years of experience in the golf course management industry. He is a regular speaker on leadership and the author of “The Power of People,” which offers tips for managing the modern-day team.