Time management is skills are essential if you want to execute and deliver a worthwhile project or product to your customers or stakeholders. Being able to deliver on time means you also have the organizational skills to provide a quality product, so learning time management is vital to project management.
Here are seven time management strategies to use for successful project management:
Be Clear on Priorities and Responsibilities
First, be sure you know what your priorities and responsibilities are. Not understanding these basic requirements can easily push you back if you start doing the wrong work or sit in confusion as you don't know where to start.
Work In Batches
Organize your tasks into similar groups and batches. This means only working on things that actually make sense or flow together. In other words, don't work on email during meetings or when your attention is needed. Dividing your attention will ultimately slow you down.
Develop Daily Task Lists
Develop a daily task list at the end of your day before finishing your typical work day. The task list will inform your direction. Then, when you get to work, you know exactly what to do and don't have to think about it. Thinking about it can often slow you down and make it harder to get to work even when you need to the most.
Keep Track of Your Time
Actually, time the tasks you do to do see how long it realistically on a daily basis. Schedule more than one session to record the times to get a more realistic number. These times can then be used to set and schedule reasonable deadlines, so you always get your work done on time.
Prepare for Risks and Obstacles
Unexpected challenges or risks can often take up valuable time. Conducting a risk assessment and taking the time to determine your weaknesses or limitations can actually help improve your time management in the long run.
Work Without Distractions
An obvious but essential time management technique to include as just about everyone these days has a cell phone or tv in their room distracting them. These devices only slow you down no matter how much you think you are multitasking.
Keep Deadlines Short but Realistic
Setting deadlines can be a great way to inspire and motivate you to stay on track or get to work. First, however, you ensure that you are being realistic about your time and not pushing too far past your abilities. Unfortunately, doing so can slow you down as you panic, knowing you won't make the deadline no matter how hard you work now.
As is likely becoming clear to you, many techniques can help you improve your time management skill. If you fail to improve your time management skills, you can guarantee your project won't make it to closure.
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