Remember when technology was going to give us the paperless office,
the free time we really need, and the balance in our lives?
The reality is that there is no paperless office, and survey after
survey tells us that we are, on average, spending more time at the
office! Yet so many people I speak with are still trying to find that
elusive solution to the question ‘how do I manage my ever increasing
workload?’
I was recently asked to present an afternoon session on this very
question. After researching the problem, and speaking to a variety of
people in a range of professions, what I uncovered reinforced what I,
and I suspect many of you, already know. Technology is wonderful –
don’t get me wrong – I’m right into it! The bottom line, though, is
we need to manage ourselves. We need to believe we have this ability,
so that other people, events, and machines don’t manage us.
Here are 5 strategies that can greatly assist you in better managing
your workload, by better managing yourself:
- What’s the ‘big picture’? It’s easy to get ‘bogged down’ with lots
of detail, and with ‘busy work’. If you have clearly in mind the
overall goals of your organisation, your section, your position,
you are better able to prioritise the essential work.
- What is the best use of my time right now? Have this on a
laminated card in your office. Ask yourself this question several
times per day. It really helps you focus on the essential tasks of
your job.
- Manage your boss. ‘You own 50% of your relationship with your boss
and are 100% in control of your own behaviour. The way you behave
towards your boss teaches him/her how to treat you’ - Michael Le
Boeuf. Ask questions; ensure you fully understand the size and
scope of the project you are working on; don’t assume your manager
knows what you need.
- Listen to your body. At what time of the day do you feel most
alive, active, and enthusiastic? When do you feel most alert,
ready for action and decision-making? Listen to your body and
schedule in the more ‘taxing or least pleasant’ tasks in this
high-energy time.
- How well do you receive feedback? Feedback can give you an idea of
how effectively you prioritise and manage your workload. If you
have not received feedback on these skills from your
manager/director ASK! When you do receive this feedback, ensure
you are clear what it means. Ask for specific examples of when you
have successfully managed your workload, and when you could have
made improvements.
Realisations Consultancy can help you learn more about
self-management and can tailor a program to meet your specific needs.
Please contact Dr Genevieve Armson 08) 9470 2662 or
genevieve@realisations.com.au
