If you’re managing a business then you probably have 101 tasks requiring your attention even if you have delegated as much as you can.
- Schedule tasks in your calendar. Knowing how long each task will take will help you to understand what is realistically achievable
- Prioritise tasks based on importance and urgency. We use internal deadlines to ensure that we’re not running up against important external deadlines but also to keep internal projects on track
- The way to eat an elephant is one mouthful at a time. Break larger tasks into smaller, bite-sized steps. This seems less daunting but it may also be possible to fit a smaller task in around larger ones so that you make forward progress.
- Avoid multitasking to maintain focus. Easier said than done! I often flit around when I have ‘too many’ tasks on my list and end up achieving nothing as I stop-start each task multiple times.
- Set aside specific times for checking emails and messages. I do a quick triage each morning and then answer emails and call backs from 4pm (unless I’m doing the flitting around in 4 above!) and all of Monday is to clear leftover bits.
I’d love to hear what works for you. Any habits or apps to recommend?