Time management doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the more complicated we make our systems for managing and tracking time, the less we’ll be likely to stick with it. To help us get a grip on basic fundamentals of time management, we asked some questions of Clare Evans, Time Management and Productivity Coach and the Author of “Time Management For Dummies“. Her clients include executives, business directors, CEOs and partners who want to reduce their stress, improve their time management, productivity and organizational skills, and improve their business and personal balance.
Clare, thank you for visiting with us about Time Management. What is the biggest time management issue that people face today?
Overload – particularly work in general as well as email. Not having enough time to do the things they really want to do. With pressure on businesses to deliver with fewer staff and resources people are busier and finding it difficult to manage their increasing workload.
In what ways are people better or worse at time management than they have been in the past?
Better – we now have many tools, technology and gadgets to save us time in the office and at home.
Worse – we now fill that time with other demands from work, family and friends. Rapidly changing technology means people are suffering from information overload via the internet and social media.
What can small business owners do to encourage productivity and better time management with their employees?
Ensure employees have adequate training and are familiar with the systems and processes (if there are any). Lead by example – pass on good time habits to the people you work with. Give feedback and encouragement when and where appropriate. Provide them with the tools and resources to enable them to do their job well. Keep communication open so they can deal with any issues as they arise.
We have conducted several surveys about people’s biggest time wasters, and “email” invariably tops the list. How can people defeat the email monster?
Avoid getting caught up in the ’email is King’ syndrome. It’s just another means of communication, although it’s often abused. Follow good email etiquette so email communication is appropriate and focused. Only check email once or twice a day, set aside specific blocks of time to deal with it and set a time limit when in your Inbox.
What is the time management strategy that you personally use?
Daily planning and blocking out chunks of time for specific tasks, working with clients and managing the business. I use automation, apps and checklists to manage and organise my tasks and time. Having systems and processes in place and outsourcing makes the best use of my time.
We are obviously in the time tracking business. How do you see the role of tracking time in increasing productivity?
Time tracking is particularly important for those who charge for their time. They need quick and easy ways to keep track of which projects/clients they’re working on. Time tracking tools provide a way to do this without the need to manually fill in timesheets or estimate how much time has been spent.
Tools to track your time are also great for creating awareness and insight into when and how you use your time on a daily basis. How much time do you really spend on your email, social media, the internet? Is it productive time or would it be better spent working on something else? They help you stay focused and productive.
Thank you Clare. We appreciate you sharing your expertise with us. Anyone interested in learning more about Clare, her book, and her services, can go to www.clareevans.co.uk/.