Fail Better

Managing time is a difficult task.  I never try to portray that this is an easy thing to undertake.  This is something that will take time and will require some trial and error.

There is no perfect way of managing time that will work for everyone.  Some people do better having a lot of structure, others prefer to not have any structure and work things out as they go.  If either one of these ways work for you then keep doing that thing.  Also keep in mind that people change.  What may have worked for you back in college may not work very effectively now in your professional life.

I have found that a mix of structure and flexibility are that most effective for me.  I like having a rough layout of what needs to happen and anytime sensitive appointments are part of the structure of the day.  Everything else I let fall into the day as it fits I try to work small to large to gain momentum.  And I log everything that I do.  This way I can look back at the end of the day and see that I have accomplished quite a bit.

Again there is not magic bullet for time management.  All the things that I share with you are merely things that have worked for me.  They may or may not work for you.  But it is better starting with something that has worked as opposed to starting with something that has never work for anyone.  I recommend trying what I have done and keep what works and throw out what doesn't.

I hope this helps make you more effective and less stressed.  To your success.

Are you Present?

Today in a meeting I was able to attend, I noticed something that has seemingly become acceptable.  I observed a colleague of mine, that was also in the meeting, spend the entire 30 minutes of the meeting on a laptop.  I understand that sometimes it is necessary because you are handling multiple projects, dealing with client et cetera.

I still think that if you have such a tight schedule that a 30 minute window for a meeting is so much of a stretch then one of these two things is true.

1. You are taking on too many things.
2. You are a micromanager and/or you do not trust your subordinates to do the right things.

If the latter is true, I won't be able to help you.  The main reason being, if you can't trust people that work for you, nothing I say in a blog will change that.  I assume that if you are reading this blog however you are the former and want to find ways to improve yourself.

Being present during a meeting is respectful, whether that is with a friend at a coffee shop, or a training that you are forced to attend.

I find that you will get more out of it when you are fully present than when you are only there partially between comments or facebook posts.

The best trick I have found is that if at a dinner if everyone puts there phon in the middle of the table.  Then the first person to look at their phone has to pay for the meal for everyone.

I hope these tips will assist you in becoming better.  To your success.