New Approaches for Time Management

We’ve never been more distracted. Incessant notifications, emails, calls, pings, deadlines, meetings, and competing priorities make staying focused nearly impossible. Yet, as a supervisor, it’s crucial to manage these distractions while meeting team objectives.

The key is to master time management. Much like our learning styles, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing our workloads and calendars.

During the recent Supervisors Community of Practice, Mindy Covington, ACC, Mindset Coach, offered tips for finding a time management approach that suits your needs. Below are a few key takeaways from that session and the complete on-demand session.

1. How has time management changed in a world of constant connectivity? Mindy said there’s an expectation that people are “always on” and should be ready to respond. This expectation can have a profound psychological impact, leading to decision fatigue and burnout.
2. How can you find an approach to time management that fits you? “Finding the right time management approach is highly personal, because what works for some doesn’t work for everyone,” said Mindy. A few approaches she mentioned included digital minimalism, or intentionally scheduling periods of being offline to create boundaries, using attention management to learn how to shift your focus and even the Pomodoro method, an app that helps set a timer for productivity.
3. What are some common time management mistakes to avoid? Mindy mentioned not being too rigid in your methods, as “if you create a system that is ‘too perfect,’ it won’t be practical,” she said. “You need to be flexible, and it’s ok to tweak your method to be right for you.” Another mistake? Creating a system that’s so elaborate, you take more time working it than doing your actual work. “Make sure you periodically take a step back and evaluate what’s working and what’s not,” she said.
   

Don’t forget to register for next month’s Supervisor’s Community of Practice virtual discussion, How to Handle Fire Drills, on Monday, June 23 at 4 p.m. ET.