Last Updated on March 14, 2023 by Dave Schoenbeck
Business owners tend to struggle with work-life balance. If this sounds like you, the quickest way to remedy that is to better manage your time at work. When you spend your day on tasks that aren’t part of your job description, you lose time better spent on the big-picture projects that must succeed.
Learning to manage your time at work better will allow you to finish the important tasks during the day, so you start fresh tomorrow.
Unfortunately, too many leaders don’t realize that poor time management is the source of their problems until it’s gone on for too long.
Why Poor Time Management Is an Issue
Business owners have a serious serving on their plate. It’s not unusual for many business owners to work all day without crossing a task off their to-do list. This is because they get bogged down doing other, smaller tasks that are unimportant or could easily be delegated.
As a leader, you must manage your time at work to do the job your company requires. If you spend all your time on the $15-per-hour menial tasks that are important but can be done by someone else, the $200-per-hour tasks that only you can do fall by the wayside.
Time Management Tips for Work
If you’re confused about managing your time at work, the attached time impact matrix can help. After using this matrix tool with my clients for years, I’ve found a clear pattern: business owners spend too much time on administrative tasks that can and should, be delegated.
The matrix breaks down your daily tasks into four quadrants:
- Tasks you love, but you don’t add value
- Tasks you love, and you add value
- Tasks you hate, but you don’t add value
- Tasks you hate, and you don’t add value.
Try to write at least 10 tasks in each box when filling out the matrix. Think this through carefully. The idea is to spend most of your workday on the upper-right quadrant tasks and avoid or delegate those in the lower left quadrant.
You might notice that it’s easier to write down the tasks you hate and those that don’t add value. This is because learning to manage your time at work requires you to consciously spend time on the tasks you enjoy that add value to your company. However, nothing will change unless you look at your completed chart and take action.
Do the tasks that only you can do and delegate the rest. That’s the most effective way to manage your time at work.
Learning effective time management strategies is part of being a strong leader. When you become frustrated with this process, you need to seek the help of a professional business coach. Download the attachment, then fill out my contact form for a complimentary coaching session. I can help you construct an implementable strategy for managing your time at work.
Coach Dave
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