Five tips for better time management

Eliminate time-wasters: The focus of time management is changing your behaviour, not changing time. Eliminating your personal time-wasters helps free up time for productive use. For one week, for example, set a goal that you’re not going to take personal phone calls while you’re working.  

Create a to-do list the day before: To-do lists are critical in managing time. Before you leave office, prepare a to-do list for the following day and prioritise it. This helps you identify tasks that require immediate attention and keep you on track through the day. I tend to do the same on Mondays and Thursdays. 

Learn to delegate: Many managers find themselves bogged down in routine tasks, which leave them no time for strategic and managerial functions like long-term planning and business development. Strategic and critical business decisions are “must-do” for a CEO.

Learn to say no: Several decision makers tend to over commit and have too much on their plate. They say yes when they really should be saying no. In order to better utilise your time and effort, learn to say no to low priority requests. Before committing to a new task—stop, think and then make a decision. This will prevent you from taking on too much work. There is not much time available on the weekly calendar. Use it wisely.

A cluttered desk wastes time: Keep your desk and office organised, keep everything on hand and keep things in their place and you will never waste time looking for them. Important files will never go missing. By working with a clean desk you will also model an important work skill that others around you will follow, helping them get more focused. Get a helping hand if you need one—but this needs to be done!