Manage Your Time Effectively

Part of being a good employee is practicing proper time management. By doing so, it will help you prioritize the most important things you need to do first and even when you are bombarded with so many tasks to perform such as staff meetings, conference calls, sending emails or a simple signature signing, you will still end up completing them. Although it might drive you crazy, you will still go home knowing you’ve done your best and has still time to spare for your family.

There are different ways that can help you manage your time effectively and make the most out of your day:

1. Start your day right by waking up early, eating what your wife made for breakfast and have time to say goodbye to your kids before going to work. Coming to work at least 30 minutes before your schedule will make you have enough time for coffee, clean your desk, check your e-mails, check your schedule for the day including your lunch break or just plan your day out according to your job priorities. Start the day with the right focus.

2. Know things that are beyond your control – set clear expectations and do your tasks right so you don’t have to re-do them every time.

3. Avoid checking your blackberry every now and then, if you have already established a goal and priorities for the day, stick to them. Check your emails on the scheduled time and follow your rules accordingly.

4. Don’t be too available – finish your tasks first before you offer some help to your colleagues. Remember that each of you has a responsibility to fulfill in the office, and entertaining them every time will make you lose focus and will take your time off from important task. Try to meet your deadlines first and then help them.

5. Take your lunch on time – it helps to breathe, taking your lunch will give you time to check on your wife and kids, eat something, and relax. Maximize your lunch hours by giving enough time for small chats with colleagues to help them with their tasks.

6. Avoid gossips – do not stress yourself out and spend more time in the office after working hours to gossip about another employee. It is unprofessional and a total waste of your time.

7. Once you are done with your task for the day, check your emails and answer them, do callbacks after listening to your voicemail and check your agenda for tomorrow. If you have time, clean your desk so you don’t have to it again tomorrow morning.

Managing your time effectively can help you make things easier and smooth in the office without compromising your family time. It will give you time to review your work and check if you have done it in good taste as well as meet deadlines and get you ready for another day. It is a great career move that everyone should practice at work. By doing this, your employer will see that you are dependable and you can work without supervision, giving you an edge over other colleagues.