As a manager, you have a lot on your plate. Between juggling direct reports and attending endless meetings, finding time to focus on your own work and personal development can feel impossible. But fear not! We’re here to spill the beans on how you can be a rockstar manager while managing your time effectively and maintaining your sanity.
Taking a Hard Look at Your Workload
Before diving into time management strategies, it’s crucial to assess your current workload and management responsibilities. Why is this important? Well, understanding how you allocate your time now is key to developing a successful time management plan.
Break down the time you spend in meetings, working on deliverables, managing direct reports, and other important managerial tasks. Additionally, consider how much time you dedicate to others versus yourself.
For instance, if you realize that you could work 24/7 and still not complete everything on your to-do list, that’s a clear indication that your boundaries and capacity are being compromised. Perhaps it’s time to have a serious conversation with your team leader.
On the other hand, if too many meetings are causing you stress, it’s a sign that you need to find ways to set boundaries and protect your time. We’ll delve into some tips for this shortly.
Time Management Tips for Managers
We won’t overwhelm you with a laundry list of recommendations. Instead, we’ve carefully selected a few valuable tips and explained why it’s essential to implement them. We’ll also give you some tricks on holding yourself accountable.
1. Block Time on Your Calendar
If your day is packed with meetings or you struggle to find uninterrupted time for yourself, try blocking off specific periods on your calendar for deep work. You can dedicate a few hours each day or even entire days as “no meeting” days. This focused, uninterrupted time promotes productivity and fulfillment.
Blocking time on your calendar serves as a tangible reminder for both you and others that this time is reserved for you.
Tips:
- Start small and gradually increase the time you block off.
- Communicate the change with your team to avoid misunderstandings.
- Use this time solely for your benefit and avoid distractions.
2. Identify Your Most Productive Working Hours
We all have times when we feel more energized and focused. Identify the hours when you’re most productive and build a schedule around them. This not only maximizes productivity but also reduces unnecessary stress.
Share your working schedule with your team and make it easily accessible. Transparency helps everyone know when you’re available.
Tips:
- Make your schedule visible to your team and others.
- Adjust your schedule to fit your lifestyle for a more balanced work-life experience.
3. Carve Out Time for Decompression
Taking breaks throughout the day may seem counterproductive, but it’s essential for maintaining your well-being. Set aside regular breaks to do activities that help you decompress, whether it’s meditation, cooking a healthy meal, or exercising.
While it may feel like working non-stop will give you more time, it actually leads to burnout. Taking care of your health ultimately improves time management and overall productivity.
Tips:
- Ensure your energy levels are balanced.
- Establish accountability mechanisms to remind yourself to take breaks.
- Familiarize yourself with your company’s mental health resources.
4. Utilize Time Management Tools
We’re fortunate to have incredible technology at our fingertips. Thoughtfully using tools like Asana, Slack, and Zoom can enhance your work experience and alleviate mental burdens.
For instance, Culture Amp offers a tool for 1-on-1 meetings that streamlines the process and saves managers time. We also provide a Skills Coach course, allowing you to practice and internalize essential skills like time management.
Tips:
- Set up a system to manage notifications effectively.
- Make the most of technology without letting it overwhelm you.
5. Ask for Help
Even with top-notch time management skills, there may come a time when the workload is overwhelming. In such situations, don’t hesitate to ask the organization for support. Whether it’s delegating tasks, reducing direct reports, or requesting additional resources, seeking help benefits both you and the organization.
Tips:
- Find an internal “champion” who understands your situation.
- Remind yourself that it’s alright to ask for assistance.
By implementing effective time management strategies, you’ll find your workload becomes more manageable. This will boost your well-being, productivity, and ultimately benefit both you and the organization.
So go ahead, embrace these secrets and become the superstar manager you were meant to be!