Time is one of the most precious resources you can possess – and it’s free! Yet we tend to undervalue our time, wasting this precious resource.
Some examples of misuse of this valuable resource are:
- Lack of communication clarity. You are unsure of your objectives, direction and focus within your organisation. It is essential that everyone is heading in the same direction.
- Lack of thoroughness. Procrastination. Inability to ‘follow through’ on a campaign or other member related matters.
- Endeavouring to do too many things at once. Performing mainly the interesting job tasks and leaving the more mundane ones.
- Confusing activity with results and motion with accomplishment.
- Bad record keeping and filing. Not utilising a data base to capture and retain vital member information.
- Unnecessary interruptions, where other workers ‘steal’ time from you (or you from them).
What time wasting ‘sins’ are you guilty of? The above represents the negative aspects of time management.
Below, we will concentrate on positive ways to gain extra time during our working day:
- Ensure that you have clearly stated objectives, goals and plans. Everyone within your organisation should be part of this!
- Write down the 5-6 most important things you need to accomplish each day. Prioritise them and complete them, one at a time, in order.
- Plan your activities daily, weekly, monthly.
- Learn to distinguish between what is urgent (must be completed now) and what is important. Do not lose sight of long term goals by only completing urgent tasks.
- Keep records up-to-date. Use your data base to capture and store vital member information.
- Learn how to say ‘NO’ to irrelevant questions, time wasters etc without feeling guilty.
- Do not mistake movement for achievement. Being busy does not necessarily mean you have accomplished anything.
- Remember, the more time spent planning, the more successful you will be in member recruitment and retention.
Do you have advice you want a share? Leave a comment and let us know your time management tips!
