Image: Make priorities clear using colour-coding ideas
This article, authored by Cory Popescu was first published on the blog of the Society of Internet Professionals (SIP). SIP is a not-for-profit, Toronto (Canada) based International organization to connect, learn and share. Our Vision is to provide the opportunity to leverage technology to have an inclusive future for everyone. Since 1997, SIP has spearheaded many initiatives, educational programs, and networking events.
Setting up priorities in a tasks list is crucial to organized work and to its completion in due time. Establishing correct priorities means that you are in control of your time and of the results of your projects. By organizing your plans and tasks lists appropriately, you gain more time and consequently can use it to grow your business, career or life.
In order to attain increased work efficiency, you would establish the priorities in the following way:
• The action list for the next day is conceived and released the afternoon before you leave the office. This translates into an efficient start point for the next day.
• Categorize your tasks by priorities, so you can act upon them accordingly:
Priority #1: crucial and prompt, to be done immediately.
Priority #2: to be done today, however not critical, may be delegated.
Priority #3: important tasks, minor delays may be accepted.
Priority #4: routine, not essential tasks which can be performed casually.
• Respect firmly your action lists, their priorities and deadline. Defend them in front of your peers or bosses if necessary. The successful completion of your task lists lead to achieving your ultimate goals.
• Be relentless about receiving un-planned extra tasks even for short term, as one day completion. Analyze thoroughly, communicate, if applicable with your co-workers, negotiate on deadlines and task approach before committing to additional work. If you think it is jeopardizing your current assignments and you do not get extended deadlines or more resources, just say nicely “it can wait” and recommend redirection to a less loaded team/person.
• Watch you deadlines earnestly and observe them enthusiastically. Should you miss, use your failures to set up more realistic deadlines for new and urgent tasks. When you foresee that a deadline cannot be met, contact parties involved and explain the issues, attempt to establish together a new attainable deadline. Keep an electronic or any kind of agenda with you to monitor closely your tasks and especially your deadlines.
Keeping your tasks lists accurately and sharing them with your co-workers, managers and subordinates could also prepare you to prevent unexpected developments. When you are out of the office, things can still get accomplished due to your meticulous plan. Therefore, work stops chasing you, and you are in control of the events making stress a fact of the past.
Cory Popescu
Your comments are welcomed
Click on the links below to read the other articles by Cory Popescu:
What are the Industries that Most Use Internet of Things?
The New Thought Process of Machine Learning
Can IT Professionals Become Savvy Networkers?
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