What do you think?
Rate this book
Successful Time Management
In this day of increased pressure to achieve results, time management has become a vital skill. With time-saving solutions, checklists, tips and techniques, ""Successful Time Management"" helps review and assess time management techniques and shows how to adopt new work practices to make effective use of time. It includes great advice on controlling paperwork, getting and staying organized, delegating and working with others, prioritizing to focus on key issues and realizing the best results. The appendices include a brief assessment of various time management systems such as day, year or meeting planners, action sheets and more. This guide will help readers reduce time-wasting interruptions and focus on the priority tasks that lead to success. Includes new material on email usage.
152 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2003
About the author
Patrick Forsyth
128 books1 followerI have written many books for business, but more recently I have had what my daughter calls "proper books" published. Three novels: "Long Overdue", "Loose Ends" and "A Rather Curious Crime"; also three books of light-hearted travel writing all set in South East Asia. "First class at last" features a journey on the Orient Express of Asia, out from Singapore, through Malaysia and into Thailand, "Beguiling Burma" features a river trip, and "Smile because it happened" is about things that make you smile in the land of smiles: Thailand.
I am active in the writing world, am a Fellow of SWWJ and a member of the Society of Authors, I write regularly for "Writing Magazine, give talks about my writing (especially the travel writing) and have also conducted writing workshops.
I am active in the writing world, am a Fellow of SWWJ and a member of the Society of Authors, I write regularly for "Writing Magazine, give talks about my writing (especially the travel writing) and have also conducted writing workshops.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Read
July 26, 2023Save time to get ahead.
Are you drowning in a sea of paperwork, never-ending emails, and time-consuming meetings? Is work so hectic and overwhelming that you feel you can never get enough done?
Well, fear not!
This book will help you develop a key skill that’s imperative to navigating the modern workplace: the art of time management. Here, you’ll find the tools and techniques you need to be efficient, effective, and focused on what truly matters – no matter your line of work.
So let’s not waste any more time. Jump in, and get ready to unlock your true productivity potential.
-
Time-saving foundations
If you work in a modern office, you’ll agree that time is precious – and that there never seems to be enough of it.
But ask yourself this: How much time do you actually spend working, and how much time do you spend figuring out what to work on, searching for documents, writing repetitive emails, and so on?
Actually, don’t just ask yourself this. Keep a time log for a week. Record every task you do throughout the day and sort them into plannable time, reactive time, and wasted time. Plannable time is the time you take for your actual work. Reactive time is the time you spend responding to people, fixing tech problems, and putting out other fires. Wasted time is, well, wasted time.
You’ll be shocked how much of your week the latter two take up.
But with the right strategies, this can change.
Time management is an indispensable skill for anyone looking to get ahead in the workplace. Since time management is essentially self-management, what works best for you will depend on your unique situation. But there are a few foundational elements of good time management that apply across the board.
The first element is planning. Before you do anything, figure out how to do it best. The golden rule here is that the time you invest in understanding and organizing a task is time you’ll save doubly when executing it.
You may have heard the acronym “SMART objectives”. Setting SMART objectives means setting objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timed. Such clear-cut goals provide clarity and direction.
The second element of good time-management is proper implementation. The most important strategy here is to break your big tasks into smaller, more manageable subtasks. If you’ve set SMART objectives, this should be relatively easy. Breaking up tasks also allows for easier progress tracking.
Which brings us to the third element: monitoring. Regularly evaluating your results and methods will help you stay on track in the long-term.
The fourth and final element revolves around communication. Clear briefing and efficient reporting can minimize costly misunderstandings and unnecessary back-and-forth with your colleagues.
So, now that you have an overview of the elements of good time management, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
-
Organizing with the LEAD system
When it comes to time management, organization is everything.
A lack of organization means time is wasted, efforts are duplicated, deadlines are missed, and results suffer. So how can we get organized and stay that way?
First, establish a written overview of your tasks. Choose a suitable format and time span for your work needs – such as a weekly calendar or a daily journal. Regularly check and update this overview to stay organized.
Next, follow the LEAD system, or L-E-A-D.
"L" stands for Listing activities. Write down all the tasks you need to accomplish and sort them into your calendar based on task type and deadlines.
"E" stands for Estimating time. Realistically estimate how long each activity will take. Understanding how much time tasks will take allows for better planning and resource allocation.
"A" stands for Allowing contingency time. Plan buffer time for unexpected interruptions. This ensures productivity even in the face of unforeseen delays.
"D" stands for Deciding priorities. Assess the importance and urgency of each task, updating your priorities based on changing circumstances or new information.
The LEAD system makes for a great overview of all your work.
It will also allow you to batch tasks, making your work flow even smoother. You can categorize activities into groups – such as answering emails – and work them off in one fell swoop. This saves a surprising amount of time that’s usually spent on context-switching.
Your LEAD system can also incorporate checklists for routine tasks, ensuring consistency and accuracy. For instance, if you regularly have to write reports to your supervisor, make a checklist of what they need to include.
Finally, make sure your organization extends to your physical workspace. Keep your desk clean and tidy, and implement a clear ordering system for documents, tools, and resources.
With good organization, you’ll cut down immensely on the work it takes to do work. No more figuring out what to do next, jumping between unrelated tasks, and searching for the right documents – you’ll be able to concentrate on just doing what’s important, when it’s important.
-
Minimizing time-wasters
Picture this: You're engrossed in an important task, making progress, when suddenly your phone rings. It’s your boss, so you pick up. When you do, you realize she’s only calling to get your input on where to go for lunch. Yet somehow, the call still takes ten minutes and completely derails your workflow.
This is something everyone can agree on: the only things more frustrating than interruptions are unnecessary interruptions. And whether they mean to be or not, the cause of both is almost always people.
Frankly, other people are impossible to control. But with a few key tactics, you can at least manage their impact on your work time.
First and foremost, you want to learn the power of saying no. Protect your precious time and refuse additional requests or tasks when it's necessary. If a request can be postponed, set a later time to address it, ensuring it doesn't disrupt your current flow.
Second, set boundaries. Use a classic "Do Not Disturb" sign on your office door, turn off notifications, or consider relocating to a quieter space to reduce disruptions. If you choose to address an interruption, allocate only a limited time, such as 10 minutes, to figure out how to deal with it – later, if necessary.
Third, lead by example. Keep your communication with others brief and to the point. For instance, craft your emails with a clear purpose, provide relevant background information, and only send them to people who really need to read them. By minimizing unnecessary recipients, you streamline communication and save valuable time. Consider that for more complex issues, face-to-face or phone conversations may actually allow you to communicate more efficiently.
Finally, let’s address some self-generated time wasters. We all have those tasks we delay because they're difficult or simply unenjoyable. But here's the truth: procrastination only hampers your productivity. With proper organization, you should have a good idea of which tasks should take priority. In the next section, we’ll look a little closer at the art of deciding priorities.
-
Deciding on priorities
Have you ever noticed that a small percentage of your efforts produces the majority of your results? That's the essence of the 80/20 rule established by Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist. Pareto asserted that roughly 20 percent of causes lead to 80 percent of effects.
Make the right 20 percent of tasks your priority at work, and your productivity should skyrocket.
But how to identify that 20 percent?
Categorize your tasks into four distinct categories.
First, there are those that are both urgent and important. These tasks require immediate attention, as they have a direct impact on your goals.
Next, we have tasks that are urgent but not necessarily important. These tasks may demand your attention, but they don't contribute significantly to your long-term success.
Then, there are tasks that are important but not urgent. These tasks require your attention, but you have the flexibility to schedule them strategically.
Lastly, there are tasks that are neither urgent nor important, but still necessary – like alphabetizing your document archive.
Allocate some time to tackle these miscellaneous tasks to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. But structure your work schedule around what’s urgent and important – those are your 20 percent tasks.
When you schedule those tasks, do it in reverse order. For example, if you're producing a newsletter, begin with the deadline and work backward. Estimate the time required for each stage, such as writing, designing, and formatting. Don't forget to allow buffer time for unexpected delays. Then, schedule those subtasks into your calendar.
Regularly reviewing your methodology can help perfect your 20 percent tasks as well as deal with the less important ones. Ask yourself: Can you change your approach to get things done faster? Are there ways to systematize random tasks? Can you collaborate with someone to ease the workload?
Finally, be confident in your priorities once you've identified them. Don't hesitate to let go of tasks that don't align with them. Identify tasks you do out of habit, insurance, avoidance, or simply to meet expectations. If they don’t serve your goals, cut them out.
By leveraging the power of the 80/20 rule and streamlining your task management, you'll achieve more in less time.
-
Working well with others
Let’s return to the topic of people – your greatest asset and your biggest time drain.
From friendly chit-chat to lengthy business lunches, social interactions can either enhance productivity in the workplace or derail everyone’s focus.
But with the right tools, it’s possible to strike the proper balance between chumminess and productivity.
First, take a critical look at your social interactions at work. Fors instance, consider the many never-ending business lunches and outings. What kind of value do they really contribute? Assess whether these engagements add to meaningful relationships, or alternative approaches might achieve the same results in less time. Maybe you could even send a colleague or assistant to some of them.
Conflict resolution can be another major time sink. Proactively minimizing conflicts may mean taking the high road more often than you would like, but it can save valuable time. If you’re in a management position, you have additional options for fostering a harmonious work environment. For instance, make sure you recruit the right people for the job, provide clear instructions on tasks, and seek feedback on assignments.
Management positions also offer more opportunity for delegation – your secret weapon in the battle against time constraints. Consider which of your tasks could be outsourced with minimal risk. Then make sure to select the right person, maintain clear communication, and monitor progress. This doesn’t just free up your time – it also motivates and develops your team.
When people come to you for help, embrace the powerful question, "What do you think you should do?" By encouraging independent problem-solving, you also foster a culture of growth.
Lastly, let's tackle the notorious meeting conundrum. Before scheduling any meeting, make sure you know what you want to get out of it. Set a starting and an end time, come with a well-prepared agenda, and require everyone else to do the same. Streamlining these gatherings can make them truly worthwhile.
-
In the modern workplace, good time management is a key component of success. It has four base components: proper planning, smart implementation, regular monitoring, and effective communication.
With the LEAD system, you’ll be able to prioritize your activities and allocate time efficiently. LEAD stands for Listing activities, Estimating time, Allowing for contingency, and Deciding priorities.
Effective communication with your colleagues ensures coordination and productivity. By following these techniques and embracing organization, you can take control of your time and achieve your goals.
Are you drowning in a sea of paperwork, never-ending emails, and time-consuming meetings? Is work so hectic and overwhelming that you feel you can never get enough done?
Well, fear not!
This book will help you develop a key skill that’s imperative to navigating the modern workplace: the art of time management. Here, you’ll find the tools and techniques you need to be efficient, effective, and focused on what truly matters – no matter your line of work.
So let’s not waste any more time. Jump in, and get ready to unlock your true productivity potential.
-
Time-saving foundations
If you work in a modern office, you’ll agree that time is precious – and that there never seems to be enough of it.
But ask yourself this: How much time do you actually spend working, and how much time do you spend figuring out what to work on, searching for documents, writing repetitive emails, and so on?
Actually, don’t just ask yourself this. Keep a time log for a week. Record every task you do throughout the day and sort them into plannable time, reactive time, and wasted time. Plannable time is the time you take for your actual work. Reactive time is the time you spend responding to people, fixing tech problems, and putting out other fires. Wasted time is, well, wasted time.
You’ll be shocked how much of your week the latter two take up.
But with the right strategies, this can change.
Time management is an indispensable skill for anyone looking to get ahead in the workplace. Since time management is essentially self-management, what works best for you will depend on your unique situation. But there are a few foundational elements of good time management that apply across the board.
The first element is planning. Before you do anything, figure out how to do it best. The golden rule here is that the time you invest in understanding and organizing a task is time you’ll save doubly when executing it.
You may have heard the acronym “SMART objectives”. Setting SMART objectives means setting objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timed. Such clear-cut goals provide clarity and direction.
The second element of good time-management is proper implementation. The most important strategy here is to break your big tasks into smaller, more manageable subtasks. If you’ve set SMART objectives, this should be relatively easy. Breaking up tasks also allows for easier progress tracking.
Which brings us to the third element: monitoring. Regularly evaluating your results and methods will help you stay on track in the long-term.
The fourth and final element revolves around communication. Clear briefing and efficient reporting can minimize costly misunderstandings and unnecessary back-and-forth with your colleagues.
So, now that you have an overview of the elements of good time management, let’s get into the nitty-gritty.
-
Organizing with the LEAD system
When it comes to time management, organization is everything.
A lack of organization means time is wasted, efforts are duplicated, deadlines are missed, and results suffer. So how can we get organized and stay that way?
First, establish a written overview of your tasks. Choose a suitable format and time span for your work needs – such as a weekly calendar or a daily journal. Regularly check and update this overview to stay organized.
Next, follow the LEAD system, or L-E-A-D.
"L" stands for Listing activities. Write down all the tasks you need to accomplish and sort them into your calendar based on task type and deadlines.
"E" stands for Estimating time. Realistically estimate how long each activity will take. Understanding how much time tasks will take allows for better planning and resource allocation.
"A" stands for Allowing contingency time. Plan buffer time for unexpected interruptions. This ensures productivity even in the face of unforeseen delays.
"D" stands for Deciding priorities. Assess the importance and urgency of each task, updating your priorities based on changing circumstances or new information.
The LEAD system makes for a great overview of all your work.
It will also allow you to batch tasks, making your work flow even smoother. You can categorize activities into groups – such as answering emails – and work them off in one fell swoop. This saves a surprising amount of time that’s usually spent on context-switching.
Your LEAD system can also incorporate checklists for routine tasks, ensuring consistency and accuracy. For instance, if you regularly have to write reports to your supervisor, make a checklist of what they need to include.
Finally, make sure your organization extends to your physical workspace. Keep your desk clean and tidy, and implement a clear ordering system for documents, tools, and resources.
With good organization, you’ll cut down immensely on the work it takes to do work. No more figuring out what to do next, jumping between unrelated tasks, and searching for the right documents – you’ll be able to concentrate on just doing what’s important, when it’s important.
-
Minimizing time-wasters
Picture this: You're engrossed in an important task, making progress, when suddenly your phone rings. It’s your boss, so you pick up. When you do, you realize she’s only calling to get your input on where to go for lunch. Yet somehow, the call still takes ten minutes and completely derails your workflow.
This is something everyone can agree on: the only things more frustrating than interruptions are unnecessary interruptions. And whether they mean to be or not, the cause of both is almost always people.
Frankly, other people are impossible to control. But with a few key tactics, you can at least manage their impact on your work time.
First and foremost, you want to learn the power of saying no. Protect your precious time and refuse additional requests or tasks when it's necessary. If a request can be postponed, set a later time to address it, ensuring it doesn't disrupt your current flow.
Second, set boundaries. Use a classic "Do Not Disturb" sign on your office door, turn off notifications, or consider relocating to a quieter space to reduce disruptions. If you choose to address an interruption, allocate only a limited time, such as 10 minutes, to figure out how to deal with it – later, if necessary.
Third, lead by example. Keep your communication with others brief and to the point. For instance, craft your emails with a clear purpose, provide relevant background information, and only send them to people who really need to read them. By minimizing unnecessary recipients, you streamline communication and save valuable time. Consider that for more complex issues, face-to-face or phone conversations may actually allow you to communicate more efficiently.
Finally, let’s address some self-generated time wasters. We all have those tasks we delay because they're difficult or simply unenjoyable. But here's the truth: procrastination only hampers your productivity. With proper organization, you should have a good idea of which tasks should take priority. In the next section, we’ll look a little closer at the art of deciding priorities.
-
Deciding on priorities
Have you ever noticed that a small percentage of your efforts produces the majority of your results? That's the essence of the 80/20 rule established by Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist. Pareto asserted that roughly 20 percent of causes lead to 80 percent of effects.
Make the right 20 percent of tasks your priority at work, and your productivity should skyrocket.
But how to identify that 20 percent?
Categorize your tasks into four distinct categories.
First, there are those that are both urgent and important. These tasks require immediate attention, as they have a direct impact on your goals.
Next, we have tasks that are urgent but not necessarily important. These tasks may demand your attention, but they don't contribute significantly to your long-term success.
Then, there are tasks that are important but not urgent. These tasks require your attention, but you have the flexibility to schedule them strategically.
Lastly, there are tasks that are neither urgent nor important, but still necessary – like alphabetizing your document archive.
Allocate some time to tackle these miscellaneous tasks to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. But structure your work schedule around what’s urgent and important – those are your 20 percent tasks.
When you schedule those tasks, do it in reverse order. For example, if you're producing a newsletter, begin with the deadline and work backward. Estimate the time required for each stage, such as writing, designing, and formatting. Don't forget to allow buffer time for unexpected delays. Then, schedule those subtasks into your calendar.
Regularly reviewing your methodology can help perfect your 20 percent tasks as well as deal with the less important ones. Ask yourself: Can you change your approach to get things done faster? Are there ways to systematize random tasks? Can you collaborate with someone to ease the workload?
Finally, be confident in your priorities once you've identified them. Don't hesitate to let go of tasks that don't align with them. Identify tasks you do out of habit, insurance, avoidance, or simply to meet expectations. If they don’t serve your goals, cut them out.
By leveraging the power of the 80/20 rule and streamlining your task management, you'll achieve more in less time.
-
Working well with others
Let’s return to the topic of people – your greatest asset and your biggest time drain.
From friendly chit-chat to lengthy business lunches, social interactions can either enhance productivity in the workplace or derail everyone’s focus.
But with the right tools, it’s possible to strike the proper balance between chumminess and productivity.
First, take a critical look at your social interactions at work. Fors instance, consider the many never-ending business lunches and outings. What kind of value do they really contribute? Assess whether these engagements add to meaningful relationships, or alternative approaches might achieve the same results in less time. Maybe you could even send a colleague or assistant to some of them.
Conflict resolution can be another major time sink. Proactively minimizing conflicts may mean taking the high road more often than you would like, but it can save valuable time. If you’re in a management position, you have additional options for fostering a harmonious work environment. For instance, make sure you recruit the right people for the job, provide clear instructions on tasks, and seek feedback on assignments.
Management positions also offer more opportunity for delegation – your secret weapon in the battle against time constraints. Consider which of your tasks could be outsourced with minimal risk. Then make sure to select the right person, maintain clear communication, and monitor progress. This doesn’t just free up your time – it also motivates and develops your team.
When people come to you for help, embrace the powerful question, "What do you think you should do?" By encouraging independent problem-solving, you also foster a culture of growth.
Lastly, let's tackle the notorious meeting conundrum. Before scheduling any meeting, make sure you know what you want to get out of it. Set a starting and an end time, come with a well-prepared agenda, and require everyone else to do the same. Streamlining these gatherings can make them truly worthwhile.
-
In the modern workplace, good time management is a key component of success. It has four base components: proper planning, smart implementation, regular monitoring, and effective communication.
With the LEAD system, you’ll be able to prioritize your activities and allocate time efficiently. LEAD stands for Listing activities, Estimating time, Allowing for contingency, and Deciding priorities.
Effective communication with your colleagues ensures coordination and productivity. By following these techniques and embracing organization, you can take control of your time and achieve your goals.
July 9, 2022
Mình cảm giác cuốn sách này được dịch sang tiếng việt không được tốt lắm, đọc câu cú nhiều lúc thấy khá khó hiểu và rời rạc. Dưới đây lag một đoạn mình thấy tâm đắc trong cuốn sách này:
"Là người quản lý có trách nhiệm, bạn nên có một kế hoạch phát triển cá nhân cho mỗi cấp dưới của bạn. Điều này xuất phát một phần từ cuộc họp thẩm định và đánh giá hàng năm của họ, và có thể bao gồm: những việc bạn sẽ làm, ví dụ như tư vấn cá
nhân; những việc họ sẽ làm, chẳng hạn như nghiên cứu riêng và thử nghiệm, thực hành; và những thứ mà tổ chức sẽ làm cho họ, chẳng hạn như gửi họ ₫ến một khóa học hoặc cung cấp các tài nguyên đào tạo khác để họ sử dụng."
"Là người quản lý có trách nhiệm, bạn nên có một kế hoạch phát triển cá nhân cho mỗi cấp dưới của bạn. Điều này xuất phát một phần từ cuộc họp thẩm định và đánh giá hàng năm của họ, và có thể bao gồm: những việc bạn sẽ làm, ví dụ như tư vấn cá
nhân; những việc họ sẽ làm, chẳng hạn như nghiên cứu riêng và thử nghiệm, thực hành; và những thứ mà tổ chức sẽ làm cho họ, chẳng hạn như gửi họ ₫ến một khóa học hoặc cung cấp các tài nguyên đào tạo khác để họ sử dụng."
February 1, 2019
Very basic; not worth writing an entire book on these concepts.
March 22, 2020
4 stars is perhaps a little too generous, as there is very helpful general advice in here. However, some chunks of the book doesn't well reflect the fact that most work involves computers, not physical paper coming across desks. Some advice does not easily translate to PC-working, and some basic principles or tools for organising electronic files/tasks are overlooked entirely.
April 18, 2018
It was boring and has a lot of normal stuff
Include how to use email and some communication skills which has afar way from the Time management
There is a lot of non-good information inside the book
I was expecting to look for strategy planning and applied example to do time management.
Include how to use email and some communication skills which has afar way from the Time management
There is a lot of non-good information inside the book
I was expecting to look for strategy planning and applied example to do time management.
April 21, 2018
This one does not have much new information, easy-to-find advice from anywhere. Maybe Time Management actually does not have much to get new approach. I noted down page 37 regading LEAD system- List the activities, Estimate how long it will take, Allow time for contingency, Decide priorities.
August 15, 2021
For some reason my review didn’t go on this book, but still, it was decent. More office focused, so when I get my own office it’ll be fun having the opportunity to look at others in their miserable organization and time management skills and hELpiNg tHeM.
November 10, 2018
Many common sense items
October 30, 2019
not really applicable in this era. mostly talk about how to make checklist and to do list. but the author explain this book briefly and still got the point
October 17, 2020
Książka napisana prawie dwie dekady temu. Rzuca się to zbyt mocno w oczy. Zawiera garść uniwersalnych porad (planuj, mierz, zasada Pareto) ale sporo treści jest zdezaktualizowanych.
December 28, 2022
Bản dịch Tiếng Việt có vẻ hơi khó hiểu, mình cố đọc nhưng vẫn không hiểu nổi. Câu không liên kết với nhau, lan man. Không đề cập chủ đề chính .Rất tiếc vì phải dừng lại tại trang 35
January 4, 2023
Not sure when it was published but I think it would be a great, useful read if you are a middle manager in a big form 30years ago.
August 15, 2023
Outdated
February 25, 2024
Despite not being an every day kinda read, found this book very informative. Great tips on ways to work smarter which I know I’ll use in my new job.
January 17, 2020
The irony of a waste of time. It's a book of common sense and platitudes.
July 5, 2016
As you may expect, a book on time management is one of those things that many may need to read but they seem to put off doing because, well, they don’t have the time to read a lengthy book about time management. If they had the time to read it, maybe they wouldn’t need a book in the first place?
So this fairly slim, concise and to-the-point book about time management might be a successful compromise and something that is ideally suited to those who need to improve their time management skills. The author mixes together a range of techniques and real-world hints and tips that are said to help the reader assess their usage of time and to help change their working practices to make a more effective, managed use of time.
It does feel as it does what it sets out to achieve. Even the most disorganised, time-stressed person should have time to read this book, or even just a few pages here and there. Straight away there is the potential to improve on matters. The book is written for doing things, rather than for reading about how one might be doing things. It is competitively priced and thus a bit of a no-brainer investment. It may feel at times to be over simplistic in nature but that is intentional and maybe even necessary. In any case it is not dumbing down for dumbing down’s sake.
There is not a lot more to say. If you already have a fairly good handle on your time management perhaps the book won’t be a revolutionary eye-opener yet it might still have a little hint or trick or observation that you can benefit from. It is worth checking out, in other words. No investment is necessary in a convoluted special system to save time; you just invest a bit of brain power to take common-sense changes and streamlined methods of working and await to reap the results.
One takeaway point. Even if you only save four minutes a day through this book’s advice – something that should easily be achieved – is that still worth ten pounds? Over a working year these four minutes a day add up to over 14 hours, or two working days. That’s suddenly quite a noticeable achievement, don’t you think? Two more days for possibly servicing customers and focussing on the really important matters of your job.
So this fairly slim, concise and to-the-point book about time management might be a successful compromise and something that is ideally suited to those who need to improve their time management skills. The author mixes together a range of techniques and real-world hints and tips that are said to help the reader assess their usage of time and to help change their working practices to make a more effective, managed use of time.
It does feel as it does what it sets out to achieve. Even the most disorganised, time-stressed person should have time to read this book, or even just a few pages here and there. Straight away there is the potential to improve on matters. The book is written for doing things, rather than for reading about how one might be doing things. It is competitively priced and thus a bit of a no-brainer investment. It may feel at times to be over simplistic in nature but that is intentional and maybe even necessary. In any case it is not dumbing down for dumbing down’s sake.
There is not a lot more to say. If you already have a fairly good handle on your time management perhaps the book won’t be a revolutionary eye-opener yet it might still have a little hint or trick or observation that you can benefit from. It is worth checking out, in other words. No investment is necessary in a convoluted special system to save time; you just invest a bit of brain power to take common-sense changes and streamlined methods of working and await to reap the results.
One takeaway point. Even if you only save four minutes a day through this book’s advice – something that should easily be achieved – is that still worth ten pounds? Over a working year these four minutes a day add up to over 14 hours, or two working days. That’s suddenly quite a noticeable achievement, don’t you think? Two more days for possibly servicing customers and focussing on the really important matters of your job.
July 25, 2023
Time
Is precious.
How much time do you spend working?
Keep a time log for a week
And see how much time you:
Plan
React
Waste
You’ll be shocked.
You can manage your time better!
Foundational elements
Planning
Time
Executing time
S-M-A-R-T
Smart objectives need to be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timed.
A lot of this material I’ve read before. This is an overview.
Another acronym- follow the LEAD system, or L-E-A-D.
"L" stands for Listing activities. Write down all the tasks you need to accomplish and sort them into your calendar based on task type and deadlines.
"E" stands for Estimating time. Realistically estimate how long each activity will take. Understanding how much time tasks will take allows for better planning and resource allocation.
"A" stands for Allowing contingency time. Plan buffer time for unexpected interruptions. This ensures productivity even in the face of unforeseen delays.
"D" stands for Deciding priorities. Assess the importance and urgency of each task, updating your priorities based on changing circumstances or new information.
Is precious.
How much time do you spend working?
Keep a time log for a week
And see how much time you:
Plan
React
Waste
You’ll be shocked.
You can manage your time better!
Foundational elements
Planning
Time
Executing time
S-M-A-R-T
Smart objectives need to be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timed.
A lot of this material I’ve read before. This is an overview.
Another acronym- follow the LEAD system, or L-E-A-D.
"L" stands for Listing activities. Write down all the tasks you need to accomplish and sort them into your calendar based on task type and deadlines.
"E" stands for Estimating time. Realistically estimate how long each activity will take. Understanding how much time tasks will take allows for better planning and resource allocation.
"A" stands for Allowing contingency time. Plan buffer time for unexpected interruptions. This ensures productivity even in the face of unforeseen delays.
"D" stands for Deciding priorities. Assess the importance and urgency of each task, updating your priorities based on changing circumstances or new information.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2014
Desde Leader Summaries recomendamos la lectura del libro Cómo administrar su tiempo, de Patrick Forsyth.
Las personas interesadas en las siguientes temáticas lo encontrarán práctico y útil: habilidades directivas, gestión del tiempo y técnicas de productividad.
En el siguiente enlace tienes el resumen del libro Cómo administrar su tiempo, Consejos imprescindibles para una correcta administración del tiempo: Cómo administrar su tiempo
Las personas interesadas en las siguientes temáticas lo encontrarán práctico y útil: habilidades directivas, gestión del tiempo y técnicas de productividad.
En el siguiente enlace tienes el resumen del libro Cómo administrar su tiempo, Consejos imprescindibles para una correcta administración del tiempo: Cómo administrar su tiempo
October 4, 2012
This book actually wasn't to bad. I have read a fair few on time management and a lot are useless. It is always interesting to gain perspective when on the topic of time management and this book helps achieve that to a degree.
May 27, 2019
A very good book, full of useful and great hints on how to manage your time.
I will surely try to apply some of the ideas.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I will surely try to apply some of the ideas.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
June 25, 2014
كالعادة لا تروقني ترجمة مكتبة جرير !
May 23, 2019
Great book - really helped me manage my time better, both at work and at home. Would definitely recommend.
May 29, 2019
Successful Time Management offers great advice that I hope to try out. It is well written and a good book.
June 21, 2019
Honest and in-depth advice for reaching your full potential. This advice is presented in easy to follow language that can be broken up and applied in pieces at a time.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews