Leadership Handout Series
TIME MANAGEMENTFOR LEADERS
Have you ever asked yourself how some people are able to work so many different activities into their schedules while others barely seem able to have the time to attend classes? Are they smarter? Doubtful. More organized? Probably. Better at managing their time? Likely.
Time management is important to any person, but particularly to student organization members and leaders. Involvement in co-curricular activities means that in addition to classes‚ homework‚ meals‚ jobs‚ and socializing‚ another significant chunk of time is taken up with organizational obligations. This handout is designed to provide you with some suggestions on how to effectively manage your time.
It is important to note that time management is self management. Only you know your peak work hours‚ your attention span‚ your eating and sleeping needs‚ your limitations‚ and other personal aspects which must be planned for. Planning doesn’t rule out spontaneity‚ but gives you time to be spontaneous.
GETTING STARTED
The three steps to effective time management are:
- Organize
- Prioritize
- Schedule
ORGANIZE
Some people plan at the beginning of a day — others at the end. Ideally‚ you should make a list of everything that you want or need to do for that day. If you are not already making a list‚ try it. If you were and quit‚ start again. Do not plan out every minute and don’t even think about which task is most important‚ just write them all down. Some people find it more helpful to list their “things to do” in 5 to 7 day groupings. In this way they can plan for longer projects and get a better sense of their week.
Whichever method you choose‚ keep in mind that everyone has good and bad days. Don’t chide yourself if you don’t accomplish everything‚ just add the uncompleted tasks to your next list and get them done. Also‚ ask yourself the question‚ “What would happen if I never did this?” If the answer is “Nothing‚” maybe it shouldn’t be on your list in the first place.
PRIORITIZE
After you have recorded these “things to do”‚ go back over the list and rewrite them in priority order. Place things you need/want to do at the top of the list and less important tasks at the bottom. Keep in mind due dates‚ commitments you have made‚ and whether or not these tasks involve other people. If the items are for class‚ it is important to consider how much of the final grade they are worth.
Priorities can be broken down into three categories:
- “A” — Don’t go home until it is done‚
- “B” — Do if possible‚
- “C” — Can wait until next week.
How you choose to prioritize is a very personal matter. What is important is that you are responsible with your priorities and you stick to them.
SCHEDULE
Finally‚ take this list and begin to work these “things to do” into your schedule. Don’t plan every minute of your day. Remember to leave room for breaks‚ socializing and those unexpected things that pop up. There’s no use making a schedule that is impossible to follow. If a prioritized task or job seems too big to accomplish then break it down into smaller parts.
Try these suggestions‚ see what works best for you‚ and then be sure to integrate them into your lifestyle. If additional assistance is needed please contact the Office of Learning Assistance for programs on time management? Learning effective time management now will help you throughout your personal life and professional career. Remember‚ a thousand mile journey begins with but a single step.