Successful Time Management

Patrick Forsyth Patrick Forsyth runs Touchstone Training & Consultancy, which specialises in training in various personal skills necessary to marketing, communications and management. He is the author of many books, including Marketing Stripped Bare, Powerful Reports and Proposals, Successful Time Management, Getting a Top Job in Marketing and Marketing (all published by Kogan Page).

preface 1.time: a key resource -- opportunities and difficulties making it work; a personal approach; the productivity gain; speculate to accumulate; perfect time 2.first steps towards effective time management your work mix; assessing your current working practice; plan the work and work the plan; what kind of system?; setting clear objectives; thinking ahead; spend time to save time; taking time to think; be prepared to say 'no'; to be, or not to be (perfect); work smarter not longer; reward yourself 3.getting and staying organised work the plan; batch your tasks; use your diary effectively; schedule appointments with care; clear your desk; avoid 'cherry picking'; use abstracts; the Internet; highlight key facts; insist on quality; action or investment; a good secretary; use a 'document parking' system; make use of checklists; directing the techniques at particular result areas; take a break 4.combating the time wasters the greatest time waster?; handling personal interruptions; handling telephone interruptions; save time getting through; make messages accurate; e-mail; on the move 5.first things first Pareto's law; make the miscellaneous a priority; schedule -- backwards; be honest about deadlines; review task methodology; eliminate the unnecessary; danger -- keep your distance; be confident of your priorities 6.controlling the paperwork aim to minimise paperwork; make a habit of brevity; minimal memos; minimise your paper handling; do not let files and filing waste time; keep papers neat; computerise it -- but carefully; do not duplicate information unnecessarily; do not proliferate information unnecessarily; do not put it in writing; write faster; WPB -- the most time-saving object in your office 7.working with other people the socialising organisation; informal contact; making a working lunch work; consider a day out; no conflict -- no wasted time; the right people; the need for clear instructions; don't do it -- delegate; swap tasks to save time; develop your people; simply the most time-saving phrase in the language; do not hover; motivate your people; provide specific time management help for staff; make and keep some firm rules; meetings -- danger or opportunities 8.final words