EXCESSIVE OVERTIME IS NOT TIME-EFFECTIVE

EXCESSIVE OVERTIME IS NOT TIME-EFFECTIVE

Sometimes we have to work overtime in order to get a rush job completed or put the finishing touches on a priority project. But if we work overtime on a regular basis, we seldom gain the productivity return that we expect. In fact, the law of diminishing returns takes over, and every extra hour of work brings increasingly less than an equivalent hour of results.

PERFECTIONISM

It is more important to do than to do well.

PLANNERS ARE UNDER-UTILIZED

Too many people are missing appointments or pre-scheduled activities because they forget to look at their planner. This is usually a sign that the planner is not being used as it should. The more you use it, the less chance you have of forgetting to look at it. Make it a habit to check your planner morning, noon and night.

TIMELY TIP

The antidote for short-term stress is long-term planning.

 

POOR COMMUNICATION WASTES TIME

When talking to staff members or co-workers, listen carefully, catching the intent as well as the context of any questions. Repeat the question to be sure you have it right, answer it directly, and if you don’t know the answer, say so.

TIME MANAGEMENT, A PRIORITY

A University of North Carolina research project asked 4000 retired executives what they would change if they had their lives to live over again. The majority said they would make better use of their time. (Source: Wearing Lots of Hats: A Retailers Guide to Better Management, by Debbie Allen)