You’ve probably heard about how to make the most of your time through proper time management your entire professional career.  I ran head first into a project the other day that suddenly made me realize that appropriate time management techniques didn’t just help me get through my busy day – but it also helped others.  If I could effectively answer requests on time or ahead of schedule, those requesting the information would also be able to better handle their time more efficiently.

I know, most of us just think we’re much too busy these days and if we had more time in the day we could handle all of our tasks more easily and on time.  But you know, we all have the same amount of time; and some are very good at managing our daily 24 hours while others are just pitiful.

It’s a common error of many new managers to believe they can accomplish the job more efficiently on their own.  I learned a long time ago that it is much more important to train others in the organization in a specific task and then delegate.  It will do wonders for your peace of mind and for the successful completion of the task. Plus, training and delegation is important to develop a solid team spirit within the organization.

So, where do you start? I guess the first step is accepting the fact that you could do much better when handling your time.  Don’t waste a moment during the day.  Start by;

Getting back to basics and write up your daily, weekly and monthly “to do” lists.  Knowing what you have to do and prioritizing the tasks is half the battle.

Set a deadline for each task

Determine which projects will you delegate and which you will do yourself

Make a list of the individuals who can help you complete each task…who is the right person for the job?

Schedule the work to be done, assign it to the person(s) involved and then move on to the next project.

Remember, corporate management is always looking for the professional employees who can handle the job in the eight hours allotted each day.  If your deadlines are constantly being pushed forward to a later date, then how effective are you perceived to be by the corporate elite…also known as your boss.  It’s understandable that in these volatile times, as we approach 10 percent unemployment, people would want to “look” busy for obvious reasons.  But better than being busy is being productive…being creative….being efficient.  The proper management of your time (and the time of your subordinates) will help you and your company locate a path to success.

In today’s challenging business environment, we are all being asked to accomplish more with less – fewer dollars, and, at times, fewer people.  That’s why the proper management of your time has never been more important. And remember, just because YOU think you are too busy doesn’t necessarily mean you actually are too busy.

You have a choice of how you accomplish your daily schedule but before you even start, prioritize, delegate, schedule and make it happen.

There will be some things that just didn’t seem to be important yesterday that will move to the top of the list today.  And others will disappear completely or get pushed to the back of the priority list.  Today’s daily calendar must be fluid and changeable.  We all must be prepared to turn 180 degrees at a moment’s notice, if the situation calls for it; just keep your eyes and your mind opened to the changing situation and adjust, when necessary.

Take control of your time, starting today.  Your personal level of “busy-ness” will affect your professional life and the professional lives of those around you who you are tasked to support. Remember, what you do (or don’t do) affects others. Begin taking on a creative approach to getting your job done.  Your proper approach to time management has never been more important.