Page 171 - Time Management

Time Management
156
Balance Efficient and Effective
Must we always cram a maximum number of tasks into
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the time that’s allotted to us? No, says Tom DeMarco, author
of Slack: Getting Past Burnout, Busywork, and the Myth of Total Efficiency.
DeMarco argues that total efficiency may make sense in a factory envi-
ronment. But our economy depends much more on knowledge work-
ers, who must have “slack” time to mentally prepare for work and to
conceptualize new and valuable ideas. DeMarco concludes that by sac-
be better for you. TEAMFLY
rificing efficiency a bit, you can make yourself and those you manage
far more effective.

you have an ideal work environment. If it has fewer than five,
your environment may be seriously subverting your efforts at
efficiency and productivity. You need to find ways to improve
your workspace.
If you enjoy considerable control over your work environ-
ment, you should find it easy, with commitment, to reshape it
for maximum success. If not, consider the following:
• Keep your eyes open for a vacated workspace that would

• Volunteer for a “work environment committee” or start
one.
• Discuss possible changes in your work conditions with
your boss. With worker’s compensation lawsuits on the
rise, companies are becoming much more willing to
respond to such concerns.
• If all else fails, get permission to bring in your own chair,
lamp, paint your walls, etc.

Conclusion
Having the right tools to manage your time is just one piece in
the overall puzzle. The other pieces—prioritizing, dealing with
procrastination, carving out blocks of time, delegating effective-
ly, anticipating challenges, learning when to say no, and elimi-
nating time leaks—can be effective in helping you to achieve
your time management goals.

®
Team-Fly