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What's Your Time Management Style?

Guest post by: Clare Evans

Article Overview: We're all different and we all have different ways of working. Some of you may feel you're a lost cause or that 'time management' just isn't for you but that's not the case. There's no one time management methodology or system that's going to work for everyone but there are strategies that will work for you.

What's Your Time Management Style?

We're all different and we all have different ways of working. Some of you may feel you're a lost cause or that 'time management' just isn't for you but that's not the case.

There's no one time management methodology or system that's going to work for everyone but there are strategies that will work for you.

In working with clients over the years, I've come across several different time management styles. You may adopt different styles at home and work and you may have a couple of styles you fit into.

Here are a few key elements of the main time styles:

The Organiser

Always very organised and has neatly written plans and checklists.

• Buys their Christmas presents well in advance
• Packs for their holiday the week before
• Everything is neatly labelled and filed away
• Always knows what they're doing and arrives on time
• Organises everything like a military operation at home and work.

Needs: Allow for flexibility in your planning. Find time to relax. Create more balance in your life.

The Juggler

Usually juggling several tasks and projects at once.

• Flits from one task to the next without finishing one and moving on to the next
• Lack of focus, wastes a lot of time
• Easily bored, so likes new challenges
• Easily distracted by something else that needs doing or more interesting
• Often turn up late as you try to fit in one last thing.

Needs: Focus on what's important, learn the art of planning and set time limits for tasks and better boundaries.

The Helper

Keen, capable and always eager to help.

• Often takes on too much
• First to put your hand up or say 'yes' when asked to do something
• Does a good job which is why you're always asked to do more
• Involved with various groups, often on a voluntary basis
• Always busy and constantly on the go at home and work.

Needs: Learn the importance of boundaries and when to say 'no'. Allow time for yourself and create more balance.

The Perfectionist

Enjoys the detail and getting stuck in but not so good at the bigger picture.

• Spends a lot of time getting it 'just right'. Misses deadlines as a result
• Writes detailed lists before even starting on a project
• Hangs on to everything and has difficulty delegating
• Expects the same high standards of everyone else
• Unrealistic expectations of themselves and others.

Needs: look at priorities, be more realistic - understand the 80/20.

The Delayer

Leaves most things to the last minute but somehow usually manages to gets things done.

• Does their best work under pressure but finds it stressful
• Often works late and at weekends to get things finished in time
• Reacts to whatever is most urgent at the time
• Unrealistic about how long something will take
• Always turns up late or arrives at the last possible minute.

Needs: Plan and prioritise your workload to avoid last minute rushes and stress. Think ahead, set time limits, avoid distractions and interruptions.

Understanding your time style will help you identify your own strengths and challenges as that of others around you.

Working with your style, you'll be able to increase your efficiency and productivity, reduce your stress, get more done in less time and get where you want to be quicker and more easily.

What's your time management style and how does it affect the way you work?

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Article Tags: clare evans, delaying, improve your time management style, struggling to catch up, styles of time management, understand your time management style



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