Time management - dealing with deadlines

There may be deadlines set for many of your tasks and duties.

Here are some simple tips to help you deal with these:

Don’t simply accept deadlines imposed on you. Equally, don’t refuse them! Instead, analyse the reasons for them - is it simply a historical situation where a certain task is accomplished by a specific time? If so, check, and look for alternatives where appropriate Don’t automatically work to other people’s deadlines - set your own (taking others’ into account). Example: if you boss requires a report by Friday lunch-time, consider setting a “personal” deadline of Thursday night. In this way, you are managing your time - rather than simply responding to the needs or instructions of others Analyse areas beyond your “personal” or “immediate” control e.g. waiting for material from others. Then, involve these “others” by making sure they know the deadline (and why it's important) - and ask for their help to help you achieve it Develop the skill of “effective estimating” - many people put pressure on themselves by under (or over) estimating the time needed for any task Don’t set artificial deadlines e.g. “I must finish this by 4pm” (for no good reason). Do set realistic ones e.g. “I must finish this analysis by 5pm because the report is to be submitted by lunch-time tomorrow”

Avoid sabotaging a task. This sounds crazy, but, for example, people might be reluctant to submit a proposal to their boss because they fear it won’t be accepted. Never be afraid to do your best - you can do no more Set manageable stages for more complex tasks - in this way you see yourself making progress towards the deadline - rather than simply seeing a problem increasing in your mind. The most difficult journey alwasy starts with the first, simple step The late Douglas Adams once said that the thing he most liked about deadlines was "the whooshing noise they made as they slipped by". Your boss might not be so sanguine!



Time management - dealing with deadlines - To learn more about this author, visit Gordon Veniard's Website.

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