Feeling Overwhelmed?

new manager organization time management Mar 07, 2024
 

Most new managers feel overwhelmed - do you feel the same? 

 

After all, you have a whole new set of accountabilities, meetings being scheduled all over your calendar, and the skills that helped you get here are not the ones you need to succeed.  While the topic of time management and organization is really huge, here are three quick tips to help you get some focus in your day.

 

1️⃣ Do the Task: When evaluating tasks, prioritize those that require your unique expertise or immediate attention. 

First, can you complete the task in under two minutes? If so, do it immediately. This helps prevent you from being overcome with tiny tasks. 

If it cannot be done in two minutes, schedule a time in your calendar to complete the work (even if it is just to figure out the scope of the work itself). 

And if the item you are looking at is simply for reference, then archiving it is a suitable way to “do the task”. Remember, decisive action is key to staying on top of your responsibilities and demonstrating leadership competence.

 

2️⃣ Delegate the Task: Identify tasks that can be effectively handled by members of your team. Delegate responsibilities based on each team member's strengths, expertise, and capacity. Provide clear instructions, set expectations, and offer support to ensure successful outcomes. 

Effective delegation not only lightens your workload but also fosters team collaboration and development. Trusting your team empowers them to grow and excel, ultimately contributing to the overall success of your department or project.  Besides, you want to ensure the work can be done even if you are unavailable.

 

3️⃣ Delete the Task: Not all tasks are created equal, and some may not align with your current priorities or objectives. Take a critical look at your to-do list and identify tasks that add little value or unnecessarily burden your time and resources. Don't hesitate to eliminate tasks that are no longer relevant or essential. By decluttering your workload, you'll free up valuable time and mental space to focus on tasks that truly matter and drive meaningful results.

 

These three tips can help you focus on the work that truly matters while engaging and building your team’s capabilities at the same time.

 

What time saving tips do you use?

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