I prefer horizontal
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Let me ask you a simple question. What system do you use to keep track of all your tasks? Do you use only one system? Do you have several systems for example for personal tasks versus business tasks or for urgent tasks versus long term tasks?
Over the last 15 years, I have asked this question to many people. And I have heard so many answers, so many ways to manage tasks. One of the most common answer is the to-do list either paper or electronic. People love their ‘to-do list.
Now I don’t have any issue with to-do list. You can’t keep everything in your brain. So great to have list, just make sure it is an horizontal list and not a vertical one.
What do I mean by this?
Most people have a long vertical to do list. Having an horizontal list simply means allocating each task to the right day. Imagine your calendar as an horizontal list with Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and so on. For tasks which are time-consuming, the horizontal list is your calendar. They need to be locked in your calendar at a specific day and a specific time.
All the quick tasks do not need to schedule in your calendar. But you need to have a system which will also allocate them to the right day. I personally use Outlook Task for all my quick tasks because I can allocate a really quick task to a specific day. It doesn’t really matter which tool you use. Just use a tool which will enable you to allocate tasks to specific days.
This is this week Work Smarter: Live Better tip. I hope it will be useful for you. Challenging your task management system is one of the first thing we do when we work with a team. If this is of interest, and you feel you and your team could benefit, just drop me a quick email and we can organize a chat.
Have a lovely day.
A bientôt,
Cyril
P.S. Whenever you’re ready… here are 4 ways I can help you be in control
1. Grab a free copy of my weekly plan
It is a simple tool but very important process to spend 2hrs more per day on your business and personal priorities.
2. Check my video blogs
For my clients, I record regular tips to keep the momentum on challenging their work habits. I have now made the previous video blogs available to all.
3. Get a copy of my book, Work Smarter: Live Better
Pushed by my clients, I wrote a book about practical ways to transform your life by changing your work habits.
4. Work with me and my team privately
If you are feeling swamped: by emails, by meetings, by things to do and you’d like me and my team to work directly with you … just send me an email and tell me a little about your team and business, and what you’d like to work on together, and I’ll personally be in touch!
#productivity #leadership #taskmanagement
