Task Prioritization
Think about the tasks that are most important and urgent for you to complete. Do you usually choose to accomplish these tasks right away or do you tend to put these tasks off for another time? Based on what you have learned in this module about task prioritization, will you change the order in which you accomplish important and urgent tasks in the future?
As a Program Manager (Full time job), I believe that I am pretty good at prioriting tasks..but I often feel that based off requirements and deliverables, my time is not my own… even as an Instructor, we get hit with last minute tasking’s that require a lot of juggling and had they been planned properly or given a longer lead time would have reduced the stress in completing last minute taskings.
Sherry, Yes it's really important to keep your list up to date. Otherwise it is not very useful!
Dr. Melissa Read
Definitely! I really liked the "to do list" and prioritizing what is needed first. Also the updating it can also help. Because of the "fast paced" business we are in this will be very helpful!
Depends on how soon I need the task done and what other tasks I have on my plate on the moment. I prioritize and attempt to work ahead when I have free time. I never know how my list will be changed with additional changes to list or change of priorities.
I have a tendency to complete tasks immediately. Speading them out throughout the day in order of urgency would help me better manage my time and potential stress levels.
I agree that it is pretty normal. I also will write things on the list that I get done during the day so that I can cross them off :) This too helps me to see how productive I have been or not been! Sometimes we forget that all the little things we need to do take time out of our day too, and by putting them on my list, I remember that I got them done too! Thanks for responding to my post.
Holly, This is a pretty normal behavior and process for people who are list makers. Knocking a few items off your list can feel motivating and rewarding, giving you the confidence to handle the rest.
Dr. Melissa Read
I have always been a list maker. I feel good when I can cross things off the list. However, I tend to go to the easiest things to get done first so I can cross more things off----because I am sure I have "immediacy" issues. I do procrastinate on some of the larger items I need to deal with---but with them on the list, I know what my deadlines are and I do not miss the final deadline.
This has helped me tremendously not only in the classroom, but outside of work as well. Thank you!
I have really enjoyed this course so far. I have been able to see what I am most like.
Diane, I love the idea of a 30 day challenge. I wish more students took on task prioritization this way. 30 days is long enough to really test out new methods, get over the initial bump of seeing how they apply and to start experiencing their benefits.
Dr. Melissa Read
John, I like evaluating sense of urgency based on a few key questions. If I could add one more, it would be "What would happen if I did not complete this task right now?"
Dr. Melissa Read
Based on what I have learned today I'm going to commit to task prioritization for 30 days. It will be interesting to see how this reduces my stress over the next month.
Important and urgent tasks need to be a priority. Being a priority does not necessarily mean that each task has to be done immediately. Even important and urgent tasks need to be prioritized appropriately, with some being done before others. Factors to consider are;
Do you have them time right now to complete the tasks efficiently and correctly?
Will completing tasks in a more effective order allow for more and better productivity?
I think that I do a pretty good job of prioritizing tasks, but I do avoid some tasks from time to time, that are big and seem daunting. Breaking larger tasks down into smaller tasks, will be a good strategy to use.
Jeanne, It sounds like you have an excellent and well refined system to count on Jeanne. That's wonderful to hear. It often takes several months or even several years to develop the perfect system and one that works best for you. It sounds like you have invested the time and are truly experiencing the rewards.
Dr. Melissa Read
Richard, So true. Communication is key. Sometimes simply setting expectations of yourself and others is the best approach for ensuring things get done in a timely manner, and that you also don't get stressed out. I should note that often times, the deadlines we face aren't always real. Sometimes there is a bit of margin for error. If we simply connect with the owners of each of our tasks, we can gain transparency into true needs.
Dr. Melissa Read
Chemo, Pushing back on tasks that do not fit within our job requirements can be tough. Sometimes there are too many shades of gray when it comes to our roles and it's hard to determine what's in scope and what's out.
Dr. Melissa Read
Stephanie, I understand where you are coming from and a lot of students in this course take the same approach. Sometimes it's easier to knock out a few key tasks as confidence builders before moving on to the more complex ones.
Dr. Melissa Read
