My bigest time waster is meeting that just drag on and I find out at the meeting was thast same old song that we talked about last week, over and over again. I find it tuff to sit through. So I bring work for me to do. Thats how I get through it.
In my opinion, one of the biggest time wasters that I see in my line of work, is not starting and ending meetings on time. I am a firm believer in not wasting peoples time and therefore, always begin meetings on time, even if everyone isn't in attendance yet. Furthermore, I always try to give an agenda beforehand and a start time and I will always start promptly whether everyone is present or not. I figure after someone walks into a meeting late once or twice, he or she will start to realize that meetings will always begin on time and will then get there on time.
Also, sticking to the agenda is important. If not, there will be a lot of time wasted in a meeting. I know there may be unexpected topics or questions and/or concerns that come up, but aside from those, I believe it's important to stick to an agenda.
Thanks, George!
Social media sites can really be distracting. Many have suggested that it is best not to have them open at work except during breaks.
Taking time out of the day to read and respond to Facebook, it can become very addictive. I’m so glad I didn’t get into texting because that would be even worse. There is a time and place for socializing and now I know I need to prioritize it.
Exactly Jeffrey! I feel as if I am doing the right thing by responding to these emails immediately but some ultimately do require some thought and planning and my prompt responses usually do end up costing me more time as I have to go back and clarify or ask additional questions, etc.... I am really trying to work on making sure that I have thoroughly thought through my response before sending.
Thanks,
Beth
We have started the same type of procedure, we have a sign on our doors to let students know our hours and this lets our managers and other staff have the time to prepare for the day and work on projects.
This seems to be working and students have not had much to say about the change. It defiantly slowed down the drop in unannounced visits.
We post a sign "Open - Please Come In" so the students know that we are available, but it cuts down on the distractions and the ones that just come in to visit.
Thanks, Beth.
I am often too quick to respond to emails and wind up having to write extra emails. In my effort to be quick, I wind up slowing down the process.
It helps to always reread the email or save it as draft for rereading later.
Thanks, Pat. I have found picking up the phone and discussing an issue is more "time-effective" than the string of emails that can result form one or two questions.
Had to smile-have received dozen communications on "Time Wasters" though they have been interesting. We work through up to 50 emails daily- especially with start week. If we could have more phone converstation or conference calls instead of multiple e's we could cut back. In one month of poor email house keeping we can approach 1,000 that need attention or reading. I am going to lead out with a few conf. calls. pj
Hi Kenny,
It sounds as if you are "earning" your internet surfing time since you are getting all of your deadlines met and your work done. Perhaps you would rather use that time doing something else like exercising or cleaning your house? :) Or maybe you get all of that done too. I love surfing when I have a few minutes of time and actually get most of my news online so see it as actually being a good use of my down time.
Beth
Hi Wendey,
I have started trying to keep my Inbox as a sort of To Do List. I file away or delete any emails that I don't need to respond to or those I was able to already respond to. I try to keep only those emails in my Inbox that I have not yet responded to or need to have there for quick reference. I too get about 150 to 175 emails a day and one day of getting a bit behind can really make for a hectic next few days!
Beth
I tend to respond to or send emails without thoroughly thinking my response through and I end up needing to send a second or third clarification email. I have noticed myself doing this recently and am really making a concerted effort to fully think through my response before beginning to craft my email. Sending two or three emails is a waste of my time and the recipient's time as well.
Beth
Mine is scheduling all of my tasks for the day and not providing adequate time for unexpected issues. Those tasks then overflow and eat in to time for other work.
In the future, I'm going to make sure I budget extra time for unexpected interruptions.
Amanda,
I know what a challenge that is. I have had bosses like that and, to be honest, I can be a boss like that.
It does not work all the time, but email may be a good solution for the questions to which you do not need an immediate reply. Another idea is to bank your questions and bring them to your boss in bunches.
It is even tougher when ypour boss visits you and hangs out.
Every time i stop by my bosses office to ask a quick question she always seems to keep me there for about 10-15 minutes.
That is mine as well. I feel like I don't have enough time to even do a to do list and prioritize my tasks.
Teresa,
This is not an uncommon issue. It may be worth it to create a "no cell phone zone" in the hallways near offices and explain why they need to go elsewhere in the building to make calls.
The staff needs to adhere to the same rules as the students in these places.
How have the students reacted to the dorr closing?
This is a tough one. You'll want to be as prepared as you can for the important meetings to help keep everyone on pace. You may even want to suggest to your boss that planning and conducting meetings could be delegated. Volunteer to be the first to help out. You may be able to impact the dynamics.
Thanks, Richard.
Many folks have trouble delegating when they have responsibility for results. The key is to ensure your managers know what you need done, how to do it and that they can come to you for assistance if they need it. They also need to know you trust them to make decisions and take action in their areas of responsibility.
