Rafael,
Old fashion conversation can still be effective.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I will definitely keep that in mind! Thanks for the insights...
For me sometimes picking up the phone to talk to sender saves me time in the long run than communicating back and forth via e-mails.
Rafael,
I have found good success with this technique. One challenge will be co-worker expectations, espeially if they are used to immediate responses. People sometimes act as if they believe sending an email instantly puts the issue into the recipient's consciousness.
Jeffrey Schillinger
For me, a "time-waster" and time sucking vampire could be to constantly check for e-mails and responding to items that are not in the best use of my limited time that don't necessarily support my “critical†goals. Going to extremes is bad, but based on the time management course material I personally feel it provided with some useful tools to set a more effective manner that maximizes effective usage of your time to higher order "critical" goals. In my case, I will transition into checking e-mails 3x a day before workday, after lunch, and before leaving work but try to shy-away during working hours...hopefully w/ time and patience it will work out!
Elly,
I hope some of the things you read about in this course help. Feel free to reach out should you like more information. Many of your peers have posted good ideas as well. Check out some of their ideas.
Jeffrey Schillinger
George,
I sometimes kid my children that my job is to attend meetings. I have been able to say no to some meeting requests and to send others in my place.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have so much on my plate that I just frizz and don’t even know where to start. That would be my biggest time waster. Family, job, education and all the other personal responsibilities in life can be really hard to organize.
This class (and your comments) helps me visualized where I want to get. But it’s taking some practice for me to get there. I’ll just keep trying! Thanks for posting!
I have so much on my plate that I just frizz and don’t even know where to start. That would be my biggest time waster. Family, job, education and all the other personal responsibilities in life can be really hard to organize.
This class (and your comments) helps me visualized where I want to get. But it’s taking some practice for me to get there. I’ll just keep trying! Thanks for posting!
Attending meetings that have very little value or impact on my functions. Attempt to access if I really need to attend or can I be filled in later by someone in attendance
William,
This is not an uncommon malady. I looked at a few scores while I was on my way to this discussion forum. It takes a lot of self-discipline.
Jeffrey Schillinger
A huge issue for me is becoming entangled on the internet reading news articles, checking sports scores, video games. etc. It usually starts with my looking up some piece of information I need and then I get sidetracked by ads or new banners that crop up on the screen. I need to do a better job of staying focused and limiting the use of my curiosity.
Beth,
I used to make "appointments" with myself to do paperwork. I would then tell students that I needed to get to my appointment and that I would be glad for them to come back later.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I would say my biggest personal time-waster would be when students stop by my office for no reason except to waste time. I love having an open door policy for my students but I need to learn how to either ask them to leave or not become distracted by them. If they have problems or they need to talk...that is what I am here for. It is just the ones that have no purpose that I need to stop:)
Mary,
Folders are a simple but effective way to keep organized.
Jeffrey Schillinger
An example of a personal time-waster is checking emails often. In which I beleive I am somewhat guilty of in my personal life more so than my work life. At work, I do not place paperwork in a file system which creates a feeling of unorganization. I actually place all paperwork on my desk in a pile for later as I race to my next class. In the future to minimize this bad habit I will take the time to replace the item back into it's original folder in the file cabinet.
Quin,
I have found closing Outlook is the most effective method. I hope it works for you.
Jeffrey Schillinger
Emailing is definitely a problem for me. I open up Outlook upon arrival every morning and leave it open for the whole day. If emails were as simple as a 'good read', then it wouldn't be a problem. However, many emails involve action items that must be addressed, items that must be added to a schedule or a to-do list. This is what I find takes up most of my time-wasting time. I like the idea of chunking time into my schedule for emails. Checking it 3-4 times daily, and turning Outlook off when I'm working on other tasks. I think I'll start off this next work week with this strategy, continue my activity log and see how much more productive I can be.
I've identified that I definitely could be better at delegating tasks. I have access to an intern to help me with tasks, but often I fear that passing something along to someone else makes me appear lazy.
I agree with Allen. IM has saved so much wasted time for me! I am able to check availability from my desk, without waiting, calling, or embarking on futile efforts of location. I can also get a response for questions pretty quickly (and my boss is really good about answering IM's, even if she is in a meeting in her office!).
I always face-to-face whenever possible, as there IS no substitute, however, it is very nice to know if they are available before I make the trek accross campus!
Russell,
Holding virtual office hours is a great way to serve students.
Jeffrey Schillinger
