I use a "battle plan" method since it's what I used in previous law office. Each plans has five main tasks that must be completed the following day. Therefore, each day I arrive, read my battle plan and begin working towards having those main goals completed. These are not my routine goals of daily tasks. These are the major items that need attention.In the law office, it was cases to work on and keep time for billing purposes.
Crystal,
Thanks for this post. What did you learn in this course that could help you in setting priorities?
Jeffrey Schillinger
prioritizing tends to be my biggest challenge. I sometimes will choose the tasks I enjoy most other than the ones that are the most important!
John,
I too like the feeling of crossing something off the list. Sometimes I write something I have already finished so that I can cross it off.
Once you havee your list, how do you determine which tasks are of the highest importance?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I always write things taht i need to do down in a to do list fashion. This helps me to distinguish which tasks are more important. Also, crossing off items from a list gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Gary,
Do you maintain office hours when you are available to students?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I lock my doors as soon as my students leave so it will be less likely for anyone to come to visit and waste my productive time for training, grading and research on new models and procedures.
I always have a to do list and I break the list into different sections on what is most important and by what needs to be done today. I also try and delegate task to my employees that way I can stay focused on the big jobs.
I use my Outlook calendar, but probably not as much as I should. I use it mainly for things that have a specific start time, like meetings, schedules visitors, etc. I have also gotten into the habit of using the Notes feature in outlook. I have a "To Do List". Every morning I review it and make adjustments. I can print it out and have it on my desk. It is also easily accessible from my Blackberry. I usually move around campus alot and it makes my task list easily accessible. At night, I will edit it for completed tasks and add what I know is coming up for the next day.
Laura,
What are the most important factors you consider when setting priorities, other than when something is due?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I make a list of everything that has to be done. Then from that list, I prioritize, by numbering or rewriting the list in order or priority, by what needs to get first to what can wait until later.
Ron,
What are some of the things that you have to prioritize without his input? How do you do so?
Jeffrey Schillinger
I have a weekly meeting with my team leader to discuss what goals and tasks he has for me. This way I can prioritize what I need to accomplish.
Dar,
This sounds like a great system. Your peers who take this course should benefit from reading this.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I use a Do Today, Do This Week, Waiting on Others, and Low Priority approach. My email boxes reflect the same. Goals and tasks with actual due dates get yellow flags. Many tasks are driven by license and accreditation renewals, class start and end dates, dependency on others to make the next move, and other curriculum-driven signposts.
Note: Many of my tasks crop up in the course of a day, and most of these are immediately handled in the moment or at least by end of day. Therefore the list of steady tasks and goals is usually short, while the daily list of "unexpected" tasks and goals could be as many as 10-12 actions/decisions/assists in any given hour. There is no time to prioritize these, I just try to keep moving, especially if the path is of least resistance :-)
Most important to me are the items that are necessary to maintain the balance of what needs to be worked on and completed to insure a smooth working operation. The ensure the well-being of the organization or the running of a successful business. It can also include items that are necessary for success in your personal life.
Ruth,
What are the parameters that you use to classify selected items as "most important?'
Jeffrey Schillinger
I prioritize my goals and tasks listing those which are most important and need to be completed in a certain timeline. Generally, I have a work list and a personal list. I like using a list and seeing completed tasks checked off.
Carmen,
How do you determine what items on your list are the most important?
Jeffrey Schillinger
balance between time and essentials for achieving target goals and usually i like to finish project before time for revision , precision and ask specialists opionions.
