Outline of a two day interactive course

Click on any of the links to get more information – this site is almost a book in itself!

Day 1: 9.30 Introduction: objectives of the course

Audit and discussion of current time management practices
Introductory prioritisation in-tray exercise – groups work on fitting a number of tasks into a day, with decisions on when to do them and how long to spend on them.
The concept of maintenance, progress, and luxury tasks.

11.00     Coffee

Successful time allocation: important vs. urgent. More info

Understanding what is meant by importance – that this is connected with how much time should be spent on a task, as opposed to urgency which is to do with when a task needs to be done. Urgency does not necessarily signify importance, and time spent on on-urgent but important tasks is the most productive of all.

How a typical day is divided between the types of activity, and how a person can move from the “hamster wheel” to gaining control and getting ahead of the game. Discussion on the advisability of working long hours on a regular basis.

Exercise putting real tasks in the four boxes.

12.45     Lunch

Not enough time in the day to get everything done - reducing the time spent on unimportant tasks. More info

Groups assess options, followed by tutor input.

The options include saying No, negotiating, delegating, using better systems, and in some cases doing tasks less than perfectly.

The three personality drivers will also be discussed: Be Perfect, Hurry Up, and Please Others, with information on the symptoms and what can be done if one or more become too strong.

3.00     Tea

Coping with interruptions. More info

Ways to reduce the number of interruptions and the effects of them when they do happen, while still remaining approachable.

Effective meetings. More info

Strategies for quicker and more productive meetings, whether you are chairing the meeting or attending someone else’s. Groups compile a list of real problems encountered at meetings and then come up with answers to each other’s situations.

Additional input from tutor on how to handle late-comers, red herrings, interruptions, lack of structure, weak chair person, and other problems.

5.00     Close of day 1