WorkMatters Tips Issue #13 – January 30,2007
Publisher: Gayle Lantz mailto:lantz@workmatters.com
https://workmatters.com
WorkMatters, Inc.
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A quick tip to help leaders and executives who need to motivate
their teams and themselves, and catapult their business.
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Mastering Self Management
One of the most common challenges executives face is self management — the ability to prioritize and complete tasks to achieve a specific outcome within a particular time frame. This is what you want from those you manage, right? But it can be just as challenging to do yourself.
If you feel energized about your work and you have plenty of time and energy to enjoy your personal life, you’re probably good at self management. On the other hand, if you feel overwhelmed,
incapable of meeting deadlines/commitments, or if you’re losing too much sleep, you may need to practice some self management skills.
Here’s how:
* Prioritize your tasks.
That means coming up for air to take a look at the bigger picture — the vision for your business (and your life).
Then, do the most critical tasks first each day.
* Minimize disruptions.
Learn how to say "no," or how to help others understand and respect the ways in which you work best.
Interruptions are inevitable, but you can choose to handle them differently.
* Communicate clearly and succinctly.
The more clearly you communicate, the less confusion you create, the less other people need to clarify. You can operate more efficiently.
* Make realistic promises.
Can you really follow through on all you say you’ll do?
Be prepared to let go of some commitments that aren’t as important.
Self management is a constant leadership challenge. You have more control over yourself than you think. Don’t beat yourself up if you find yourself off task. Once you realize it, adjust quickly to get yourself back on track…without losing sleep!
PS For more comments and ideas on self management, read my latest blog post at:
http://gaylelantz.typepad.com/weblog/
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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE:
Sometimes I lie awake at night, and ask,"Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me,"This is going to take one more night."
Charles M. Schulz
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Reprinted from "WorkMatters Tips," a free ezine produced by Gayle Lantz featuring tips for leaders and executives who want to grow themselves, their team and their business. Subscribe at
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