Almost everyone struggles with time management. You start your day or week with an optimistic outlook, and before you know it, time’s up, and you’re barely halfway through your to-do list. It happens to the best of us.
Managers have a lot of responsibilities for themselves, their teams, and leaders. To keep everyone happy, great managers need great time management skills. While they come naturally to some, they can also be learned over time. Keep reading to learn more about time management for project managers, including the top ten tips to stay organized.
Learn more: Qualities of a Good Manager
What is time management?
We all know someone who can’t stop saying, “Sorry, I didn’t have time.” Time management is about defining goals and priorities to save time instead of losing track of it. It requires delegation, organization, prioritization, and firm boundaries. No matter your position, time management is essential for staying on task and productive.
The importance of time management for managers
Some managers feel they must take on as much as possible to achieve their goals, but that’s usually a sign of a bad manager. Onboarding, training, sales targets, messages from executives… the to-do lists can go on forever, but great managers don’t let them.
Time management for managers is especially important because of managers’ heavy workload and responsibilities. Leadership impacts organizational culture every day. When managers are organized and focused, they have the following impact on business:
- Better company goal setting
- Higher workplace productivity
- Improved well-being
- Improved communication and team dynamics
- Reduced stress
- Happier employees and executives
10 Time management skills for managers
There’s a lot that goes into managing time. It can become a job on its own if you let it. Instead, try implementing these ten time management skills for managers. They’re the perfect way to start getting more organized and prioritized — for yourself and your team.
1. Set goals
If there’s one thing to take away from reading this, it’s the importance of setting goals. When figuring out what to accomplish, try merging your goals with those of your employees, executives, and organization. Starting with specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals makes it easier to execute and plan.
2. Block your calendar
Deep work is an excellent technique for increasing productivity. Block your calendar, set your phone to “do not disturb,” and start a timer. You’ll be surprised how much more creative you are when working uninterrupted. But to do so, you must take the first step and put some time on your own calendar.
3. Prioritize your tasks
Once your goals are set, it’s time to prioritize. No matter the task size, asking yourself, “Is this my number one priority right now?” is crucial. If not, determine its priority and move on to whatever should be accomplished first. This small act may seem simple, but it gives managers a significant sense of relief and autonomy.
4. Use tools
Luckily, time management for project managers isn’t a new concept, so plenty of tools are available. Trello, Slack, Asana, Microsoft Teams, and many other platforms make it easy to stay organized, communicate, delegate, and track progress.
5. Set boundaries
Boundaries are another critical component. Getting pulled in multiple directions is easy when you’re a manager. Things come up, and you must be flexible as needed. But it’s also important to have boundaries when needed. Boundaries help managers avoid taking on too much work, which, in turn, allows teams to achieve goals quickly.
6. Make time for your team
When managing your time, remember to prioritize your team’s needs. Some employees are entirely self-sufficient, while others require more support. Check-in and listen to feedback often. Create effective communication channels. Making time for these things ensures employees have what they need to succeed – which should be every manager’s goal.
7. Ask for help
Asking for help prevents problems and strengthens team dynamics. Instead of getting overwhelmed, ask someone for help. It could be an employee, manager, or team leader. Chances are there’s something they can do to alleviate stress and turn you back in the right direction.
8. Make time to decompress
Manager burnout is more common than you may think. Managers must prioritize decompression to avoid burnout and the emotional, mental, and physical toll it takes. You can unwind and recharge whenever necessary, but it’s most effective when done regularly.
9. Stay organized
Learning how to stay organized as a manager is key. Organization is a central theme here, but it’s about more than just organizing your tasks. Creating an organized work environment for your team is essential. Structure and efficiency keep workspaces, meetings, and goal-setting as productive as possible.
10. Stay motivated
Motivation is the last tip. If you’re a manager, you likely have a lot on your plate because you’re great at your job. And others look to you not only as an example but also for a morale boost. Staying positive and motivated will help your team do the same.
Top Workplaces for Great Leadership awards
In today’s fast-paced world, great leaders are more important than ever. Explore the Top Workplaces for Leadership award list to see which organizations have the best leaders based on confidential employee feedback.
Does your organization have great managers? Great leaders? Nominate today to get the recognition they deserve!
