Smart Work Completion
High-Performance Management and Teams
Timeboxing
How to really speed through work.
Timeboxing - is a simple and highly effective time management technique.
It works like this:
Let’s say I’m doing my email.
My goal is to do as many as I can.
I allocate 20 minutes to do it.
I look at the time and work out when 20 minutes will be up and sometimes I set an alarm.
I then get as many emails done as is possible in the time allowed, ignoring any distractions.
When the time is up, I move on to my next job.
Let’s say I’m writing a Business Case (something I hate).
My goal is to make a start, do an outline.
I allocate just 30 minutes and do as much as I can in that time.
I do an outline and maybe one or two paragraphs, but at least I have made a start.
Tomorrow, I will allocate an hour.
So, Timeboxing is simply fixing a set period of time to work on a task or group of tasks. Instead of working on a task until it’s done, you commit to working on the task for a specific amount of time instead.
Several project management approaches use Timeboxing.
Timeboxing is also perfect for meetings such as Project reviews or where you want to get through as much work as possible, in the time available.
Timeboxing focusses your attention on the task at hand because mentally you know you only have a fixed amount of time to do it in.
And remember, Work contracts to fit in with the time we give it, or, work expands to fill the time available.
Other recent high rating articles
How to trust your gut to make better decisions
Why your team is failing to deliver
How good are your Interpersonal Skills?
Three things your employees need
7 quick and easy ways to persuade and influence people
8 easy tips on how to make your Team succeed
Performance Appraisals, there is light at the end of the tunnel
How to effectively engage with your Team