Time Management Techniques

1. Clarity in Goal: For managing time, there should be clarity in goal. In this, all should understand what is expected from them.
2. Work Plan: There should be allocation work clearly to team members. Project activities should be defined and sequenced. Time duration for each activity should be estimated. A schedule should be developed and controlled for project activities.
3. Use Daily Planner: Preparation of to do list and regular update is necessary.
4. Daily Record: Maintenance of daily record like time log. Analyze it to prioritize work and to locate unproductive time. Find ways to improve next day's work.
5. Use Dead Time: Effectively use dead time wasted in waiting for appointments and meetings.
6. Avoid time stealers:
• Control telephone calls and casual visitors in the project.
• Avoid information overload by managing its flow.
• Avoid unnecessary meetings and agenda-less meeting.
•  Improve communication channels.
• Avoid decision delays and give clear instructions to subordinates.
• Manage conflicts effectively.
• Insist on well done and completely done jobs.
7. Use Time Saving Technology: Computers, Internet, fax, teleconferencing etc. save time. Information technology is a time saver. make use of them.
8. Organize Work Life: Project manager should organize his work life by:
• Learning to say no to jobs not liked.
• Keeping the work desk clutter-free.
• Knowledge of energy cycle and blocking times for creative work.
• Setting deadlines for activity completion.
• Focusing on one thing at a time.
• Practicing calculated neglect.
• Doing difficult tasks first.
• Learning to relax.
• Conducting meeting effectively.
• Managing risks effectively.
9. Delegate: After getting appropriate time, delegate it. Create project-wise awareness for effective time management.
10. Ask three questions for Time Management:
1. Do I have to do this work at all?
2. Can somebody else do this work better?
3. Are my priorities right.