Effective time management – ‘time-saving’ technology is not your answer

By Karen Marshall

Average queue times for staffed tills in supermarkets have lengthened since automated tills were introduced, according to a survey by The Grocer magazine.

This is the latest in a line of supposedly time-saving technology innovations that are actually major time-wasters, according to the Independent newspaper which ran the Grocer story:

“It was assumed that the telephone would be a quicker and more convenient alternative to keeping in touch by mail, yet most of us spend far more time on the phone than our ancestors ever did writing letters. Computers and the internet were supposed to make us more efficient workers, but how long do we spend on Twitter and Facebook each day?

“Perhaps someone ought to devise a new technology with the express purpose of slowing us down – that way we might actually get something done quicker.”

As a super efficient project manager, I know about time management. And I think that technology is not the answer.

The answer lies in planning and prioritising, delegating and dumping, change and co-ordination. In reprogramming our minds to manage our time effectively – not turning to our iPhone or BlackBerry calendars to solve our woes. In decluttering our lives of timewasters: people, gadgets or stuff. Learning to say no. Learning to manage ourselves.

If you spend your life running around like a headless chicken, here are my top (technology free) tips for getting your life under control:

• Plan your week on a Sunday evening. Make sure you have no double bookings and can commit to tasks ahead of time. Remember to ask, “Do I need to do this?” and “What will happen if I don’t?”
• Prioritise. Ask yourself: “Is meeting the deadline at work this week more important than having a relationship with my kids/partner/friends?” If it is then do it or delegate it. Otherwise dump it.
• If you think that doing something will only stress you out and not add benefits to your life, then do not do it. Learn to say ‘no’.
• Smile. Enjoy youself. Take time to breathe deeply.

Do you have any more time management tips? Is technology a help or a hindrance in your life?

If you need more tips of managing your time, email Karen on karen@wowdewow.com

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Tags: effective time management, technology, time management, time-saving technology