Are you struggling to get everything done in your workday, work week, or even month?

Do the demands on your time mean the quality of your work suffers?

Or, if you manage people, do you find it challenging to stay aware of their progress while also giving them the space they need to complete their tasks?

If any of this sounds familiar, you're not alone.

Why Talk About Time Management Now?

As we find ourselves in the middle of summer, it's a perfect time to reflect on our time management practices. Business schools have conducted numerous studies on seasonal productivity, showing that the summer months and the holiday period are often slow seasons in business. During these times, time management can become more relaxed, making it difficult to maintain productivity when things pick up again in September.

This discussion was inspired by Alex Hormozi’s podcast, where he delves into the concept of the “maker” versus the “manager” in a business setting.

While his insights are valuable, I believe there's a flaw in the premise that these roles are mutually exclusive.

Understanding the Maker and the Manager

According to Hormozi, every organization has two roles: makers, who create output, and managers, who ensure that tasks are completed. Makers need prolonged, uninterrupted time to produce quality work, while managers need to interact with people constantly. This dichotomy can lead to conflict within a business.

However, my experience has shown that every person in an organization, from the CEO to the newest employee, plays both roles. Everyone needs time to create (as a maker) and time to manage (as a manager). Let's explore how we can balance these responsibilities effectively.

Tips for Effective Time Management

1. Create a Master Calendar:

   • Your master calendar should include everything: medical appointments, sports events, birthdays, vacations, meetings, milestones, deliverables, gym time, etc. Having everything in one place helps you make informed decisions about your time.

2. Schedule Everything:

   • Include start and end times for your working periods, lunch breaks, and any other activities. This ensures your availability is clear and prevents others from scheduling over your dedicated work time.

3. Time Blocks for Deep Work:

   • Depending on your role, determine the time blocks you need for focused work. Whether it's daily or weekly, these blocks are crucial for completing your most important tasks without distractions.

4. Say No When Necessary:

   • View calendar invitations as suggestions, not demands. Politely decline or reschedule meetings that don't align with your priorities or availability.

5. Eliminate Distractions:

   • During your dedicated work sessions, shut down Slack, Teams, email, and put your phone on do-not-disturb. This helps you stay focused and complete tasks more efficiently.

6. Communicate Clearly and Consistently:

   • If you're implementing new time management practices, communicate them clearly to your team. Hold everyone accountable to these new standards and respect the boundaries set.

Improving your time management can transform your business. With discipline, awareness, and realistic planning, you can increase productivity and achieve your goals.