I was happy to provide time management tips for 2021 in my CBC Radio On The Coast interview. Host Gloria Macarenko raised some great issues about the challenges families face when working from home and homeschooling.
Gloria asked me how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our ability to manage time. In truth, we have to give up the fact that we can control time. We can’t. We need to concentrate on doing what is most effective with our time.
During this period, the family is all together in one house, working and schooling. There will be competing interests and goals. You have to be very clear on people’s commitments and understand their timeline. Be very clear and make a plan for each day. Then, people can work towards their goals and complete their tasks by the designated deadlines.
Conversation and communication among the family members are so important. You have to honour when a person needs privacy to do their presentation – whether that be a sales meeting or kindergarten “show-and-tell.” It’s about understanding the playing field and then making priorities.
When it comes to employer/employee relations, the conversation is shifting (thank goodness). It’s no longer 9-to-5, Monday-to-Friday. You may still be working eight hours a day, but now that is around when you are available given your competing priorities. For example, you may have children who need to get their lesson plans first thing in the morning. That means your work meetings need to be scheduled later in the day. Everyone is juggling tasks – childcare, pet care, senior care, work, school, housework… and we definitely need to fit some self-care in there too. It is a lot to balance.
My Top Time Management Tips for 2021
Communicate: Make sure everyone knows what everyone else’s obligations and timelines are. A large wall calendar or shared electronic calendar (e.g., Outlook, Google Calendar) will help everyone see what events are on what days.
Prioritize: Once you have planned your time, set priorities so that everyone has the opportunity for success.
Expect the Unexpected: Make alternative plans in case the unexpected happens. Save off-line copies of materials to work on in case your internet goes down. Ensure batteries are always charged in case the power goes out.
Roll with the Punches: It never fails that one of your kids will ‘photobomb’ your Zoom meeting, or your cat will walk across your keyboard and completely mess up – or even delete your work (Save early, save often!). Realize that everyone is in the same situation. Have a little laugh and carry on.
Do you want more decluttering and time management tips? Check out the related article on CBC News B.C. entitled 3 tips for decluttering your life in 2021.
Are you interested in time management and productivity workshops customized to your business? Contact Linda at Out of Chaos through the Out of Chaos website.
