Published on : 11th October 2022
I often hear this when speaking to hiring managers that everything is urgent which I’m sure we all experience!
It's often difficult to juggle those tasks that are the most pressing from others with those that will deliver the results you need quickly.
With so many demands it can be hard to know where to begin. Click below to listen to our podcast for a few ideas to help you prioritise.
https://anchor.fm/vineresources/episodes/How-to-prioritise-when-everything-is-urgent-e1p4pl0
If you would prefer to read them, just scroll down!
Create a single list From strategic efforts to mundane ones - write everything down in a list of all the tasks that are currently on your plate. This way you will have a total view of what is required from you. Break your list down into time buckets - these could be daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly. Define your master task list into these categories to provide a balance between long and short-term work. Identify tasks that move you toward your objectives Split your tasks into those that will help you achieve your high-level goals and those that won’t. Ensure those that advance you towards your goals always get attention on a daily basis. Consider tasks with deadlines Some tasks will have a specific ‘can’t miss’ deadline and some will not. Identify those that are time-limited with deadlines. Consider the impact of missing the deadline. Make a judgement call to spend time on those that are time bound and have high consequences if missed. The question of importance vs urgency Important can be different from urgent. Make sure you focus on tasks that are important and urgent. Some are important but can still wait and can be done later. If they are not important or urgent - think about removing them from your to-do list. Focus on one task at a time Working simultaneously on multiple tasks will be confusing, dilute your effort, cause distraction and be inefficient. Consider your list, pick a priority, avoid distractions and work on it exclusively. Don’t be swayed by the priories of others If others come to you with urgent requests, don't just blindly accept. Relate the task(s) to your business objectives and ask if they have considered other resources. If they do not support your business objectives they will be outside your remit and should be declined. Also, check if the requested timescale is absolutely necessary or can be delayed. If you take the task on, provide a realistic timeframe for you to complete it without jeopardising your other work. This may not be the original timescale that was requested. Consider the effort required Consider each task for the resource it will take to complete. Balance tasks that may take longer and require more effort with those that are smaller, take less time and can be completed more quickly. Get help and delegate Approach other stakeholders for help or delegate tasks to others which should include external third parties and suppliers. Can any tasks be broken down into smaller jobs and spread across the team? Review, review, review Business is a continually moving feast. Ensure you review daily to keep on top of priorities and the changing environment so you are always working effectively. Identifying what is required of you, managing by priority, and capturing via lists are also proven ways of reducing stress and making you happier at work.
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