All entries for Friday 07 October 2005

Time study result

I've recorded how i've spent every minute of this week to check my efficiency. I'm conscious that there is a lot to be squeezed in to this course and I sometimes come home feeling really unsatisfied with my work that day. I went into this study thinking that my time management was ok and I realised that it was actually pretty good. I am known for being efficient and planning time well amongst my friends. However, I want to improve further and be a fantastic manager of time! I don't think that this is a choice as I spend two hours trvelling each day to and from Leamington. The bus doesn't take an hour each way but I have to count the time standing waiting at the bus stop (and cursing at the timetable) as well the journey to and from the bus stop to where I need to be.

I realise that I can do more of the things that I want to do and that meeting with friends for a coffee isn't something that should be deleted from my day. This makes me happy as this is real quality time…sharpening the saw.

I think my main aim is 'efficiency' of time rather than maximising time for work, as the latter adds to my stress when taken too far.

So, some solutions for myself:

• Jez suggested finding some audio books relavent to the course and listening to them on the bus. It sounds like a fantastic idea so i'm going to have a look. I don't suppose anyone has Deming on CD ?!?
• I think I need to stop and think about all the tricks I used last year as I haven't needed to use them over the summer. I will make sure I plan and try not to repeat the same mistake if the plan turns out to unrealistic.
• After the ISO presentations today I began to think about they type of learner that I was. I tend to think very much in lists i.e. a very logical structure. Team 1 presented their ideas using a mindmap and I have decided to experiment with mind maps as a tool for recording ideas. I don't think that it will work for me in every situation but I am willing to give it a go.
• Write down all the questions I need to ask to be able to understand a topic. Undoubtedly, answers will lead to further questions. This will help me to focus my ideas and stop off-topic drift, which will save time and help me to keep my work-time productive.
• Take time to plan: Thinking about what work needs to be completed each week will enable me to focus on what I need to do and not worry about what i'm not doing. At the moment I have my diary, a weekly planner, various lists in different notepads (I am a serious list writer). I need to consolidate…

Will report back in a few weeks.

: 07 Oct 2005 20:05 |  Tags: Time-Management |  Comments (6) |  Close comments |  Report a problem