Have You Mastered Time Teamwork?

June 2010 - Issue 33

Are you a person who likes to plan in advance or do you prefer to be spontaneous with your time usage? We tend to develop a pattern of time management that works for us, it seems normal and comfortable.

But are you always just responsible for your own time? How does the way you manage time impact others? When you are a manager, teamwork is a key to success. You manage a team of individuals and are also part of a team of peers. How you manage your time has a significant impact on others and the other way around. We either help or hinder each other in the accomplishment of our goals.

Instead of complaining about Joe who never gives you enough notice on a project or Sue who interrupts you several times a day with questions, why not be proactive and solve the problem?

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” ~ Michael Altshuler, Motivational Speaker

Here are a few ideas to improve time teamwork which will result in greater goal accomplishment for everyone:

• Begin a Dialog with Team Members - Ask: “Are there ever situations when we’re working together when you feel our time isn’t as productive as it could be?” and “What can I do to help you use your time more effectively and increase your productivity?”
• Give Advance Notice - As soon as you know about a deadline and others are impacted by it, let them know. You show respect by giving people a “heads up” on deadlines so they don’t have to reprioritize their other planned tasks at the last minute.
• Deliver on Promises - People may be depending on the information or a project you’ve promised. It is important not to make promises that you can’t keep or over commit. Missing deadlines creates a ripple effect that impacts everyone’s time management.
• Manage Interruptions - Think about how often you interrupt others. Cut down the amount of time you interrupt by grouping several questions before contacting others. How often do others interrupt you? Make sure you provide sufficient information up front and then empower others to act.

A Time Management Solutions workshop attended by your entire team is an excellent way to provide skills and ensure everyone respects time teamwork. Click here for additional information about this course. To discuss other topics for your training plan, contact us at info@ManagementSkillsInc.com or call 972 881-5282.

Return to the archive

Subscribe to our newsletter

Your name:

E-mail address:

Your telephone:

Company name:

  

 

Management Training
Needs Assessment

Not sure where to begin? 
Take our on-line survey, or arrange for your management team to take the survey. Results will be compiled and a specific recommendation for your organization will be provided.