Part 1: How to be 100% Efficient

Can you imagine what it would be like to have complete control of the time you have through out the day?  Imagine, you are able to fully account for it, to stretch it, to use it to its highest level of efficiency…  This, of course is pretty much impossible, and for most, just being organized would be a huge improvement from there they are now.  Maybe like us, you are in a position that you are exceedingly busy.  Although we all like when work is coming in, the trap is that the work can become bottle-necked if you are not able to manage time efficiently.  Here are a few things that I do to help myself out when time becomes scarce.

Work with smart people.  

No-brainer right?  It seems like this should not be discussed but unfortunately I have found finding the right people to work with is a full time job on its own.  It has taken me a couple of years to put a team together that can communicate and provide the quality that our clients have come to expect. When you work with smart people your work is completed correctly the first time, which will give you confidence to bring on a higher volume of clients.  And let’s face it, surrounding yourself with smart people will make your working life a whole lot better.

Delegate when necessary.  

The tendency for me is to think that if I want something done right I have to do it myself. When you embrace that thought process one of two things have happened:  1)  You do not work with smart people, (see point one) or 2)  You have a control issue and you need to trust your team.  I have been known to fall in to the latter but I have worked hard to pass on responsibilities to those who I know are experts in their areas.

 Keep a list.  

Whether it is some kind of project management software or an actual physical list, find out what works for you and use it.  We use software called ActiveCollab and for us it is great.  I create tickets within the system to help me keep my priorities in line and help me streamline my work so I can have the bandwidth to help out in other areas of the company when needed.

If you are not sure if you have issues with managing time efficiently, take a look at this survey from Mind Tools.  Becoming a more efficient manager of your time will help you and your organization become more sustainable for the long and short term.