Master Your Managerial Role: Turning Chaos into Productivity
Ever felt overwhelmed by endless meetings and a lack of time for actual work? As a new manager, navigating this time crunch is a common challenge, especially in our instant-response era. Here's a breakdown of the problem and a solution to escape meeting room/zoom hell while enhancing time management skills.
The Meeting Conundrum: A Trend Analysis
In the remote work era, we've grown accustomed to quick responses via emails and messages. The 24-hour rule is seemingly obsolete, with the expectation to reply within hours or by the end of the day. This shift in expectations is comparable to the efficiency of same-day deliveries, but humans aren't robots. So, how do we break free from constant meetings and regain control of our time?
Strategic Time Management: A Simple Approach
The key is identifying the appropriate communication method for each task. Consider the urgency, complexity, and response time required. Here's a breakdown of communication tools and when to use them:
Text/Online Message:
Quick questions with yes/no answers, no more than 30 seconds to read.
Phone Call:
Urgent matters needing immediate clarification, lasting no more than 15 minutes.
Email:
Announcements, task assignments, approvals, document reviews – tasks requiring more than 5 minutes.
Meeting:
Brainstorming, training, discussions, decision-making, project management – tasks requiring more than 15 minutes.
Avoiding Communication Overload: The Dos and Don'ts
Avoid sending paragraphs in text/online messages, and refrain from following up calls with exhaustive emails.
Use emails for one-way communication and refrain from turning them into lengthy conversations.
Meetings should have a clear purpose, an agenda, and pre-read materials to ensure everyone is prepared.
Streamlining with Tools: Content Cloud and CRM
To further streamline communication and minimize meetings, consider implementing tools like Content Cloud for collaborative document management and CRM for documenting internal and external communications.
Unlock the Next Level with Mentorship
Still feeling overwhelmed? Seeking a mentor can provide personalized guidance to navigate these challenges.
