Misconceptions of Time Management
This blog is about dissecting the truths and myths about time management and its value in today's ever-changing workplace. To begin dissecting the myths about time management, we first need to look at two similar but different definitions. According to the Oxford dictionary, the definition of time management is "the ability to use one's time effectively or productively, especially at work." The definition in the Cambridge dictionary is "the practice of using the time you have available in a useful and effective way, especially at work." Now that we know the definitions of this skill, let's review some of the myths.
Myth 1: Time Management is only a skill used in the workplace.
Truth 1: We have unknowingly practiced this time management concept and strategies for decades.
I want to first examine the ending of both definitions, "especially at work" why do we only think of time management in a workplace setting? We have been unknowingly practicing this concept of time management and strategies for decades. As human beings, we juggle a lot in our professional and personal life. We have personal obligations, whether children, elderly parents, dating, hobbies, vacations, etc. These take time management skills and techniques. A prime example, as a former Disney employee, I know, when going to Disney parks, families use a multitude of time management skills and techniques. There are showtimes, meet-n-greets with characters, food planning, rides, etc., all of which need scheduling or managing for a "fun" vacation. When we plan, prioritize, set boundaries, delegate, use calendars, we use time management skills and tools. So these skills that we think of as only in a workplace setting, we use every day and probably more to juggle our personal lives than our professional lives. When thinking of time management at work, consider first how you manage your time and priorities in your personal life. Then, apply those same skills and techniques to your professional life.
Myth 2: The concept of time management is outdated.
Truth 2: Time management concepts have become more crucial with new technology.
In today's world of modern technology and the urgency of the "now" idea, it would seem that managing time is outdated. The shift has become more towards attention management or productivity skills. In fact, though, you need the essential time management skills to be productive and reduce distractions. Today, we are surrounded by distractions such as text messages, instant messages, or email notifications constantly popping on our devices. So we now need to learn to manage our time and our attention. All devices and systems have do not disturb modes. When you prioritize a task with a deadline, you can minimize your attention deficit by utilizing current technology. Time management and project software, such as Monday.com and Asana, allow managers to delegate tasks and see the status of projects without disrupting or wasting time with unnecessary project update meetings. Modern technology has increased the need to master time management skills to learn attention skills to increase productivity.
Myth 3: Time management training is unnecessary, unproductive, and a lost cause.
Truth 3: Training provides people with the necessary tools, techniques, and resources to improve their time management skills.
As we discussed in the second myth, the concept of time management is not outdated. So how do employers train employees on time management skills with modern technology? First, the essential skills of time management have not changed. There are new tools, techniques, resources, and research to improve peoples' time management toolbox. Time management encompasses little skills and techniques in one extensive toolbox to truly make a person effective and efficient with their time and energy. Before the technology boom, time management training taught people to develop lists and prioritize items. With today’s urgent pace and technology, the list concept is often seen as outdated. We must train employees how to manage their time efficiently by training them on new software and the priorities of the organization. Lastly, research shows that people's personalities and traits need consideration in this toolbox. Time management training needs to consider the necessary skills of budgeting time, delegating, planning, and tools such as timers, matrixes, calendars, and software; combined with emotional intelligence and personality traits to be fully developed effectively. Organizations and people all have different priorities. Training can provide a way to empower employees. Through training, they can better understand who they are, the skills and resources they have at their hands, and how to incorporate all of these strategies to be most productive.
In closing, as I mentioned before, time management is a skill that we have always used to juggle our personal and professional lives. However, time management skills are even more crucial to the workplace today, as we contend with the current global pandemic and as our focus, attention, way of communicating, and time have shifted.
At K&J Strategic Solutions, we want to help organizations empower their employees to learn new skills, techniques, resources to manage their time and enhance productivity.