Almost all business owners and managers feel like there are not enough hours in the day, especially at the year’s busier times. Getting everything done in the way you know is best for the company can be a real challenge, even when you have a great team backing you up. In part, this is down to the various roles you are obliged to take on throughout the month, from balancing the books to keeping the inventory in shape and human resources. You can feel frustrated that you didn’t get around to an important task and stressed about the jobs that are building up.
One of the best ways to handle the situation is by working smarter, not harder. In practice, this involves using the time you have more effectively. Start by planning, delegating when possible, and prioritizing what needs to be done. Once you’ve got that underway, you’ll avoid unexpected pitfalls and also have more time to yourself on an average day.
Set clear and attainable goals
Understanding what needs to be done and how to do it is at the heart of successful time management. Once you have a plan, you can start to direct your business toward achieving ever larger goals. In the beginning, it’s more important to reach smaller targets that are both realistic and precise. Whether it’s recruiting new employees, increasing sales by 10%, or developing your customer service offering, short-term goals can quickly add up to significant accomplishments. Just be sure to track your progress and thank everyone involved when you have tackled a task successfully.
Prioritize your workload
Some days run more smoothly than others, so don’t feel demoralized if you miss out on certain chores occasionally. The best way to avoid neglecting the essential things is to have a list of priorities. That will give you a better idea of what can be shelved when necessary and what has to be done. Your plan should include the following day, week, and month, with time allocated for record-keeping, exploring new opportunities, and meetings, depending on your role within the company. From feedback sessions to organizing staff training and even planning itself, everything needs to be factored in.
Organize an insurance policy to cover workplace injuries
Unfortunately, even in the most vigilant workplaces, staff members can sustain an injury or become ill while doing their job. Medical problems that occur because of the job people are doing can be considered work-related. That means an employer might be liable to pay for their team member’s health care, along with the wages they would have received if they were able to work. No manager or business owner wants to face these additional costs, so deal with this worry today by arranging the required policy for general contractors online. Next Insurance works with the most established providers, bringing small businesses a level of cover to suit their needs and budget.
Delegate when appropriate
Managers have often worked their way up and been rewarded for their hands-on approach. While it’s a good idea to roll up your sleeves from time to time as a leader, you also have to trust your team to do their job. Having complex responsibilities means you need to engage with the workforce, explain what’s important, and expect them to focus on the task at hand. Ensure the right people are on the job and ask to be briefed on the outcome, so you can walk away feeling confident. By delegating, you have a chance to get on with the tasks you have to complete personally.
Monitor your time with tools
You might be surprised to learn how much time you spend on what should be simple tasks. Using a software tool or even an alarm on your phone to track your time can help you get a clear idea of where the minutes are slipping away. Once you have a fuller picture, you can take steps to increase your productivity. Moreover, an accurate understanding of where you are spending time will highlight your strengths and the areas you could improve.
Take a step back
New working methods won’t be easy to phase in, especially for busy managers and business owners. Many will probably feel too rushed to implement a new routine. It won’t be easy in the early days, but if you’re prepared to invest a little time and effort, you’ll soon be reaping the rewards.
By Kyle Jacobs