Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups Forum
Facilitated by:
Caroline Egan, Training and Development Manager

• Pareto’s 80/20 Rule:
80% of results come from 20% of effort
• The causes of wasted time in the workforce – labour inefficiency:
- inadequate workforce supervision (31%)
- poor management planning (30%)
- poor communication (18%)
- IT problems, low morale and lack or mis-match of skills
(21%)

Managing
Communications
Managing
Relationships
Managing Work
Activities
Managing
Thinking and
Reasoning
Managing your
Work Environment

KEY: Taking action for the right reason, at the right time and in the right way
• Job Clarification
• Identifying key areas of work
• Identifying activities that relate to each key area
• Setting priorities
• Managing a diary
- a record of what you plan to do and what has been achieved
- a source of information and reference
- a prompt for those with poor memories
- a way of keeping control over your activities

• Estimating Time – Use a time log
• Before of monkeys!
- Learn to say “no” politely and constructively
- Avoid sideways delegation
• Learn to delegate
• Avoid procrastination

Avoid Stress:
• Identify what causes you stress and tackle it
• Concentrate on what must be done and cut out non-essential meetings, phone calls and visitors
• Learn to delegate and trust others
• Pace yourself and take breaks throughout the day
• Be tidy and organised in the work environment
• Learn to relax and switch off – don’t take work home
• Learn to say “no”
• Improve your listening skills
• Keep fit

Manage your “Prime Time”. Don’t waste high-energy time doing low priority work
• We all have a “prime time” during the day. Do those activities that require energy and thought when you are at your sharpest
• Work in periods of time: a max. of an hour before you give yourself a break – better for concentration
Other factors to consider: problem-solving, decision-making, and memory

Key issues to consider:
• Working with your boss
• Working with people reporting to you
• Working with peers in a team
• Being assertive

Key Issues:
• Listening
• Asking questions
• Structuring a message
• Choosing a mode of communication
• Handling meetings effectively

Key issues:
• Cluttered desks
• Pieces of paper – can’t remember the last time you used it, and don’t know when you’ll need it next – BIN IT! (Unless official document then file it!)
• Filing Systems. Set up working files to include:
- projects you are working on
- routine jobs you perform daily, weekly, monthly
- information required for meetings with key people
- information needed at your fingertips