Time Management
Time Efficiency Tips:
1. Clear-out clutter: Set-up and maintain a productive workspace.
2. Block-off time: Use a time management system, such as Oracle Calendar, to set
aside time each day to get things done.
3. Take care of your health: eating and sleeping well will increase your productivity,
as will regular exercise. Schedule and take a lunch break each day. Bring your
sneakers to work and go for a quick walk when you need to feel rejuvenated.
4. Plan for the next day: take 10-15 minutes at the end of each day to plan for
tomorrow. Confirm appointments, review your to-do list, and check for personal
commitments.
5. Delegate: identify your priorities, then determine which activities can be handled
by someone else.
6. Make wise yet quick decisions: Refer to the questions listed in the following
section when evaluating tasks and prioritizing.
7. Begin each day at zero: remember, each new day is a gift!
Quick Decision-Making Questions
1. Which task creates the most financial benefit for the university?
2. Which task serves the customers best?
3. Which task best supports the Brandeis vision, core values, core purpose, and
goals?
4. Which task best supports my supervisor’s goals and objectives?
5. Which task best aligns with my personal goals and objectives?
6. Which task affects other areas the most?
o How many departments will this affect?
o How many people will this involve?
o What effect will this task have on my time or my supervisor’s time?
o What will this task cost?
Source: Zeller, Dirk. Successful Time Management for Dummies. John Wiley & Sons. ©
2009. Books24x7. <http://common.books24x7.com/book/id_29670/book.asp> (accessed
May 6, 2009)
Brandeis University
Office of Human Resources
May 2009