Do You Have Time to Spare

Very often, in my workplace, I hear people say that they are so busy with their work that they have no time to spare for other matters. I know of people who perennially arrive late at meetings because they were too busy finishing their work. Is it possible that everybody is so over burdened with work that they have no more time to tackle other jobs?

I have a relative who handles several jobs within the day. What is amazing is not only his dexterity to handle several jobs but his capability to complete the daily tasks for each of those jobs. His advice begins with time management. Each job is allotted a certain amount of time within the day and specific tasks have been identified that should be completed within that time frame. Some companies call this the turnaround time for a task. If a document is placed on your desk, it implies there is work to be done with regards to that document and there is a time allotted on how long it should take to complete the task for that document. Your performance is gauged on the amount of time you spend handling the document. It may sound stringent but it places on the individual the challenge of improving himself.

You try to complete the document in as fast a time as possible without sacrificing the quality of the work. The faster you can complete the process; the better is your performance rating. It boils down to improving yourself, - your efficiency and effectiveness in handling tasks.

People try to find ways and means of doing a job faster and better. The reasons may vary - from wanting to be recognized as a top performer to simply looking for time to rest and relax. Here are some points to ponder over that may help you find “time to spare”.

Ask yourself - what is the objective of the task and can it be done in a different manner? There are some tasks that undergo the same process year after year. When asked about it, a standard response may be that it’s always been done that way. Don’t shirk the work but at the same time, question the practicality of doing it the same way from time immemorial.  In this day and age, there may be better ways of doing the task, especially when you consider the rapid advancement of technology over the past few years.

Can the task be delegated? I say don’t pass the buck but at the same time, review the entire process not only at your work place but across other functions. There may be other functions down the line which can take on this task as part of their process and handle it more efficiently and effectively. Not only does the company benefit but you display your prowess to analyze the work process not only at your level but at varying functions within the company.

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