A quick story...
A lighthouse keeper who worked a rocky stretch of coastline received his new supply of oil once a month to keep the light burning.
Not being far from a small village, he had frequent visitors. One night a villager stopped and asked for oil to keep his family warm. A few days later a farmer came by and requested oil to grease his machinery. The next day a shop owner stopped in needing oil for his lamps and to sell to a customer.
Since all the requests seemed reasonable, the lighthouse keeper tried to please everyone and granted the request of all.
It was a few days before the lighthouse keeper would receive his new supply when the oil ran dry, and the beacon of light burned out. That night, in total darkness, several ships crashed into the coastline.
So you are probably saying to yourself, "OK, Kevin, I get the story but what is the application in today's business world?"
Lost time!
I frequently hear clients share concerns about competing time pressure and how, similar to the lighthouse keeper, they are subject to people demanding both their time and resources. That someone else's challenge becomes their challenge, and what rises is frustration and stress.
If that resonates...it is time to solve for <U>.
A lighthouse keeper who worked a rocky stretch of coastline received his new supply of oil once a month to keep the light burning.
Not being far from a small village, he had frequent visitors. One night a villager stopped and asked for oil to keep his family warm. A few days later a farmer came by and requested oil to grease his machinery. The next day a shop owner stopped in needing oil for his lamps and to sell to a customer.
Since all the requests seemed reasonable, the lighthouse keeper tried to please everyone and granted the request of all.
It was a few days before the lighthouse keeper would receive his new supply when the oil ran dry, and the beacon of light burned out. That night, in total darkness, several ships crashed into the coastline.
So you are probably saying to yourself, "OK, Kevin, I get the story but what is the application in today's business world?"
Lost time!
I frequently hear clients share concerns about competing time pressure and how, similar to the lighthouse keeper, they are subject to people demanding both their time and resources. That someone else's challenge becomes their challenge, and what rises is frustration and stress.
If that resonates...it is time to solve for <U>.
The only way to predict the future is to create it.
~ Peter Drucker
So how do you handle internal "Time Bandits"? Here are some thoughts and actions to consider:
- Expect to be interrupted.
- Stand up when interrupted. This will show that you have a sense of urgency and expect to address this quickly.
- Recognize that the "Time Bandit's" actions are not intentional. They are likely looking at things from their own perspective and don't identify that they are interrupting you.
- Be transparent and share that you prefer to schedule an alternate time to meet to ensure they will get your full attention and energy. Right now your time needs to be on the "task-at-hand". Thank the individual for his or her understanding.
- Advise them, as appropriate, that if they are bringing forward a concern or problem, to come prepared to present and discuss potential solutions to promote efficiency and effectiveness.
- Prevent future interruptions and advise colleagues that your are going to schedule "Time Locks" in order to block time and be proactive to focus on activities with the highest impact - - keeping the main things the main things.
Take control of your time. Lost time is never found again.
~ Kevin Straub
"When writing the story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen." ~ Harley Davidson
Thank you for reading this post. If Time Management is a constant "pain point" I encourage you to connect and we can discuss opportunities to solve for <U>. Less stress, greater productivity, better results, and sleeping at night...you deserve it!