time management

Globe with locations plotted on it For Distributed Team Success, Think Differently about When

For distributed teams, activities usually get scheduled based on constraints such as availability and time zone, but people don’t often take into account when the most effective time to meet would be. Neglecting people’s work tendencies and schedule preferences could make it harder for the team to be successful.

Steve Berczuk's picture
Steve Berczuk
Photo of person overthinking, by Jake Young Avoid Overthinking and Make Decisions Faster

Overthinking is not the same as being cautious and methodical about making a decision. By contrast, despite the amount of analysis overthinkers do, they may never get any closer to actually making a decision. If you’re an overthinker—or even just want to make decisions faster—try these tips to be more decisive.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
Man taking a break at work Taking a Break Can Actually Improve Your Work

A relentless go-go-go approach doesn’t increase productivity—in fact, it diminishes it. There’s simply a limit to how many hours anyone can put in without losing concentration, sacrificing efficiency, and making errors that require rework. But a brief break, even for five minutes, can refocus your energy and stamina.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
Box with "Now" checked Stop Procrastinating and Start Getting Things Done

Everyone procrastinates sometimes. But if it's becoming a real problem for you, there are things you can do to try to overcome chronic procrastination. For instance, try dividing your work into small, manageable steps, setting time limits for tasks, and eliminating distractions. Read on for more tips.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
Calendar with deadline circled Gain a Competitive Advantage by Meeting Your Deadlines

When you agree to do something by a certain date, do you meet your deadline? Many people don’t, which turns into a huge competitive advantage for those who do. That's because when people know you as someone they can count on to help them meet their own deadlines, you’re the one they’ll turn to for other opportunities.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
Time waster: Clock thrown out in garbage Stop These Major Time-Wasting Activities at Work

Most time wasters at work fall into one of three categories: personal, organizational, and technological. There may not be much you can do about some typical time-wasting activities—like certain meetings—but there are some you can control, which means you can dump them to be more productive.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
Should You Cancel Your Next Meeting?

Of course meetings are often necessary, but sometimes they are just rituals without meaning. At your job, would anyone recognize if a meeting weren't efficient or essential? When was the last time a meeting you were scheduled to attend was canceled because it wasn’t a good use of anyone’s time?

Payson Hall's picture
Payson Hall
Dealing with a Manager Who Says Everything Is Urgent

If your boss regularly wants something done immediately, regardless of whether the matter is truly top priority, you're in the unenviable position of being perpetually "ASAP'd." To break the cycle of dropping everything for inconsequential tasks, you may need to try managing your manager. Read on for ideas.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten