Stephen Covey taught us that time management is really much more about managing ourselves than managing the clock. The authors of “The Power of Focus” offer a 4-D solution to help you say “yes” to the important and “no” to tasks that will take you away from your priorities. This is a easy to remember, simple system to pass onto your team. Be sure you (or your office manager) monitor the process initially so you are certain that everyone’s priorities are in line with yours.
1. Dump It… Learn to say “No I choose not to do this.” Be firm.
2. Delegate It… Learn to ask yourself “Who else could do this?”
3. Defer It… Learn to schedule time to handle tasks that can be deferred.
4. Do It… Learn that important work needs to be done now so just do it and avoid the negative consequences of procrastination.