It is easy to allow our time to be wasted by others if we don’t set clear expectations up front.
To manage your time, and to prevent from having your time hijacked by others, set some clear expectations using the examples below:
1. Phone calls – I use a system called ScheduleOnce which allows people to schedule 15-30 minute phone calls. This system keeps conversations to the point and agendas clear.
2. Face to Face meetings – set a clear agenda ahead of time, and let the person know the window of time you have available.
3. Impromptu meetings or phone calls – make it clear when you run into someone how much time you have without telling someone how much time you have. To do this, ask the person what they’d like to talk about today, and then give the person an idea of what you can handle in the amount of time you have.
By following these tips, you will appear approachable and available, but won’t overuse your time or use it ineffectively.
