| Firstly think about what it is you need to | | | | events? How can you plan your time |
| develop by asking yourself some simple | | | | differently? |
| questions, for example: | | | | |
| | | | · Demonstrate commitment to yourself and |
| - To do all aspects of my current job well, | | | | your development by making time for yourself |
| what do I need to be better at? | | | | every week to reflect on what you have |
| | | | learned and what you want to focus on next. |
| - I would resolve an ongoing problem if I | | | | |
| improved my skills and ability in the | | | | · Do not take responsibility for other |
| following areas? | | | | people's roles. Be clear with them what you |
| | | | are responsible for and what they are |
| - In my appraisals and other feedback (e.g. | | | | responsible for. |
| from my team) I have been told that I could | | | | |
| improve the following? | | | | · Do not completely fill your diary keep |
| | | | slots free for unplanned events. |
| - In my next likely roles I need to be good | | | | |
| at? | | | | · Spend 5 minutes every day visualising |
| | | | yourself obtaining your goals. |
| Take the example of improving your self | | | | |
| management and planning skills. Rather than | | | | · Be proactive. Listen to your language |
| going on a management training course on time | | | | and the language of those around you. |
| management consider the following: | | | | |
| | | | - How often do you use or hear, 'If only', 'I |
| · Prepare a personal vision for yourself. | | | | cannot', or 'I have to'? |
| Many people who struggle to manage their time | | | | |
| because they are not clear about their own | | | | - Work on ways of eliminating negativity from |
| priorities. Your vision should be an | | | | your language. Act as a role model to others. |
| expression of your preferred future, | | | | |
| something you feel passionately about. Write | | | | · Read a book such as The Seven Habits of |
| it down and break it down into key goals and | | | | Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey or |
| timings. Include a small activity each week | | | | Self Defeating Behaviours by Cudney, Milton |
| in your diary to take you towards your | | | | and Hardy. |
| vision. | | | | |
| | | | By thinking more deeply about what it is you |
| · Use 'To Do' lists and prioritise the | | | | need to learn you will be able to identify |
| urgency and importance of the task. Cross | | | | some simple actions that you can take on a |
| tasks off once complete. | | | | daily basis to improve your management |
| | | | skills. While a management training course |
| · Use a diary more effectively. Record | | | | may ultimately be the right approach, don't |
| your time for 2 weeks. What does this tell | | | | simply assume that it is the answer to all |
| you? How much time did you spend reacting to | | | | your development needs. |
| events? How much time was spent on planned | | | | |