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