The 4D’s of Time Management

Everyone has the same number of hours in the day. Some people have what I can only call “unique” time management skills when it comes to getting things done.

I had a manager a few years ago that lived by the 4D’s. While I appreciated his candor and glee at telling everyone he followed the 4D’s I didn’t appreciate the amount of time he would spend on the first three D’s and how little he spent on the last D.

What are the 4D’s?

1. Dump
2. Delay
3. Delegate
4. Do

I’m not an advocate for taking on too many projects or for not handing things off when it makes sense. However, I am an advocate for getting things done.

I like these 4D’s better – this is from a class I took at Microsoft with Sally McGhee on Managing Your Inbox. I think every employee was encouraged, if not required, to take it. I have to admit --- I don’t follow it explicitly, but at least it provides a framework.

Sometimes you just have to take on the 4th D and get things done. I think the world would be a better place if people spent a little more time doing and a little less time looking for excuses and reasons to not do something.

What D’s or other letters do you use for Time Management?