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?
- Dump
- Delay
- Delegate
- 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?
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Effective Time Management Training