Question

You have lunch with a friend who was recently promoted to a management position. "Congratulations!" you say. But she looks at you and says, "I'm not so sure."

She goes on to tell you that she's overwhelmed with the pace of the work and the demands on her time. "I used to just think about myself and my own performance," she says, "and now I'm constantly dealing with all these interdependent aspects of the organization. I'm expected to motivate other people to work hard—just working hard myself was a lot easier. And the interruptions! I have to shift gears constantly."
She asks for your advice: "I would love to get more done in less time, be more relaxed, and have more time to enjoy my job and my life. Do you know any time management tips?"
Which of the following techniques should your friend use? Check all that apply.
a. Keep a to-do list of what needs to be done.
b. Do just one thing at a time, giving it your complete focus.
c. Gets things done through others
d. Works in highly interdependent manner

Answer 1

• a. Keep a to-do list of what needs to be done.
• b. Do just one thing at a time, giving it your complete focus.
• c. Gets things done through others

Step-by-step explanation:

a. Keeping a to-do list can help your friend organize tasks and prioritize them, preventing important things from slipping through the cracks and reducing feelings of overwhelm.

b. Focusing on one task at a time increases efficiency and reduces stress caused by multitasking. It allows your friend to dedicate full attention to each task, enhancing productivity.

c. Delegating tasks to others (gets things done through others) is crucial in a managerial role. It allows for effective time management by distributing workload, empowering team members, and freeing up time for more critical managerial duties.

Explanation (continued):

Your friend's new role in management requires a shift from individual contributor to overseeing interdependent aspects of the organization. To manage the overwhelming pace and demands, adopting certain time management techniques becomes crucial.

Maintaining a to-do list helps her organize tasks and manage priorities effectively. Prioritizing tasks ensures important duties are addressed promptly, reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed by numerous responsibilities.

Encouraging your friend to focus on one task at a time allows her to give full attention to each activity, enhancing productivity and reducing stress caused by constant interruptions.

Additionally, in a managerial position, the ability to delegate tasks and responsibilities to others is vital. Getting things done through others not only helps distribute workload but also empowers team members and allows your friend to concentrate on high-priority managerial responsibilities.

Therefore, a combination of maintaining a to-do list, focusing on one task at a time, and delegating tasks to others can significantly assist your friend in managing her time more efficiently, reducing stress, and enjoying both her job and personal life.