Time & Task Management Strategies

• To-do Lists/Priorities Lists


  Planning tool used to remind individuals of the tasks that need to be completed. Lists tasks and attaches a priority to each one so that the individual knows which tasks are most important and need to be completed first. Helps improve both productivity and quality of work as more urgent tasks are not left with too little time to be completed.
• Action Plans


  Used for a larger or longer term project. Sets out a step-by-step plan of the individual tasks that need to be done to achieve a full project/activity. Likely to include the planned time or deadline for each task. Allows project managers or any member of the organisation to monitor progress.
• Gantt Chart


  Graphical representation of the tasks, order they must be done in and the length of time tasks should take. Useful tool for planning and scheduling large projects and for monitoring the progress of a project. Each task or item of work is presented by a coloured bar on the chart which indicates the start and end date.
• Diaries and E-Diaries


  Diaries and electronic diaries allow appointments, events and deadlines to be recorded in a calendar. They allow appointments to be scheduled and noted down with additional details to ensure that important tasks, activities and meetings are not missed. Days, weeks and months can be seen at a glance, ensuring the individual does not double-book.
• Personal Development Plan


  Document completed by an employee that records their areas of strength and areas of weakness for future development. Plan on how the employee is going to develop and improve professionally. Targets for improving specific ares are recorded on the PDP along with the methods that may be used to support development and improvement.
• Delegation


  Responsibility and/or authority is given to another person (usually from a manager to a subordinate) to carry out certain activities/tasks. Delegation is important for time and task management as it saves time and leaves the manager free to get on with more important management tasks.