On the other hand, we hear complaints from employees that leadership doesn’t have protocols in place for managing time and, as a culture, they are VERY reactive to changes in their business.
Simply put, managers aren’t instructing their staff to take a proactive approach nor do they have a well-thought out time management strategy. As leaders and managers, we shouldn’t complain that our staff isn’t performing or being productive if we aren’t going to put the energy into providing clear direction.
Another problem we hear when we teach time management is the ‘excuse’ that “Managing time will NOT work in THIS company – we are too reactive. Not everyone will follow protocols anyway. It would be impossible to implement, so what is the point…” The fact is, these limiting beliefs are simply HOLDING YOU BACK!
If you allow excuses, your leadership is in question and you could be the reason your team isn’t performing.
The fact is, if you fail to use time as a strategy, you will lose a huge opportunity to make your company more competitive! One thing is for certain, you will not get TIME back once it’s gone so you had better use it wisely and have a plan.
We’ve implemented time management as a strategy in companies all over the world and it can work but business owners and leaders MUST be vigilant and determined for it to be successful!
So ask yourself these questions: What would happen if we could use time management as a strategic advantage? What if we applied RULES in the workplace to get more out of our people and resources; thus, improving productivity and performance? Would it be worth it? Wouldn’t you rather master time if you could implement simple yet powerful techniques that are proven to work? I hope you raised your hand and said “of course- just show me how”!
Here’s a thought – if you were on a diet and went on vacation, and you knew that you wouldn’t be following your diet during that time – would you NOT go on a diet at all because there is no use being disciplined if you’re going to quit for a few days anyway? Of course not!
A smarter time management solution is what we call a ‘Time Diet”. It’s probably one of the only things you can actively control at least more so than other factors like the economy or natural disasters. Rest assured, you CAN create a plan and you CAN stick to it. You can even measure, alter or adjust the plan as needed during times of change. And, if you can’t practice time management strategies for a week or so during busy seasons, you simply get back on the plan after you return to business as usual – just like returning to your diet after vacation. It’s really that simple.
Keep in mind, you only need to make small improvements to get better results.
Think about this…. What if you could improve productivity 1% a week, that’s 52% a year. If you improve 10% a month that’s 120% a year. You can see that small improvements can still make a big difference over time. Imagine if you were in sports and you decided to practice 10 min drills, 6 days a week. That equals an hour a week, 4 hours a month and over 50 hours a year – give or take a few. You can’t tell me that wouldn’t set you apart and make you much more competitive. So, let’s explore how to create a successful plan for your business…
Five things you can do to start implementing time management strategies:
We teach what’s called the SmartTime System. It’s a customized plan that fits within your unique set of circumstances rather than a generic approach. Using the tips below, you’ll create your own custom time management system. Always keep in mind that time management can be altered during busy times. This allows you to get back on track easily when business resumes to normal.
By implementing these five action steps, you’re well on your way to being more productive and competitive. We know it works because we use this time management audit and planning system in organizations in hundreds of companies. What works so well is that it creates a customized approach to your needs and establishes a ‘time conscious‘ culture.
So, now YOU have five ways to start planning a more effective time management plan – all you have to do is get started. You’ll not only know where your time is going but you’ll be able to assess areas of improvement and create a clear path to better performance using systems, rules, processes and accountability.
About SmartTime System by GrowthSmart Consulting, Inc.
After years of deploying organizational audits around the world, it was discovered that most businesses and their employees weren’t managing time strategically, if at all. It was also understood that of the many time management systems available on the market, none would fit our client’s cultural and performance needs exactly – there were too many variables and time disruptions to apply across the board. Thus, GrowthSmart decided to develop and launch its own SmartTime System that companies could easily design and adapt to their own specific needs while still following a system to improve performance. We use this process to customize time management strategies that is unique to each corporation. For more questions on implementing this program within your organization, if you struggle to apply time management strategies or are ready to learn how you can implement your own customized plan – contact us at info@growthsmart.com or simply apply for free resources here and an experienced coach will reach out to you to get you started.
About GrowthSmart Consulting, Inc.
Since 2007, GrowthSmart Consulting, Inc has specialized in Revenue Chain Management strategies, including: sales, marketing, training and operational performance to improve revenue, profitability and sustainability. Our goal is to drive long-term growth with systems and processes your team can use to maximize results, ultimately creating better performance across the revenue chain. In addition, To support small business growth, GrowthSmart has recently launched a series of small business retreats, training and resources including the ZONEMastery System and ZM Retreats®. APPLY for your FREE resources TODAY.
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