How To Get Home Earlier

A recent article from ProjectManager.com covers effective time management tips that ensure you arrive home on time.

Tip #1: Get organized

Do you manage your work in an unstructured manner? If so, start using task lists to ensure you know what has to be done when. Also,use time sheets (e.g., a simple spreadsheet) to track how you are spending your time. Ensure too that your team members are organized too by employing resource management tools that enable you to assign work to the right person. Use your calendar or project management software to set up alerts and reminders; as a result, you won't store all that information in your mind. Find a few techniques that work to ensure your organized and your project is on track. Then use them consistently.

Tip #2: Use collaboration software

One of the things that slows project managers down is not being able to get updates and status reports from team members. Start using collaboration software to communicate with your team, host impromptu meetings and check facts quickly.

Tip #3: Work online

Use pockets of time during the day when you normally would not be able to accomplish anything. Online access can make it easy to work from home when needed. Arrive home earlier and then check in later that evening at a convenient time, since you'll be able to access everything you need.

Tip #4: Say no!

You don't have to take on so much work! Practice saying no when colleagues ask you to take on extra responsibilities or to do their tasks for them. If your manager is asking, talk to them about what you could move down the priority list in order to make time for this new work.

Tip #5: Manage your meetings

There are two ways that you can manage meetings, so try them both and see which one is most successful for you. First can try to schedule meetings late in the day so that everyone is keen to get quickly through the agenda and leave the office. You may find that the team works productively during the meeting if there is the incentive of going home afterwards!

Second, you could do the opposite and avoid late meetings which may overrun. Instead, schedule your meetings earlier in the day. People will be alert and able to concentrate which will also lead to productive meetings.

Test out a couple of these techniques to get home earlier.