We do face lots of situations every day. We all have to learn with experience. Press enter or click to view image in full size

Who does not want to be the person:

• Whose example is given to others?
• Who is ahead of others?
• Who gets all stardom and cheers?
• Who is the Best in their job?

If the answer is yes to any of the above questions is YES, then you have already joined the race :).

We encounter countless situations daily, but often, our biggest obstacles are a lack of confidence and a systematic approach to execution. These essential skills aren’t always explicitly taught in academic settings, forcing us to learn through experience. Fortunately, the internet has democratized knowledge sharing, enabling everyone to benefit from collective wisdom.

Individual work styles and attitudes can significantly impact the ease or difficulty of tasks. To navigate these challenges effectively, it’s crucial to understand how to prevent or minimize such situations. Drawing from my professional experiences, I’ve identified several key factors that have influenced my life at every level.

Table of Contents

• Three Common traits affect us daily
• Four Improvements
• Example
• Hint: How to define a timeline for your task

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Three Common traits affect us daily

1. Missinterpreration of time management A common misconception is that time management solely involves adhering to a 9-to-5 work schedule. Some individuals mistakenly believe that punctuality alone equates to effective time management. This perspective often stems from a lack of concern for overall team performance and client satisfaction.

   Time management challenges arise when tasks are misinterpreted or underestimated. Many people assume that the task assignor is responsible for managing their time, neglecting to inquire about deadlines or prioritize multiple assignments.

2. Always say yes to everything thrown to us Overcommitting by saying ‘yes’ to everything can significantly hinder our well-being. Some individuals fear rejection or negative consequences, leading them to accept every task without considering the potential drawbacks. This approach can result in a chaotic and unsustainable workload, ultimately leading to burnout and decreased productivity.

3. Keep things to self until asked Another common mistake is assuming that managers and team members are automatically aware of the challenges and obstacles associated with assigned tasks. Failure to communicate critical information can lead to significant time and resource inefficiencies. Important details often overlooked include:

   • Tight deadlines: Explicitly stating the difficulty of meeting specific timelines.
   • Need for assistance: Requesting help to overcome obstacles or blockers.
   • Lack of clarity: Seeking clarification on task requirements or steps.

Four Improvements

1. Raise your point Openly sharing your thoughts and opinions, even when they may seem insignificant, is essential for effective collaboration. Don’t hesitate to express yourself, regardless of whether you believe others will listen. In my experience, while some managers have valued my input, others have dismissed it. However, I’ve always found personal satisfaction in sharing my perspective. It demonstrates active participation in teamwork and can serve as evidence of my contributions when my ideas are eventually adopted to address challenges.

2. Time management Effective time management involves identifying and allocating specific timeframes for each task. If you’re unsure about deadlines or priorities, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from your manager. It’s essential to maintain a clear understanding of your weekly schedule, especially when juggling multiple projects. This approach can significantly alleviate time management challenges.

3. Learn to say NO While saying ‘yes’ to everything might seem like a way to avoid job-related issues, it’s often more effective to assertively decline tasks that don’t align with your priorities or capabilities. Instead of simply refusing, propose alternative solutions or explain the reasons for your limitations. By practicing effective time management, you’ll be better equipped to identify tasks that don’t fit your schedule. If your manager insists on prioritizing a particular task, be prepared to discuss your current workload and suggest reasonable adjustments to ensure a manageable workload within the given timeframe.

4. Keep informed Regular communication is essential for effective project management. Proactively sharing updates on your progress, challenges, or requests for assistance demonstrates your commitment and helps ensure that everyone is aligned. Don’t hesitate to raise concerns about potential roadblocks or delays, especially if they involve dependencies on other team members. By openly discussing these issues, you can proactively address potential problems and demonstrate your active role in project management.

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Example

Consider Kurt, a dedicated software developer who goes beyond the traditional 9-to-5 work ethic. Due to his expertise, Kurt is involved in two projects simultaneously, but faces challenges with an uncooperative project manager. The manager expects Kurt to blindly follow orders and prioritize tasks based on personal preferences, rather than considering the project’s overall objectives.

Kurt, however, is well-versed in his role and the steps required for successful project execution. When assigned a seemingly random priority task, Kurt added it to his task list and sought clarification on its importance. The manager responded vaguely, stating that all tasks were equally crucial.

Kurt then carefully reviewed his calendar and allocated time for each task. He discovered that while he could accommodate some tasks within the current week, one task would require rescheduling. Given the manager’s insistence on prioritizing all tasks, Kurt initiated a discussion to determine which tasks should take precedence.

When the manager requested Kurt to switch to the new task, Kurt explained his progress on the existing task and the potential consequences of delaying its completion. Despite Kurt’s objections, the manager continued to pressure him to prioritize the new task. Kurt then raised concerns about potential issues that could arise if the existing task was not addressed promptly. This assertive communication demonstrates Kurt’s commitment to project success and his ability to advocate for his priorities.

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Hint: How to define a timeline for your task

Kurt employs a systematic approach to task prioritization, categorizing all tasks into three levels:

• Priority A: These are critical tasks that must be completed immediately, with no room for delay.

• Priority B: These are important tasks that should be completed as soon as possible, but some flexibility is allowed.

• Priority C: These are tasks that are less urgent and can be addressed at a later time, when resources are available.

  By carefully categorizing his tasks, Kurt creates a clear roadmap for his workload and ensures that his time is allocated effectively.