time management and problem solving skills

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

Time Management Is About More Than Life Hacks

• Erich C. Dierdorff

Your productivity hinges on these three skills.

There is certainly no shortage of advice — books and blogs, hacks and apps — all created to boost time management with a bevy of ready-to-apply tools. Yet, the frustrating reality for individuals trying to improve their time management is that tools alone won’t work. You have to develop your time management skills in three key areas: awareness, arrangement, and adaptation. The author offers evidence-based tactics to improve in all three areas.

Project creep, slipping deadlines, and a to-do list that seems to get longer each day — these experiences are all too common in both life and work. With the New Year’s resolution season upon us, many people are boldly trying to fulfill goals to “manage time better,” “be more productive,” and “focus on what matters.” Development goals like these are indeed important to career success. Look no further than large-scale surveys that routinely find time management skills among the most desired workforce skills, but at the same time among the rarest skills to find.

• Erich C. Dierdorff is a professor of management and entrepreneurship at the Richard H. Driehaus College of Business at DePaul University and is currently an associate editor at  Personnel Psychology.

Partner Center

How to Get Better at Time Management and Problem Solving

How to Get Better at Time Management

Start taking notes.

Want to Manage Your Time Better?

If you'd like to learn more about time management, why not take a look at how we can help?

Learn how to manage your time better with our online courses. RRP from US$89 – limited time offer just US$12.99

Make use of technology

Multitask where possible.

Look at the bigger picture

How to get better at problem solving, identify the root cause, work towards a solution, consider all the options, speak up before it happens.

Seek Areas for Continuous Improvement

More articles on time management.

Write for us on the ZandaX blog

We're always looking for guest contributors to increase the variety and diversity of what we present.

Click to see how you can write for us:

ZandaX Blog Contents

Want to see them all? Click to view a full list of articles in our blogs.

The Psychology of Time Management and 5 Strategies

The answer isn’t more time or efficiency, but managing your natural tendencies..

Posted September 10, 2023 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

• What Is a Career
• Find a career counselor near me
• Due to the common feeling of never having enough time, many authors promise productivity hacks.
• Our brains are wired to lead to tendencies that make the sense of time scarcity worse.
• Awareness is the first step to avoid the lure of task completion bias, multitasking, and the planning fallacy.

Do you feel as though you don’t have enough time to get everything done? It’s natural to think, “If I just had a little more time, or had less to do, or could get caught up, it wouldn’t be a problem.” Because time is the one “thing” that everyone has the same amount of, regardless of wealth or status, what varies is how much is expected (or demanded) from each of us during a designated span of time. Because time itself cannot be managed, it comes down to what you do in that designated span of time (behavior management ), and this is where psychology comes into play. A suite of psychological phenomena work in concert to undermine our sense of accomplishment and satisfaction with our time management .

Beware of Task Completion Bias

Let’s start with considering the large set of possible behaviors during our hypothetical span of time. We have our presumed large to-do list of things that need to get done now, soon, or at some future point. What do you tackle first? Chances are, smaller, easier tasks rise to the top. After all, you may be able to knock off the list several tasks in a relatively short period of time, so why not get those out of the way?

Psychologists refer to this tendency as task completion bias . Uncompleted tasks create psychological discomfort, and completing task provides relief, as well as a sense of accomplishment and a little hit of neurotransmitters that are reinforcing. It’s like scratching an instant lottery ticket and scoring a small prize – not going to change your life but provides a jolt of pleasure for the moment. So what’s the harm in starting with small tasks?

Much has been written about the daily flood of email, text, and other instant messages experienced by most people who work in offices. Responding to messages is just one example of small tasks that seem as though they have to be done, but a common and never-ending one. When you prioritize small tasks, the larger ones are delayed, sometimes indefinitely if there are no deadlines. The small tasks frequently seem urgent, and grab your attention , yet it is the larger tasks that are typically the most important for your success and satisfaction (though less urgent until a deadline looms).

The result is that we often fail to achieve the goals that most align with our values and sense of meaningful work (and recognition). Stuck on the treadmill of task completion bias, when the deadline for a larger, more complex task is soon approaching, we experience increased stress and the sense that there is never enough time.

Multitasking and the Enemy of Deep Work

The most important aspects of our work frequently require sustained attention or thought, which psychologists refer to as deep work . However, when stressed by too much to do, it is easy to be lured into multitasking. Unfortunately, a growing body of research consistently demonstrates the inefficiency and increased experience of stress that multitasking engenders. Perhaps even more troubling is that frequent multitasking and focusing our attention on small tasks trains the brain to function accordingly, making deep work more difficult over time.

Enter the Planning Fallacy

In addition to task completion bias and multitasking, other psychological factors may undermine prioritizing and successfully completing our important tasks. One is the human tendency to be overly optimistic in estimating how much time we have to work on something, as well as how long a task will take, a phenomenon psychologists refer to as the planning fallacy.

How many hours do you have to get work done at your job? A likely reply is “8 hours.” However, we know from experience that there will be interruptions, distractions, needed breaks, and so forth. Of the actual available work time, how much would you have available to work on something you prioritize? Whatever you answer, it is very likely too generous. One reason is that we tend to underestimate the nonproductive factors just mentioned, as well as unanticipated tasks and problems that pop up over the course of the day. And we tend to underestimate how long something will take to get done for the same reasons.

What Can You Do?

• Start each day articulating the truly important things(s) to get done that day. Ask yourself, “If I could only work on one thing today, what should it be?” In this context, how do you define “important”? Consider nontraditional definitions such as, “most personally or professionally meaningful,” or “most likely to bring a sense of relief or a reduction in anxiety ,” or “having the largest or longest lasting impact.”
• Break down larger tasks into defined achievable steps. Instead of planning time to “work on X,” specify a goal that can be identified as having been achieved. This way you are using task completion bias to your advantage. Reward yourself for completing that daily step.
• Avoid the lure of multitasking and getting pulled into distractions and task completion bias. Schedule and protect blocks of time set aside for specific deep work, and alter your surroundings to minimize distractions and interruptions. This may include a sign on your door or cubicle, wearing headphones, and setting auto-replies that indicate when others might be able to expect a response to their messages.
• Fight the planning fallacy. Estimate how much time you have for working on your designated task today, and how long it will take. Then cut the first one in half and double the second estimate. These revised estimates will not feel realistic, but track your actual experience during the course of the day and compare. Another fruitful strategy is to imagine that a coworker has the same designated task, and perform both estimates for that other person. These may still be overly optimistic, but they tend to be less so than personal estimates.
• Anticipate interruptions and delays, and form simply behavioral responses. Psychologists refer to these little plans as implementation intentions , and they are highly effective at facilitating goal achievement. For example, “If a coworker interrupts my scheduled time to work on my priority task, I will explain and ask that we set a time to resume whatever they brought up.” Or, “While working on X, I will turn off my device notifications and not look at messages.”

In the end, time management is not an all-or-nothing, or one-magic-strategy type of problem to be solved. Instead, like our other behaviors and life experiences, it is an ongoing dilemma to be managed. The process starts with raising awareness of your own tendencies, and experimenting with what works best for you. Hopefully the few psychological phenomena and strategies introduced here provide a fruitful starting place on your time management professional development path.

Michael Wiederman, Ph.D., is a former clinical psychology professor who now works full-time applying psychology to the workplace.

• Find a Therapist
• Find a Treatment Center
• Find a Psychiatrist
• Find a Support Group
• Find Online Therapy
• United States
• Brooklyn, NY
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• New York, NY
• Portland, OR
• San Diego, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Seattle, WA
• Washington, DC
• Asperger's
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Eating Disorders
• Passive Aggression
• Personality
• Goal Setting
• Positive Psychology
• Stopping Smoking
• Low Sexual Desire
• Relationships
• Child Development
• Self Tests NEW
• Therapy Center
• Diagnosis Dictionary
• Types of Therapy

At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that threatens to derail our entire day. Here’s how we can face our triggers with less reactivity so that we can get on with our lives.

• Emotional Intelligence
• Gaslighting
• Affective Forecasting
• Neuroscience

8 must-have time management and organizational skills

Effective time management skills help you complete work, improve focus, and make better decisions. This, in turn, will help you organize each day better — to avoid confusion, reduce stress, and give yourself space to be creative and proactive. 

Ultimately, by practicing time management and organizational skills, you can accomplish critical goals and advance in your career.

In this article, we’ll cover eight types of time management and organizational skills, their importance, and five smart tips to help you improve your skills. 

As a bonus, we’ll highlight some essential resume-worthy time management and organizational skills you can pick up today.

This Article Contains:

(Use the links to jump to a specific section)

8 types of time management and organizational skills

Why are time management and organizational skills important, 5 smart tips to improve time management and organizational skills, 10 resume-worthy time management and organizational skills.

Let’s get started.

Here’s a detailed look at eight types of time management and organizational skills:

1. Organizing

Whether it’s an up-to-date calendar, saving documents with a proper name, or having a tidy workspace, organizing can help maintain a clear picture of what you need to complete and when. 

Here are two ways to organize things:

A. Mental organization

Mental organizational skills allow you to research, analyze situations, and think strategically. You can use your analytical skills to adopt a systematic approach to problem-solving.

Some essential mental organizational skills include attention to detail, decision-making, creative thinking, and more.

B. Physical organization

While most work happens virtually today, doing something as small as organizing your work desk can help you avoid distractions and improve focus. 

Filing, office management, record keeping are some examples of physical organizational skills.

2. Prioritization

Prioritization helps you complete the most important task in an order that can help you be productive and efficient. 

When assigning priority to your tasks, you can consider factors like:

• When each task needs to be done.
• How long it might take to complete.
• How crucial it might be to others in the organization.
• What could happen if the task is not done.
• Whether any other task might be interrupted in the process.

3. Goal-setting

Goal setting allows you to clearly understand your end goal and what exactly you need to do to accomplish it. 

Once you have a clear goal in your mind, you can work towards it with complete focus. You can also identify the important tasks required to accomplish the goal and avoid wasting time on unimportant ones.

4. Communication and collaboration

Strong communication skills let you make your plans and goals clear to your coworkers. This allows them to see the bigger picture and understand how their efforts affect the end goal. 

Communicating clearly also helps you delegate your tasks, which lets you focus on completing the most important task first.

Additionally, your success may depend on your ability to collaborate with others. Being open to new ideas, feedback, and advice is just as crucial for successful collaboration as meeting targets.

5. Task management

Creating task lists is a great way to note down everything you need and avoid forgetting anything important. They are also a great way to avoid spending all day thinking about what you need to do next. 

Moreover, you can use project management tools to keep track of your tasks and projects and monitor how they’re progressing.

6. Workload management

Working long hours or skipping breaks can sometimes improve productivity in the short term. But once your exhaustion catches up, your overall productivity drops. 

Knowing and enforcing an optimum workload for yourself and your team ensures consistency in performance and avoids employee burnout .

7. Delegation

Some people resist delegating because they want to maintain control or due to monetary constraints. Either way, both approaches can ultimately lower productivity and raise costs.

Delegation allows more work to be completed faster. Through delegation, you can identify what you can do and delegate the rest. After all, it’s better to succeed at a few tasks than to attempt and fail at many.

8. Stress management

Keeping stress levels in check is a huge part of time management. 

Compounding stress can lead to long-term mental health issues that can further lead to bad time management . 

Here are a few ways to manage stress:

• Include small breaks throughout your day.
• Reward yourself as you accomplish tasks.
• Do some physical activities like running or swimming.
• Get out in the sunlight.
• Try relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing.

Let’s take a look at the benefits of practicing time management and organizational skills:

1. Helps save time

Effective time management improves your ability to focus. You will be able to complete your task list in less time and have more hours to relax – creating an excellent work-life balance.

Moreover, good organizational skills can help you avoid searching through piles of paperwork or an unnamed folder on your computer to find important documents. This can save time — which you can spend on more important tasks.

2. Improves efficiency

Any time management skill teaches you to take control of your own time. 

You also learn to focus better on your tasks and complete them in less time, resulting in enhanced efficiency.

Additionally, proper organization skills ensure that you have all the necessary information and resources to complete the task. This lets you avoid last-minute scrambling and instead focus on quality. 

Consequently, avoiding these last-minute tasks not only helps deliver work on time but significantly increases your productivity and decreases your stress level. 

3. Greater reliability and less stress

Working in an organized workplace can make you feel focused and stress-free. 

You won’t be running around looking for information, sorting through unorganized paperwork, or dealing with the consequences of someone else’s poor time management abilities. 

Conversely, when you manage your time well, your team members are likely to develop a sense of reliability. They know that you do your work diligently, don’t give in to procrastination, and hence they can trust you.

4. Better work quality

With good time management skills, you can quickly prioritize your work and allow enough time to tasks based on their complexity. 

As a result, you’re able to focus on that specific task and deliver work with fewer errors. Moreover, if it’s a challenging task, you’ll have enough time in hand to resolve it and provide results of the expected quality.

5. Leaves a good impression

Whether it’s a company’s decision-makers or an employee, their values and work ethic directly influence company culture and profitability. 

When an individual learns to manage time, they’ll be able to complete their own work and meet project deadlines – quickly achieving their daily goals. 

This way, they leave a good impression on their seniors and colleagues and set an example for them to follow.

To help you get the most out of time management and organization, let’s look at some sure-fire tips to hone your skills. 

Here are five simple tips to improve your time management and organizational skills:

1. Prioritize your tasks

Making to-do lists can help you physically prioritize your tasks. You can also understand the upcoming due dates or how the task affects others to get certain things done first.

But you can also use various time management techniques and strategies to prioritize your tasks. Here are three simple methods:

A. Urgent Vs. important

Urgent tasks require your immediate attention. 

However, just because a task is urgent doesn’t necessarily mean it’s important.

Completing urgent tasks of little significance can cost you a lot of time. That’s why you should also figure out the importance of your urgent tasks.

How do you do that?

You can use the Eisenhower matrix given below to keep your tasks organized:

This simple matrix can help you visualize your tasks. You can then consider the long-term outcome of these tasks and focus on those that will make you not only productive but efficient.

B. The ABC method

The ABC Method involves assigning a priority status of A, B, or C to each of the items on your task list. 

• A Status Items (Must Do) : This consists of high-priority tasks or those that have urgent deadlines. 
• B Status Items (Should Do) : This consists of tasks that can be quite important over time.
• C Status Items (Nice to Do) : This consists of low-priority tasks that can have few negative consequences if left incomplete at the moment.

C. Getting things done

Consider the following while making your task list:

• What can I do where I am?: Sometimes, we have unexpected pockets of time. Think about where you are, what you can do, and how to use it to benefit. 
• How much time do I have?: Be realistic about what can be done in the time you have available.
• How much energy and focus do I have?: What can you realistically take on right now?
• What has the highest payoff for me if I do it?: Another way to assess importance, weight, or priorities.

2. Follow a schedule

When you know what you need to do, you can quickly complete those tasks.

You can use the first 30 minutes of your day to create a to-do list that aligns with your weekly plans.

However, remember to be flexible with your plans and account for unexpected tasks.

You can then revisit your task list at the end of the day to see which task or activity took longer to complete and identify any issues you might be facing at work.

Additionally, you consider blocking off specific brackets of time on your schedule, so you are guaranteed to have time in your schedule without distraction or meetings. 

3. Set short and long-term goals

Goal-setting can help you clearly understand what you want to achieve. 

To achieve a long-term goal, you need to identify smaller tasks and set goals along the way. 

For example, if you’ve set a long-term goal to take on more job responsibility, you need to set smaller goals like improving certain skills. 

However, more importantly, you should set SMART goals , i.e., your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based. These parameters will help you set realistic goals and avoid demotivating situations that can arise due to unmet targets.

4. Use appropriate tools

Sure, all these tips can help you with time management and organization, but you need the right tools and apps to help you follow them. 

Here are three types of tools to help you make the most of your skills:

A. Online calendars

Online calendars are an excellent tool for time management. 

• Manage your project schedule. 
• Create time blocks.
• Mark important dates and events.
• Set up reminders, etc.

You can pick online calendars like Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, Apple Calendar, etc. 

B. Project management tools

Whether you’re a project manager or an employee, project management tools are a must to track work progress. 

A project management tool can help you:

• Track project progress in real-time.
• Keep your workflow organized.
• Perform workload distribution for optimal time management.

You can use tools like Trello , Basecamp , Asana , and more.

C. Time management tool

A time management tool can help you record your work hours, get auto-generated timesheets, and have measurable data to maximize productivity. 

• See the start and end times of each task.
• Get direct reports on productivity broken down by day, week, or month.
• Determine the total amount of time spent on projects and tasks.
• View the top projects and tasks based on hours worked.

Time Doctor is one such time tracking and employee productivity management tool. It’s used by SMBs like Thrive Market and large companies like RE/MAX to boost productivity.

Time Doctor tracks all workday activities, giving you real-time, actionable insights to improve your time management and productivity. 

Explore all the useful features this tool provides .

5. Set a time limit

While creating your schedule, you should also set time limits for each task. 

This can help:

• Improve focus and efficiency.
• Identify the tasks that take a lot of time or more than expected.
• Analyze your workflow and eliminate time wasters, like unscheduled breaks.
• Avoid any last-minute rush, ensuring you complete tasks on time.

Leverage these time management skills to boost your profile. Learn how you can do this in the next section. 

An individual with excellent time management skills can adapt to new problems and readjust as needed to complete a task. 

And traits like planning, scheduling, strategy, delegation, and adaptability make an employee dependable, and employers look out for that.

Here are some time management and organizational skills you can put on your resume:

• Creating and keeping deadlines.
• Delegation.
• Goal setting.
• Decision making.
• Managing appointments.
• Team management.
• Project management.
• Team leadership.
• Strategic thinking and implementation.
• Conflict resolution.

Wrapping up

Good time management and organization is an essential soft skill. It ensures timely delivery of quality work, preventing stress and work conflicts.

You can check out the tips mentioned here and implement them to hone your skills.

Once done, you’ll be able to master time management and boost your productivity through the roof!

View a free demo of Time Doctor

Vaishali Badgujar is a Content and SEO specialist at Time Doctor, an employee-friendly time-tracking system that boosts productivity.

Top 10 time management software for accountants

12 tips to improve time management for call center agents, related posts, effective prioritization in business for sustainable growth, 10 essential factors for boosting employee retention, effective communication practices for increasing team cohesion, 10 employee retention metrics you need to know, 10 effective employee retention models to keep your best talent, the essential guide to crafting an effective employee retention policy.

7 Common Time Management Problems (And How to Fix)

Table of Contents

How good are your time management skills ?

No matter where you are on the scale — whether you’re struggling with it or you’re close to mastering it (or you’re anywhere in between) — there’s always room for improvement.

In this article, we’ll go over:

• The signs of poor time management (so you’ll be able to recognize them in yourself and others),
• What challenges poor time management can cause (so we can recognize the importance of good time management ), and
• Common time management mistakes and how to solve them (because we all make them sometimes).

Signs of poor time management

If you fail at completing your tasks repeatedly or can’t seem to finish anything on time (or you can’t stop multitasking) — perhaps it’s difficult for you to distribute your time accordingly. Poor time distribution may cause a series of challenges that we’ll discuss later in the article (as well as offer solutions, of course).

But for now, here are the most common signs of poor time management:

Easily distracted

It’s difficult to find a space that is completely free from distractions, but we can do our best to optimize our working space to be as distraction-free as possible.

The first step is to find out what distracts you the most: 

• Are those notifications on your phone? 
• Talking to your coworkers? 
• Street noises?

After you figure out what it is, it will be easier to manage distractions and avoid them.

💡 Clockify Pro Tip

Learn about the most common workplace productivity killers and how to beat them:

• The most common workplace distractions and tips on how to tackle them

Poor punctuality

We all know how it feels to be stuck in traffic and rush through the morning because our alarm didn’t go off. We’re human, and accidents happen. But, being constantly late is more than a slight accident — it’s disrespectful to others and their time. 

As Anna Musson, the etiquette expert, told The Huffington Post Australia , 

“ There are a multitude of reasons as to why [someone is late], but the overriding reason is, it suggests deep down you think your time is more valuable than others. ”

Few minutes of waiting here and there tends to add up quickly, which results in a lot of wasted time.

Missing deadlines

Just as being late, if missing deadlines happens rarely and for a good reason, it can be filed under “things happen”. On the other hand, frequently missing deadlines could seriously impair your professional reputation as an employee.

To avoid this, it’s important to be able to rely on the people you work with and trust them that they’ll do their part, so you can do yours. If people can’t rely on you, they won’t want to work with you.

If you happen to miss deadlines often — you should try to figure out why. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Procrastination,
• Multitasking,
• Inability to manage your time effectively ,
• Not knowing how to delegate or outsource, and more.

Everything you need to know about procrastination — what it is, reasons why it happens, how to beat it, and more in this article:

• Dealing with procrastination: Why it happens and how to fix it

Always rushing

Do you feel like you’re constantly in a rush? Does it seem too difficult to do everything you’ve planned? 

This could be either because you’re waiting until the last minute, or because you have too many things on your plate, so you’re struggling to complete all the tasks.

At the same time, you could be going through an ongoing uneasiness because you feel like you’re constantly wasting your time. If this is the case, you might be dealing with time anxiety .

Whichever it is, it’s stressful, and it can certainly negatively affect the quality of your work. 

Perhaps the worst sign of poor time management is your health being at risk. One of the unfortunate consequences of poor time management is burnout. Burnout is a state of both physical and mental exhaustion. It’s most commonly recognized as employee burnout as it happens due to prolonged work-related stress and overworking .

According to one study, burnout shows itself in a variety of symptoms :

• Physical (shortness of breath, dizziness, weakened immune system),
• Emotional (mental exhaustion, feeling anxious, lack of empathy), and
• Behavioral (loss of motivation, poor performance at work, irritability).

💡 Clockify Pro Tip:

Find out more about burnout and how to cope with it:

• Career burnout and its effects on health

What problems can poor time management cause?

Now that you’ve recognized some signs of poor time management, we want to draw your attention to the challenges that may occur due to inability to distribute your time effectively. 

Problem #1: Stress

Poor time management causes us to rush, which results in a lot of additional stress. Sometimes, you’re already aware that you need to do something, but you avoid starting it. Other times, you might know deadlines are approaching, but you’re not even close to being done, so you have to squeeze two weeks’ worth of work into a day or two. Whichever the cause of your rush, it can be avoided by organizing your time better. 

Problem #2: Low productivity and performance

When you’re leaving everything for the last minute, it’s very likely that your work will be of poor quality, as you’ll rush to get everything done. Racing against the clock will most likely negatively affect your employee performance and results.

Problem #3: Having too much on your plate

You are in danger of overextending yourself if you don’t have a clear idea of:

• The time you need to complete your tasks, and 
• The time you have available.

To avoid this, only accept projects that you’re completely sure you’ll be able to complete successfully.

Problem #4: Poor work-life balance

When you don’t have a set schedule, you’re probably always working, but rarely engaging in deep work . This results in a poor work-life balance , which can affect your mental health.

💡 Clockify Pro Tip:  

Not juggling life and work properly may lead to even more detrimental consequences to your health. Read about mental exhaustion here:

• Mental fatigue: what it is and how to overcome it

How to solve the most common time management mistakes

Since the concept of time management consists of so many different aspects, most of us have difficulties with at least one of them.

Here are some of the most common time management mistakes we tend to make and tips on how to solve them:

• Not having a plan,
• Being bad at estimating time,
• Being overwhelmed, 
• Letting distractions interfere with work,
• Procrastinating, 
• Thinking busy and productive are the same, and
• Not taking breaks and time off work.

Time management mistake #1: Not having a plan

Do you want to be productive, but you feel a little lost? Are you unmotivated? Do you often have a feeling that you have forgotten something?

If you answered yes more than once — you’re probably aware that this usually happens when you don’t have a plan and you are just going with the flow and being reactive.

Tips on what to do when you don’t have a plan

Start by being proactive and making long-term and short-term goals. Sit down and think about things you want to get done and goals you want to achieve.

However, in order to set goals correctly, make sure they are SMART :

• M easurable,
• A ttainable,
• R elevant, and
• T ime-bound.

For example, “become rich ” is not a SMART goal. Rich means something different to everyone. Trying to achieve the goal of “becoming rich” means running aimlessly with no finish line in sight.

Try something like this instead: 

“Have X amount of money in my bank account by the end of the year.” 

“Start earning (X amount) monthly by (a certain date).”

When your goal is, like the previous example, measurable, it will be easier to make a plan on how to get there, too.

Learn more about setting SMART goals here:

• How to set SMART goals (+ examples and templates)

Time management mistake #2: Being bad at estimating time

This used to be one of the biggest challenges I faced with. I had no idea how much time I needed to get ready or how much exactly it would take me to get from point A to point B. My assumptions were often a little off, which sometimes resulted in being late.

Tips on what to do when you are bad at estimating time

When I realized I tend to underestimate the amount of time I need to get something done, I started to measure it.

If you’re troubled by the same issues, you can simply use a stopwatch. Or, if you want to keep track of your time in a more organized way, try going with a time tracking app .

Tracking your time will help you estimate the time much more accurately, as you’ll have a lot of data to rely on and make an educated guess. This habit will also facilitate planning, as you’ll have a clear overview of where your time goes and what you should be doing more or less.

Here are some time management techniques and games that you may find useful to break bad time management habits:

• The 26 most effective time management techniques
• 40+ Best Time Management Games & Activities (2021)

Time management mistake #3: Being overwhelmed

First of all — take a deep breath.

You can’t do everything. It’s completely fine. No one can.

Having a busy schedule can take a toll on you, so you should be gentle with yourself and accept that you’re not superhuman. Also, good news — there’s a solution for this.

Tips on what to do when you are being overwhelmed

It’s important to learn to prioritize.

Not prioritizing is a sure way to get overwhelmed or waste time doing random tasks at the expense of more important and/or urgent ones.

The Eisenhower matrix is a great method that will help you divide important from unimportant things.

All you need is a piece of paper that you’ll divide into four parts:

1) Important and urgent tasks — do them first.

2) Important but not urgent — schedule to do them later.

3) Urgent but not important a.k.a. it’s not you who must do them — delegate them.

4) Tasks that are neither urgent nor important — can be deleted from the list.

Also, make sure you leave a buffer between the things you scheduled to make sure you’ll finish a task before the next one starts and your schedule won’t get messed up.

Read the following article to learn how to say “No” and set your priorities more wisely:

• How to say “No” at work and save time for priority tasks

Time management mistake #4: Letting distractions interfere with work

Do you know what distracts you the most?

If you don’t, take this short assessment published by Harvard Business Review to find out which of the six most common types of distractions interfere with your productivity and ability to focus.

Tips on what to do when you are dealing with distractions

If you finished the first step of figuring out what your worst distractions are — it’s time to deal with them.

Here are some suggestions to reduce distractions and increase your focus:

• Work in a productive environment such as a library or shared workspace. 
• Break tasks into chunks so they seem more doable and less intimidating.
• Turn off the notifications or put your phone in ‘do not disturb’ mode.
• Have a set time for checking emails (don’t read and respond to them throughout the whole day, as they break your concentration).
• If you work in a noisy environment, invest in good noise-canceling headphones.

Time management mistake #5: Procrastinating

What causes procrastination? It’s not “just being lazy”, often there’s a bigger reason — usually perfectionism and/or being afraid of failure.

Tips on what to do when you are procrastinating

There are several ways to approach procrastination, depending on the cause of it.

Here are our suggestions to beat procrastination:

• Accept that done is better than perfect

It’s probably easier said than done. However, nothing we ever do will be perfect, so it’s better to accept it sooner rather than later. That doesn’t mean we should stop putting effort into our work. It means we should stop endlessly fixing it, stressing over every detail, or not even beginning because we’re scared it won’t turn out exactly as we imagined.

• Break down big projects into small steps

Sometimes we procrastinate because we’re overwhelmed, and we put off starting because it seems like too much work. 

But, when you break down your projects into smaller tasks, they seem much more doable. Just try focusing on one task at a time, and it won’t be nearly as scary.

• Ask for feedback

Do you procrastinate because you’re not sure if you’re able to complete the project successfully, or if you’re skilled enough for it? Ask your manager or a trusted person from your team for feedback every now and then to make sure you’re going in the right direction. Be open to advice and criticism and use them as learning opportunities.

Time management mistake #6: Thinking busy and productive are the same

Do you equal being busy with being productive? Spending a lot of time working with getting a lot of things done? Do you think there’s no difference between working hard and working smart?

Contrary to popular belief, being busy and being productive are actually not the same. Thus, you can work the whole day only to realize that you haven’t accomplished anything significant. 

Tips on what to do when you are confusing being busy with being productive

Here are some applicable tips that may help you distinguish between being busy and productive once and for all:

• Keep your goals in mind 

When you’re writing your to-do list, ask yourself: Will this task bring me closer to my goals? Is this important to me? Can I delegate this task? This way, you’ll have a clearer idea of what your goals are. 

• Again — prioritize your work

If you have some minor tasks to do, do them towards the end of your workday. Don’t waste your brain’s prime time on them — use it wisely, for more important tasks. This will keep you from multitasking, too.

• Group tasks together

It’s wise to group tasks according to their complexity, type, or priority. This way, you don’t lose a lot of focus when you’re switching from task to task .

Time management mistake #7: Not taking breaks and time off work

Working all the time actually won’t make you more productive — it will only lead you to burnout.

Your mind needs to be well-rested and fresh so it can focus and be efficient. You do your job better when you’re not exhausted and sleep-deprived, believe it or not.

Tips on what to do when you are not taking breaks and time off work

The solution to this one is pretty obvious — take breaks and use your vacation days.

Prevent yourself from working outside your working hours and thinking about work when you’re not actually working. There’s more to life than productivity and making money.

Use digital tools to fix common time management problems

Most of your work-related problems are fixable. Although you might feel that they are unique to you, we have to break it to you — they are not.

So what do you do?

To deal with overwhelming workloads, clunky communication, and time wasted on non-essential tasks, you can try out the CAKE.com productivity bundle that includes 3 powerful tools:

• Clockify — a time tracking app,
• Pumble — a team collaboration app, and
• Plaky — a task and project management app.

To start off, you can use Clockify to resist wasting time on non-essential tasks. To identify and minimize time spent on unproductive activities, you can use the Dashboard.

With the Clockify Dashboard, you receive information on projects, employees, clients, and tasks that you spend most time on. This data gives you the power to decide whether you’re spending mental energy on things that you’d rather not focus on. As a result, you can free up time and attention for other mission-critical tasks.

Secondly, you can sync your team and eliminate the clunky exchange of information by using Pumble. With this business team chat app, you get to easily enjoy productive collaboration via:

• Voice messages,
• Video messages, 
• File sharing, and more.

With these handy features, you can get your whole team up to speed in a jiffy, increasing transparency and efficiency.

Last but not least, Plaky dispels all your project management worries. With the Plaky task and project management app, you can:

• Create boards,
• Set assignments,
• Track progress on tasks and much more.

This way, you’ll know exactly what everyone’s up to and when.

Dunja is a content manager passionate about time management and self-improvement. After years of trying out all the productivity techniques she managed to come across, her goal became to share her knowledge and help others to become the best, most successful versions of themselves.

Where does the time go?

START TRACKING TIME

with Clockify

How to Make Time Go Faster at Work: 7 Easy Tips and Strategies

Learn more about our perception of time and get some tips on how to make time go faster at work in our blog post.

What Is Second Shift: Definition, Tips, Pros, and Cons

Learn about the second shift, its advantages and disadvantages, tips, and more.

How Many Work Days in a Year (2024)

Find out how many work days there will be in 2024, calculate your work days easily, and maintain your work-life balance.

What is the Third Shift: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Tips

Learn everything there is to know about working the third shift and use it to transform your business into a 24-hour functioning machine.

What Is First Shift: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Tips

Discover the pros and cons of first shift hours to make the best decision for your career path and achieve company goals.

How Many Work Hours Do You Work in a Year?

Learn how to calculate work hours per year, along with annual non-work hours, and understand why calculating work hours per year is important.

FREE FOREVER • UNLIMITED USERS

Free time tracker

Time tracking software used by millions. Clockify is a time tracker and timesheet app that lets you track work hours across projects.

• PERSONAL SKILLS
• Emotional Intelligence
• Time Management

Search SkillsYouNeed:

Personal Skills:

• A - Z List of Personal Skills
• Personal Development
• Career Management Skills
• Creative Thinking Skills
• Personal Skills for the Mind
• MBTI in Practice
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicators (MBTI)
• Self-Awareness
• What is Charisma?
• Building Confidence
• Building Workplace Confidence
• Self-Regulation | Self-Management
• Self-Control
• Trustworthiness and Conscientiousness
• Confidentiality
• Personal Change Management
• Recognising and Managing Emotions
• Dealing with Bereavement and Grief
• Innovation Skills
• Self-Motivation
• How Self-Motivated are You? Quiz
• Setting Personal Goals
• How Good Are Your Time Management Skills? Quiz
• Minimising Distractions and Time Wasters
• Avoiding Procrastination
• Work/Life Balance
• What is Empathy?
• Types of Empathy
• Understanding Others
• Understanding and Combating Stereotypes
• Understanding and Addressing Unconscious Bias
• What is Sympathy?
• Talking About Death
• Social Media Etiquette around Death
• Talking About Money
• Political Awareness
• Cultural Intelligence
• Building Cultural Competence
• Intercultural Communication Skills
• Intercultural Awareness
• Understanding Intersectionality
• Becoming an Ally and Allyship
• Social Skills in Emotional Intelligence
• Networking Skills
• Top Tips for Effective Networking
• Building Rapport
• Tact and Diplomacy
• How to be Polite
• Politeness vs Honesty

The SkillsYouNeed Guide to Interpersonal Skills

• Stress and Stress Management
• Anger and Aggression
• Assertiveness
• Living Well, Living Ethically
• Understanding Sustainability
• Caring for Your Body

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and start improving your life in just 5 minutes a day.

You'll get our 5 free 'One Minute Life Skills' and our weekly newsletter.

We'll never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Time Management Skills

Have you ever wondered how it is that some people seem to have enough time to do everything that they want to, whereas others are always rushing from task to task, and never seem to finish anything?

It cannot just be that some people have less to do. It’s much more likely that they are using their time more effectively: in other words, showing good time management skills.

Time management is the ability to use your time productively and efficiently. You could also think of it as the art of having time to do everything that you need, without feeling stressed about it. It sounds simple, but it is much harder in practice.

This page explains some of the principles behind good time management.

The Importance of Time Management

Time management skills are essential because few, if any, of us ever have enough time to do everything that is asked of us, or that we want to do.

Time management is defined as using your time productively and efficiently—but what about when you are working as productively as possible, and you still can’t get everything done? It may be better to think about time management as a combination of working productively and prioritising your time.

In other words, people who are good at time management are good at getting on and doing things. They are also, however, better at prioritising , and working out what really needs doing—and then discarding the other things.

They can do this because they understand the difference between urgent and important.

‘ Urgent’ tasks demand your immediate attention, but whether you actually give them that attention may or may not matter.

'Important' tasks matter, and not doing them may have serious consequences for you or others.

For example:

Answering the phone is urgent . If you don’t do it, the caller will ring off, and you won’t know why they called—and it might be important. It may also, however, be an automated voice telling you that you may be eligible for compensation for having been mis-sold insurance. That’s not important.

Going to the dentist regularly is important (or so we’re told). If you don’t, you may get gum disease, or other problems. But it’s not urgent. If you leave it too long, however, it may become urgent because you may get toothache.

Picking your children up from school is both urgent and important . If you are not there at the right time, they will be waiting in the playground or the classroom, worrying about where you are. You may also inconvenience others such as teachers who are waiting with your children for you to arrive.

Reading funny emails or checking Facebook is neither urgent nor important . So why is it the first thing that you do each day? See our page minimising distractions to help you recognise and avoid other things that may distract you from getting your urgent and important tasks done.

This distinction between urgent and important is the key to prioritising your time and your workload, whether at work, at home or when studying.

It enables you to work out what to do first, and what can be left either until later, or not done at all. For example, if you leave an urgent but unimportant task, you may find that it becomes unnecessary.

Using a grid like the priority matrix below can help you to organise your tasks into their appropriate categories:

Using the Priority Matrix

To use the priority matrix, it is best to review your tasks on a daily basis. Each day, ask yourself:

Which of my tasks needs doing within the next 48 hours?

Those are the ‘Urgent’ tasks.

Of the urgent tasks, which ones are more important?

It is a good idea to list your tasks in order of importance, rather than giving them an absolute ‘important/not important’ distinction.

Of the non-urgent tasks, which ones are more important?

Again, it is a good idea to list them in order, rather than giving them an absolute distinction.

Now use the answers to these questions to allocate your tasks to the boxes in the priority matrix, following these rules:

Each box should contain no more than about seven or eight tasks .

Start with the ‘Do Now’ box .

Crucially, don’t put off urgent or important things just because they are unpleasant. They won’t get any better for procrastinating.

If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the BIGGEST one first.

Next, look at the less urgent but still important tasks . Decide what you are going to do about them, and then schedule time into your diary to do them, or consider delegating them to someone else.

Delegate the urgent but easier/less important tasks.

Now eliminate the non-urgent and non-important tasks.

Finally, do the work. Start your ‘Do Now’ list. When you finish it, move onto the scheduled work or tasks.

If there are more tasks that you can manage in any quadrant, it is time to a) do some, b) delegate some or c) eliminate some.

Regular pruning of your matrix in this way will ensure that you can focus on what really matters, and keep work flowing.

An individual judgement

The urgency and/or importance of a task is not absolute. Only you can decide what you really think is important or urgent.

Some people, for example, prefer to wait until they are asked a second time for a piece of work before they start to do it. If they are never asked again, they never start the work—they simply decide that it is not important enough to anyone for them to spend the time.

Remember, too, that you and your health are important . Just because you have lots to do doesn’t mean that doing some exercise, going for a 10-minute walk or making time to eat properly is not important. You should not ignore your physical or mental health in favour of more 'urgent' activities.

Urgency and/or importance is not a fixed status. You should review your task list regularly to make sure that nothing should be moved up because it has become more urgent and/or important.

What can you do if an important task continually gets bumped down the list by more urgent, but still important tasks?

First, consider whether it is genuinely important. Does it actually need doing at all, or have you just been telling yourself that you ought to do it?

If it really is important, then consider delegating it. See our page on Delegating Skills for more.

Case Study: A Win-Win Situation from Delegating

Jenny was the leader of a busy, highly reactive team, with constant and urgent demands on her time. She knew that she needed to think about the longer-term strategy for her team , but it was very hard to set aside the time.

In a development discussion, Sara, one of her team, expressed her desire to do some more strategic work to build up her skills. Jenny saw an opportunity for both of them, and offered Sara the opportunity to map out the strategy for the team.

Sara jumped at the chance and produced a carefully-considered plan which was a great foundation for further work.

Personal vs. Professional

What about the balance between personal and professional priorities? There are two ways to manage this:

Include both in the same matrix

Advantages: your personal items do not get lost.

Disadvantages: you will need to find a balance between work and personal items.

Use two separate matrices, and allocate separate time slots for dealing with each

Advantages: means that you can deal with both, with a realistic view about urgency.

Disadvantages: can get quite complicated.

It is really up to you which you choose—the key is to make it work for you.

Further Principles of Good Time Management

The priority matrix is therefore key to prioritising your workload. However, time management is more than just prioritisation: it is also about being able to work more productively. There are a number of other ways in which you can improve your efficiency and productivity.

For some of us, clutter can be both a real distraction and genuinely depressing.

Tidying up can improve both self-esteem and motivation. You will also find it easier to stay on top of things if your workspace is tidy, and you keep your systems up to date.

Top Tip for Tidying:

Create three piles of your stuff: Keep, Give Away, and Throw Away.

• Keep , if you need to keep it for your records, or do something with it. If it needs action, add it to your task list.
• Give away , if you don’t want it, but someone else might be able to use it, and/or it is work that can and should be delegated.
• Throw away (or recycle) for things that have no value to you or anyone else.

Use A ‘To Do’ List

Whether electronic or paper, lists are a good way to remember what you’ve got to do, and to see at a glance what you’ve forgotten.

Consider highlighting the most important items in some way, and remember to take things off your list when they are complete and/or no longer need doing.

Pick Your Moment

All of us have times of day that we work better. It’s best to schedule the difficult tasks for those times.

However, you also need to schedule in things that need doing at particular times, like meetings, or a trip to the post office.

Another useful option is to have a list of important but non-urgent small tasks that can be done in that odd ten minutes between meetings: might it be the ideal time to send that email confirming your holiday dates?

Top Tip: Using Scheduling Technology

Some people still prefer to use a paper diary and to-do list—and that’s fine.

However, for those who like technology, there are now plenty of tools available to help you with scheduling. Apps like Doodle, Calendly, Microsoft Bookings and Google Calendar can help you to schedule your work, and also make appointments with others.

You can also provide pre-set appointment slots for others to book meetings with you, keeping the rest of your diary hidden. This means you can schedule in ‘me-time’ or family time without worrying what anyone will think, or whether they will try to override your priorities.

This allows you to automate your meetings, without handing over control of your time to anyone else.

Don’t Procrastinate, but Do Ask Why You’re Tempted

If a task is genuinely urgent and important, get on with it.

If, however, you find yourself making excuses about not doing something, ask yourself why.

You may be doubtful about whether you should be doing the task at all. Perhaps you’re concerned about the ethics, or you don’t think it’s the best option.  If so, you may find that others agree. Talk it over with colleagues or your manager, if at work, and family or friends at home, and see if there is an alternative that might be better.

Don’t Try to Multi-task

Generally, people aren’t very good at multi-tasking, because it takes our brains time to refocus.

It’s much better to finish off one job before moving onto another. If you do have to do lots of different tasks, try to group them together, and do similar tasks consecutively.

Stay Calm and Keep Things in Perspective

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to stay calm. Feeling overwhelmed by too many tasks can be very stressful. Remember that the world will probably not end if you fail to achieve your last task of the day, or leave it until tomorrow, especially if you have prioritised sensibly.

Going home or getting an early night, so that you are fit for tomorrow, may be a much better option than meeting a self-imposed or external deadline that may not even matter that much.

Take a moment to pause and get your life and priorities into perspective, and you may find that the view changes quite substantially!

Continue to: How to Write a To-Do List Organising Skills

See also: Minimising Distractions Avoiding Procrastination Work-Life Balance

1-800-488-6040

• My Career or Business
• My Health & Vitality
• My Mental Health
• My Finances & Building Wealth
• My Relationship
• My Leadership Skills
• My Productivity
• Growth Solutions
• About Tony Robbins
• The Science of Tony Robbins
• Contribution
• Company Culture
• Get Involved
• Success Stories
• Case Studies
• Events Calendar
• Unleash the Power Within
• Business Mastery
• Date With Destiny
• Life Mastery Virtual
• Wealth Mastery Virtual
• Life & Wealth Mastery Fiji
• Leadership Academy
• Inner Circle Community
• Business Accelerator
• Platinum Partnership
• Unleash Her Power Within
• Business Coaching
• Results Coaching
• Business Results Training
• Life Coaching
• Health Coaching
• Meet Tony’s Coaches
• All Products
• Nutraceuticals
• Life Force Book
• Tony Robbins Books
• Training Systems
• Breakthrough App
• Netflix Documentary
• Free Tools & Quizzes

Home » The Ultimate Guide to Time Management » Essential Time Management Skills

12 essential time management skills

Have you ever found yourself using the phrase, “There just aren’t enough hours in the day”? Everyone feels this way from time to time, whether you’re a working parent, busy entrepreneur , student or any other human in our fast-paced world. Now think about it this way: Everyone has the same amount of hours in the day. So what separates the Warren Buffetts and Sheryl Sandbergs from the rest of us? The answer is time management skills .  

What are time management skills?

Time management is your ability to use your time effectively, be productive and accomplish not only your daily tasks, but your larger life goals. It means knowing the difference between being busy and being productive : When you’re busy, your mind is preoccupied with your to-do list, skipping from one task to another without focusing on anything. When you’re productive, you have a plan for tackling everything you need to do and you’re able to get laser-focused on your goals .  

Real time management goes beyond making a daily planner or writing an endless to-do list that only seems to get longer, not shorter. Time management skills include the ability to set goals, focus, organize, prioritize, communicate and delegate. Time management skills in events are particularly important, as Tony Robbins can attest to. You want to be efficient, productive and ensure you create happy customers – or guests.  

The first step toward learning how to improve time management skills is realizing that it’s a mental game that anyone can master . Ultimately, the answer to the question, “What are time management skills? ” depends not on external tools, but on your internal state.

Unlock powerful time management skills

Top 12 time management skills

To make the most of your time and achieve the life that you dream of, you must create a mental shift in how you think about time management . Time is not a resource that’s out of your control. You can leverage these 12 time management skills to help you use those hours to the fullest.

Time management skill #1: Purpose

Whether you want to build a fulfilling career, find more passion in your life or make time for your health and wellness, all examples of time management skills start with a single foundation: finding your purpose . Using your hours to work toward the outcomes you value the most will help to not only bring you success, but will also sustain that feeling of fulfillment that comes from accomplishing your goals.  

Although there is no such thing as work-life balance , finding your purpose can also help you work toward the real solution: work-life integration. Find your mission and incorporate it into your life so that your work doesn’t feel like work – it revitalizes you. This is exactly what you’ll get with good time management skills .

Time management skill #2: Belief

Time management skills aren’t just about time – they’re about your entire mindset. You must shift your perspective , let go of the beliefs that are holding you back and commit to living the life you desire. It starts with changing your story. If you’ve always thought that “There just aren’t enough hours in the day,” you’ll believe you can never accomplish everything you want. If you’ve always felt disorganized and scattered, you’ll believe you’re a hopeless case.  

There are numerous other limiting beliefs that could be holding you back, but they all have the same result – you’re defeated before you’ve even begun. But when you create an empowering story built around your ability to learn how to improve time management skills , you’ll unlock the sense of confidence that only comes from having a deep belief in yourself .

Time management skill #3: Focus

“Where focus goes, energy flows,” says Tony. The first step is getting clear on what it is you really want, and then aligning your ultimate goals with the actions you need to take today. If the tasks that you need to complete aren’t aligned with what truly matters to you – your core values – then you’ll never find the time to do them. This is the methodology behind Tony’s Rapid Planning Method – by focusing on an outcome, you develop the organization needed to meet your goals.  

Often we allow ourselves to lose focus and be interrupted as a crutch when we’re experiencing uncomfortable emotions like boredom, frustration or lack of interest. These are learned, addictive responses – and we can start to overcome them and change our behavior by employing effective time management skills instead of backing down when a task becomes challenging.

Time management skill #4: Chunking

Better time management skills start with zeroing in on what you really want – whether that’s strengthening your relationship, accelerating your career, starting your own business or living a healthier lifestyle. From there, create smaller goals that all ladder up to your desired end result. Tony says, “Most of your stress is because you’re thinking about too many things at once.”

  If you’re facing an overwhelming number of tasks around an outcome, remember that you can create better to-do lists by chunking all related tasks into smaller groups so that they are easier to manage and tackle. That way, you can better visualize and identify the steps you need to take to reach your goal.

Tony explains the power of chunking and how it helps direct your focus toward what matters.

Time management skill #5: Prioritization

How do you know where to direct your energy in order to see the results you want? How do you know if you’re working toward your core values? Conduct a core values audit: Track your activities for two weeks, taking note of which core values your actions connect with, and audit yourself with a keen eye as you evaluate how to move closer to your goals.   

Once you have several weeks of progress written down, take an objective look at how you’ve been spending your time. Eliminate any activity that’s not connected to your core values and goals. Replace these activities, like checking social media too frequently, with something that serves your ultimate plan, like cooking healthy meals or regularly exercising . After several weeks of practice, you’ll find you don’t miss the time-consuming tasks you eliminated.

Time management skill #6: Goal setting

The best goals are SMART goals : secific, measurable, achievable, realistic and anchored within a time frame. Be clear with the outcome you plan to achieve and designate the time needed to reach your goal. Rather than telling yourself you want to lose weight this year, set a clear goal: one pound per week or five pounds per month. Don’t forget to be realistic. If you tell yourself you’re going to go from middle manager to CEO at your company, that’s an incredible goal to set, but realize it might take longer than six months.

Now create your massive action plan. Ask yourself: What actions produce the most value? Once you have a direction to move in, you’ll get a better sense of what actions deserve your attention and which ones don’t. By being specific with your outcomes, and having clarity on what they are and why you want them, you can have the laser-guided focus you need to achieve them. Not only that, but you’ll feel a greater sense of fulfillment when you do hit your objectives.

Time management skill #7: Assertiveness

You’ve probably had a time when you reluctantly said “yes” to something and later regretted it. In the end, you either did the task begrudgingly even though you didn’t have the time or you flaked out. Saying no in the first place saves you time to focus on what matters to you . You can also practice assertiveness by eliminating distractions. Block websites if you have to. Put up an “Away” or “Do Not Disturb” notice on your accounts. Your time is yours , so take control of your workspace and time so you can get more done .   

Although we’re often conditioned to think otherwise, assertiveness isn’t the same thing as being aggressive or not caring about others. It’s the healthiest of the communication styles because it allows you to listen to and respect the opinions of others, while also putting yourself first. Learning how to be more assertive is one of the best time management skills examples.

Time management skill #8: The pause

If you have trouble saying “no,” one of the best ways to improve time management skills is to stop answering immediately. Think about it: Too often people ask us to do something and we instantly say yes. Then we have a commitment we’re stuck with. Instead of answering right away and providing a response you’ll later regret, step away from the email or tell the person you’ll need to think about it.  

Don’t instantly commit for one month. Instead, take time and ensure that you commit only to tasks or activities that support your core values and goals. If something someone asks you to do doesn’t align with those values and goals, be bold and politely decline. At the end of the month, assess: How much time did you save? How much more fulfilled do you feel with what you did accomplish?

Time management skill #9: Accountability

What are time management skills worth if you don’t hold yourself accountable? Nothing. Here’s one of the best time management skills examples – in an area of life you may not expect. Suppose that you want to strengthen your relationship with your partner, and you decide to use an hour of your day to give that person the attention they deserve. But as you’re sitting there, your phone vibrates in your pocket. What do you do?  

Instead of checking your phone, stay committed to your targeted outcome – a healthier, more passionate relationship with the person you love – and give your partner the attention they deserve. By staying focused on your end goal, and letting the phone conversation wait for an hour or more, you’ll attain the outcome that speaks the most to your core values – and gives you more fulfillment than checking your phone ever could.

Time management skill #10: The 20-minute rule

You know when you’re “in the zone”? You’re unstoppable. What if you could get in the zone whenever you wanted? The 20-minute increment block is one of the most powerful time management skills because it allows you to do just that.  

Get your mind ready ; let yourself know you’re about to focus on something important. Prepare to tackle the task and set an alarm for 20 minutes. Until your alarm rings, give that task everything you’ve got, without any distractions. When the alarm goes off, decide whether you’re going to put the task down or finish it. Take a small break, then get back to that task. Repeat the process until the task is complete.

Working on your tasks in these 20-minute chunks helps you pull yourself into the zone as needed, instead of hoping to fall into it by chance. Over time, you’ll be able to slip into this mindset on your own, without the aid of a timer.

Time management skill #11: Delegation

Want to be the best, most efficient version of yourself possible? Outsourcing tasks is a critical skill that every successful entrepreneur and Fortune 500 CEO has to master, and so do you. When you can delegate tasks, do it.  

Think of it this way: If you’re too focused on completing a giant list of menial tasks every day, you’ll be unable to focus on your larger goals and core values. It’s also worthwhile to remember that by delegating whenever possible, you help yourself grow because you give yourself space to take on the newest, most challenging tasks yourself, and can delegate someone else to handle the smaller, everyday items on your to-do list.

Time management skill #12: Self-care

If this seems counterintuitive – it isn’t. The world’s most successful people know the importance of self-care . Warren Buffett plays bridge and practices ukulele in his spare time. Oprah Winfrey meditates. Simon Cowell climbs trees and watches cartoons! The point is, sometimes the best thing you can do is give your brain a break from the task at hand.   

Whether you take a vacation to Hawaii or a lunchtime walk around your office building, taking a break gives your brain a chance to reset. It increases creativity and focus and leads to better problem-solving. If you’re wondering how to improve time management and you feel you’ve attempted everything, step away for a minute or two. You’ll return with renewed concentration and vigor.   

Our schedules are fuller than ever before, and it’s no wonder anxiety is skyrocketing. When you’re constantly on the go, your brain stays in a state of high alert and stress that can eventually change its chemistry. Time management skills allow you to take a breath, bring down your stress levels and give yourself a break.   

Effective time management skills are at the heart of a happier, more fulfilled life because you’ll be able to focus and achieve the outcomes that drive your passion. Imagine that intense feeling of peace that comes with being fulfilled with what you’ve achieved; this feeling is in your grasp, as long as you commit to reclaiming your time and working toward your purpose. With the right time management framework, and excellent time management skills in place, you no longer have to imagine that state – you can attain and live it.

Is time management sabotaging your life?

Take control and make a plan to manage your life, not just your time. A Results Coach can help.

Get Your Winning Edge

Want to achieve real results NOW? Fill in the form below to schedule your FREE 30-minute session with your Tony Robbins Results Coaching Strategist.

By entering your information on the Tony Robbins website, you agree that we may collect and use your personal information for marketing, and for other purposes, as set forth in our Privacy Policy, which we encourage you to review.

© 2024 Robbins Research International, Inc. All rights reserved.

How to improve your problem solving skills and build effective problem solving strategies

Design your next session with SessionLab

Join the 150,000+ facilitators 
using SessionLab.

Recommended Articles

A step-by-step guide to planning a workshop, how to create an unforgettable training session in 8 simple steps, 18 free facilitation resources we think you’ll love.

• 47 useful online tools for workshop planning and meeting facilitation

Effective problem solving is all about using the right process and following a plan tailored to the issue at hand. Recognizing your team or organization has an issue isn’t enough to come up with effective problem solving strategies. 

To truly understand a problem and develop appropriate solutions, you will want to follow a solid process, follow the necessary problem solving steps, and bring all of your problem solving skills to the table.  

We’ll first guide you through the seven step problem solving process you and your team can use to effectively solve complex business challenges. We’ll also look at what problem solving strategies you can employ with your team when looking for a way to approach the process. We’ll then discuss the problem solving skills you need to be more effective at solving problems, complete with an activity from the SessionLab library you can use to develop that skill in your team.

Let’s get to it! 

What is a problem solving process?

• What are the problem solving steps I need to follow?

Problem solving strategies

What skills do i need to be an effective problem solver, how can i improve my problem solving skills.

Solving problems is like baking a cake. You can go straight into the kitchen without a recipe or the right ingredients and do your best, but the end result is unlikely to be very tasty!

Using a process to bake a cake allows you to use the best ingredients without waste, collect the right tools, account for allergies, decide whether it is a birthday or wedding cake, and then bake efficiently and on time. The result is a better cake that is fit for purpose, tastes better and has created less mess in the kitchen. Also, it should have chocolate sprinkles. Having a step by step process to solve organizational problems allows you to go through each stage methodically and ensure you are trying to solve the right problems and select the most appropriate, effective solutions.

What are the problem solving steps I need to follow? 

All problem solving processes go through a number of steps in order to move from identifying a problem to resolving it.

Depending on your problem solving model and who you ask, there can be anything between four and nine problem solving steps you should follow in order to find the right solution. Whatever framework you and your group use, there are some key items that should be addressed in order to have an effective process.

We’ve looked at problem solving processes from sources such as the American Society for Quality and their four step approach , and Mediate ‘s six step process. By reflecting on those and our own problem solving processes, we’ve come up with a sequence of seven problem solving steps we feel best covers everything you need in order to effectively solve problems.

1. Problem identification 

The first stage of any problem solving process is to identify the problem or problems you might want to solve. Effective problem solving strategies always begin by allowing a group scope to articulate what they believe the problem to be and then coming to some consensus over which problem they approach first. Problem solving activities used at this stage often have a focus on creating frank, open discussion so that potential problems can be brought to the surface.

2. Problem analysis 

Though this step is not a million miles from problem identification, problem analysis deserves to be considered separately. It can often be an overlooked part of the process and is instrumental when it comes to developing effective solutions.

The process of problem analysis means ensuring that the problem you are seeking to solve is the right problem . As part of this stage, you may look deeper and try to find the root cause of a specific problem at a team or organizational level.

Remember that problem solving strategies should not only be focused on putting out fires in the short term but developing long term solutions that deal with the root cause of organizational challenges. 

Whatever your approach, analyzing a problem is crucial in being able to select an appropriate solution and the problem solving skills deployed in this stage are beneficial for the rest of the process and ensuring the solutions you create are fit for purpose.

3. Solution generation

Once your group has nailed down the particulars of the problem you wish to solve, you want to encourage a free flow of ideas connecting to solving that problem. This can take the form of problem solving games that encourage creative thinking or problem solving activities designed to produce working prototypes of possible solutions. 

The key to ensuring the success of this stage of the problem solving process is to encourage quick, creative thinking and create an open space where all ideas are considered. The best solutions can come from unlikely places and by using problem solving techniques that celebrate invention, you might come up with solution gold. 

4. Solution development

No solution is likely to be perfect right out of the gate. It’s important to discuss and develop the solutions your group has come up with over the course of following the previous problem solving steps in order to arrive at the best possible solution. Problem solving games used in this stage involve lots of critical thinking, measuring potential effort and impact, and looking at possible solutions analytically. 

During this stage, you will often ask your team to iterate and improve upon your frontrunning solutions and develop them further. Remember that problem solving strategies always benefit from a multitude of voices and opinions, and not to let ego get involved when it comes to choosing which solutions to develop and take further.

Finding the best solution is the goal of all problem solving workshops and here is the place to ensure that your solution is well thought out, sufficiently robust and fit for purpose. 

5. Decision making 

Nearly there! Once your group has reached consensus and selected a solution that applies to the problem at hand you have some decisions to make. You will want to work on allocating ownership of the project, figure out who will do what, how the success of the solution will be measured and decide the next course of action.

The decision making stage is a part of the problem solving process that can get missed or taken as for granted. Fail to properly allocate roles and plan out how a solution will actually be implemented and it less likely to be successful in solving the problem.

Have clear accountabilities, actions, timeframes, and follow-ups. Make these decisions and set clear next-steps in the problem solving workshop so that everyone is aligned and you can move forward effectively as a group. 

Ensuring that you plan for the roll-out of a solution is one of the most important problem solving steps. Without adequate planning or oversight, it can prove impossible to measure success or iterate further if the problem was not solved. 

6. Solution implementation 

This is what we were waiting for! All problem solving strategies have the end goal of implementing a solution and solving a problem in mind. 

Remember that in order for any solution to be successful, you need to help your group through all of the previous problem solving steps thoughtfully. Only then can you ensure that you are solving the right problem but also that you have developed the correct solution and can then successfully implement and measure the impact of that solution.

Project management and communication skills are key here – your solution may need to adjust when out in the wild or you might discover new challenges along the way.

7. Solution evaluation 

So you and your team developed a great solution to a problem and have a gut feeling its been solved. Work done, right? Wrong. All problem solving strategies benefit from evaluation, consideration, and feedback. You might find that the solution does not work for everyone, might create new problems, or is potentially so successful that you will want to roll it out to larger teams or as part of other initiatives. 

None of that is possible without taking the time to evaluate the success of the solution you developed in your problem solving model and adjust if necessary.

Remember that the problem solving process is often iterative and it can be common to not solve complex issues on the first try. Even when this is the case, you and your team will have generated learning that will be important for future problem solving workshops or in other parts of the organization. 

It’s worth underlining how important record keeping is throughout the problem solving process. If a solution didn’t work, you need to have the data and records to see why that was the case. If you go back to the drawing board, notes from the previous workshop can help save time. Data and insight is invaluable at every stage of the problem solving process and this one is no different.

Problem solving workshops made easy

Problem solving strategies are methods of approaching and facilitating the process of problem-solving with a set of techniques , actions, and processes. Different strategies are more effective if you are trying to solve broad problems such as achieving higher growth versus more focused problems like, how do we improve our customer onboarding process?

Broadly, the problem solving steps outlined above should be included in any problem solving strategy though choosing where to focus your time and what approaches should be taken is where they begin to differ. You might find that some strategies ask for the problem identification to be done prior to the session or that everything happens in the course of a one day workshop.

The key similarity is that all good problem solving strategies are structured and designed. Four hours of open discussion is never going to be as productive as a four-hour workshop designed to lead a group through a problem solving process.

Good problem solving strategies are tailored to the team, organization and problem you will be attempting to solve. Here are some example problem solving strategies you can learn from or use to get started.

Use a workshop to lead a team through a group process

Often, the first step to solving problems or organizational challenges is bringing a group together effectively. Most teams have the tools, knowledge, and expertise necessary to solve their challenges – they just need some guidance in how to use leverage those skills and a structure and format that allows people to focus their energies.

Facilitated workshops are one of the most effective ways of solving problems of any scale. By designing and planning your workshop carefully, you can tailor the approach and scope to best fit the needs of your team and organization. 

Problem solving workshop

• Creating a bespoke, tailored process
• Tackling problems of any size
• Building in-house workshop ability and encouraging their use

Workshops are an effective strategy for solving problems. By using tried and test facilitation techniques and methods, you can design and deliver a workshop that is perfectly suited to the unique variables of your organization. You may only have the capacity for a half-day workshop and so need a problem solving process to match. 

By using our session planner tool and importing methods from our library of 700+ facilitation techniques, you can create the right problem solving workshop for your team. It might be that you want to encourage creative thinking or look at things from a new angle to unblock your groups approach to problem solving. By tailoring your workshop design to the purpose, you can help ensure great results.

One of the main benefits of a workshop is the structured approach to problem solving. Not only does this mean that the workshop itself will be successful, but many of the methods and techniques will help your team improve their working processes outside of the workshop. 

We believe that workshops are one of the best tools you can use to improve the way your team works together. Start with a problem solving workshop and then see what team building, culture or design workshops can do for your organization!

Run a design sprint

Great for: 

• aligning large, multi-discipline teams
• quickly designing and testing solutions
• tackling large, complex organizational challenges and breaking them down into smaller tasks

By using design thinking principles and methods, a design sprint is a great way of identifying, prioritizing and prototyping solutions to long term challenges that can help solve major organizational problems with quick action and measurable results.

Some familiarity with design thinking is useful, though not integral, and this strategy can really help a team align if there is some discussion around which problems should be approached first. 

The stage-based structure of the design sprint is also very useful for teams new to design thinking.  The inspiration phase, where you look to competitors that have solved your problem, and the rapid prototyping and testing phases are great for introducing new concepts that will benefit a team in all their future work. 

It can be common for teams to look inward for solutions and so looking to the market for solutions you can iterate on can be very productive. Instilling an agile prototyping and testing mindset can also be great when helping teams move forwards – generating and testing solutions quickly can help save time in the long run and is also pretty exciting!

Break problems down into smaller issues

Organizational challenges and problems are often complicated and large scale in nature. Sometimes, trying to resolve such an issue in one swoop is simply unachievable or overwhelming. Try breaking down such problems into smaller issues that you can work on step by step. You may not be able to solve the problem of churning customers off the bat, but you can work with your team to identify smaller effort but high impact elements and work on those first.

This problem solving strategy can help a team generate momentum, prioritize and get some easy wins. It’s also a great strategy to employ with teams who are just beginning to learn how to approach the problem solving process. If you want some insight into a way to employ this strategy, we recommend looking at our design sprint template below!

Use guiding frameworks or try new methodologies

Some problems are best solved by introducing a major shift in perspective or by using new methodologies that encourage your team to think differently.

Props and tools such as Methodkit , which uses a card-based toolkit for facilitation, or Lego Serious Play can be great ways to engage your team and find an inclusive, democratic problem solving strategy. Remember that play and creativity are great tools for achieving change and whatever the challenge, engaging your participants can be very effective where other strategies may have failed.

LEGO Serious Play

• Improving core problem solving skills
• Thinking outside of the box
• Encouraging creative solutions

LEGO Serious Play is a problem solving methodology designed to get participants thinking differently by using 3D models and kinesthetic learning styles. By physically building LEGO models based on questions and exercises, participants are encouraged to think outside of the box and create their own responses. 

Collaborate LEGO Serious Play exercises are also used to encourage communication and build problem solving skills in a group. By using this problem solving process, you can often help different kinds of learners and personality types contribute and unblock organizational problems with creative thinking. 

Problem solving strategies like LEGO Serious Play are super effective at helping a team solve more skills-based problems such as communication between teams or a lack of creative thinking. Some problems are not suited to LEGO Serious Play and require a different problem solving strategy.

Card Decks and Method Kits

• New facilitators or non-facilitators 
• Approaching difficult subjects with a simple, creative framework
• Engaging those with varied learning styles

Card decks and method kids are great tools for those new to facilitation or for whom facilitation is not the primary role. Card decks such as the emotional culture deck can be used for complete workshops and in many cases, can be used right out of the box. Methodkit has a variety of kits designed for scenarios ranging from personal development through to personas and global challenges so you can find the right deck for your particular needs.

Having an easy to use framework that encourages creativity or a new approach can take some of the friction or planning difficulties out of the workshop process and energize a team in any setting. Simplicity is the key with these methods. By ensuring everyone on your team can get involved and engage with the process as quickly as possible can really contribute to the success of your problem solving strategy.

Source external advice

Looking to peers, experts and external facilitators can be a great way of approaching the problem solving process. Your team may not have the necessary expertise, insights of experience to tackle some issues, or you might simply benefit from a fresh perspective. Some problems may require bringing together an entire team, and coaching managers or team members individually might be the right approach. Remember that not all problems are best resolved in the same manner.

If you’re a solo entrepreneur, peer groups, coaches and mentors can also be invaluable at not only solving specific business problems, but in providing a support network for resolving future challenges. One great approach is to join a Mastermind Group and link up with like-minded individuals and all grow together. Remember that however you approach the sourcing of external advice, do so thoughtfully, respectfully and honestly. Reciprocate where you can and prepare to be surprised by just how kind and helpful your peers can be!

Mastermind Group

• Solo entrepreneurs or small teams with low capacity
• Peer learning and gaining outside expertise
• Getting multiple external points of view quickly

Problem solving in large organizations with lots of skilled team members is one thing, but how about if you work for yourself or in a very small team without the capacity to get the most from a design sprint or LEGO Serious Play session? 

A mastermind group – sometimes known as a peer advisory board – is where a group of people come together to support one another in their own goals, challenges, and businesses. Each participant comes to the group with their own purpose and the other members of the group will help them create solutions, brainstorm ideas, and support one another. 

Mastermind groups are very effective in creating an energized, supportive atmosphere that can deliver meaningful results. Learning from peers from outside of your organization or industry can really help unlock new ways of thinking and drive growth. Access to the experience and skills of your peers can be invaluable in helping fill the gaps in your own ability, particularly in young companies.

A mastermind group is a great solution for solo entrepreneurs, small teams, or for organizations that feel that external expertise or fresh perspectives will be beneficial for them. It is worth noting that Mastermind groups are often only as good as the participants and what they can bring to the group. Participants need to be committed, engaged and understand how to work in this context. 

Coaching and mentoring

• Focused learning and development
• Filling skills gaps
• Working on a range of challenges over time

Receiving advice from a business coach or building a mentor/mentee relationship can be an effective way of resolving certain challenges. The one-to-one format of most coaching and mentor relationships can really help solve the challenges those individuals are having and benefit the organization as a result.

A great mentor can be invaluable when it comes to spotting potential problems before they arise and coming to understand a mentee very well has a host of other business benefits. You might run an internal mentorship program to help develop your team’s problem solving skills and strategies or as part of a large learning and development program. External coaches can also be an important part of your problem solving strategy, filling skills gaps for your management team or helping with specific business issues. 

Now we’ve explored the problem solving process and the steps you will want to go through in order to have an effective session, let’s look at the skills you and your team need to be more effective problem solvers.

Problem solving skills are highly sought after, whatever industry or team you work in. Organizations are keen to employ people who are able to approach problems thoughtfully and find strong, realistic solutions. Whether you are a facilitator , a team leader or a developer, being an effective problem solver is a skill you’ll want to develop.

Problem solving skills form a whole suite of techniques and approaches that an individual uses to not only identify problems but to discuss them productively before then developing appropriate solutions.

Here are some of the most important problem solving skills everyone from executives to junior staff members should learn. We’ve also included an activity or exercise from the SessionLab library that can help you and your team develop that skill. 

If you’re running a workshop or training session to try and improve problem solving skills in your team, try using these methods to supercharge your process!

Active listening

Active listening is one of the most important skills anyone who works with people can possess. In short, active listening is a technique used to not only better understand what is being said by an individual, but also to be more aware of the underlying message the speaker is trying to convey. When it comes to problem solving, active listening is integral for understanding the position of every participant and to clarify the challenges, ideas and solutions they bring to the table.

Some active listening skills include:

• Paying complete attention to the speaker.
• Removing distractions.
• Avoid interruption.
• Taking the time to fully understand before preparing a rebuttal.
• Responding respectfully and appropriately.
• Demonstrate attentiveness and positivity with an open posture, making eye contact with the speaker, smiling and nodding if appropriate. Show that you are listening and encourage them to continue.
• Be aware of and respectful of feelings. Judge the situation and respond appropriately. You can disagree without being disrespectful.   
• Observe body language. 
• Paraphrase what was said in your own words, either mentally or verbally.
• Remain neutral. 
• Reflect and take a moment before responding.
• Ask deeper questions based on what is said and clarify points where necessary.   

Active Listening   #hyperisland   #skills   #active listening   #remote-friendly   This activity supports participants to reflect on a question and generate their own solutions using simple principles of active listening and peer coaching. It’s an excellent introduction to active listening but can also be used with groups that are already familiar with it. Participants work in groups of three and take turns being: “the subject”, the listener, and the observer.

Analytical skills

All problem solving models require strong analytical skills, particularly during the beginning of the process and when it comes to analyzing how solutions have performed.

Analytical skills are primarily focused on performing an effective analysis by collecting, studying and parsing data related to a problem or opportunity. 

It often involves spotting patterns, being able to see things from different perspectives and using observable facts and data to make suggestions or produce insight. 

Analytical skills are also important at every stage of the problem solving process and by having these skills, you can ensure that any ideas or solutions you create or backed up analytically and have been sufficiently thought out.

Nine Whys   #innovation   #issue analysis   #liberating structures   With breathtaking simplicity, you can rapidly clarify for individuals and a group what is essentially important in their work. You can quickly reveal when a compelling purpose is missing in a gathering and avoid moving forward without clarity. When a group discovers an unambiguous shared purpose, more freedom and more responsibility are unleashed. You have laid the foundation for spreading and scaling innovations with fidelity.

Collaboration

Trying to solve problems on your own is difficult. Being able to collaborate effectively, with a free exchange of ideas, to delegate and be a productive member of a team is hugely important to all problem solving strategies.

Remember that whatever your role, collaboration is integral, and in a problem solving process, you are all working together to find the best solution for everyone. 

Marshmallow challenge with debriefing   #teamwork   #team   #leadership   #collaboration   In eighteen minutes, teams must build the tallest free-standing structure out of 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string, and one marshmallow. The marshmallow needs to be on top. The Marshmallow Challenge was developed by Tom Wujec, who has done the activity with hundreds of groups around the world. Visit the Marshmallow Challenge website for more information. This version has an extra debriefing question added with sample questions focusing on roles within the team.

Communication  

Being an effective communicator means being empathetic, clear and succinct, asking the right questions, and demonstrating active listening skills throughout any discussion or meeting. 

In a problem solving setting, you need to communicate well in order to progress through each stage of the process effectively. As a team leader, it may also fall to you to facilitate communication between parties who may not see eye to eye. Effective communication also means helping others to express themselves and be heard in a group.

Bus Trip   #feedback   #communication   #appreciation   #closing   #thiagi   #team   This is one of my favourite feedback games. I use Bus Trip at the end of a training session or a meeting, and I use it all the time. The game creates a massive amount of energy with lots of smiles, laughs, and sometimes even a teardrop or two.

Creative problem solving skills can be some of the best tools in your arsenal. Thinking creatively, being able to generate lots of ideas and come up with out of the box solutions is useful at every step of the process. 

The kinds of problems you will likely discuss in a problem solving workshop are often difficult to solve, and by approaching things in a fresh, creative manner, you can often create more innovative solutions.

Having practical creative skills is also a boon when it comes to problem solving. If you can help create quality design sketches and prototypes in record time, it can help bring a team to alignment more quickly or provide a base for further iteration.

The paper clip method   #sharing   #creativity   #warm up   #idea generation   #brainstorming   The power of brainstorming. A training for project leaders, creativity training, and to catalyse getting new solutions.

Critical thinking

Critical thinking is one of the fundamental problem solving skills you’ll want to develop when working on developing solutions. Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, rationalize and evaluate while being aware of personal bias, outlying factors and remaining open-minded.

Defining and analyzing problems without deploying critical thinking skills can mean you and your team go down the wrong path. Developing solutions to complex issues requires critical thinking too – ensuring your team considers all possibilities and rationally evaluating them. 

Agreement-Certainty Matrix   #issue analysis   #liberating structures   #problem solving   You can help individuals or groups avoid the frequent mistake of trying to solve a problem with methods that are not adapted to the nature of their challenge. The combination of two questions makes it possible to easily sort challenges into four categories: simple, complicated, complex , and chaotic .  A problem is simple when it can be solved reliably with practices that are easy to duplicate.  It is complicated when experts are required to devise a sophisticated solution that will yield the desired results predictably.  A problem is complex when there are several valid ways to proceed but outcomes are not predictable in detail.  Chaotic is when the context is too turbulent to identify a path forward.  A loose analogy may be used to describe these differences: simple is like following a recipe, complicated like sending a rocket to the moon, complex like raising a child, and chaotic is like the game “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.”  The Liberating Structures Matching Matrix in Chapter 5 can be used as the first step to clarify the nature of a challenge and avoid the mismatches between problems and solutions that are frequently at the root of chronic, recurring problems.

Data analysis 

Though it shares lots of space with general analytical skills, data analysis skills are something you want to cultivate in their own right in order to be an effective problem solver.

Being good at data analysis doesn’t just mean being able to find insights from data, but also selecting the appropriate data for a given issue, interpreting it effectively and knowing how to model and present that data. Depending on the problem at hand, it might also include a working knowledge of specific data analysis tools and procedures. 

Having a solid grasp of data analysis techniques is useful if you’re leading a problem solving workshop but if you’re not an expert, don’t worry. Bring people into the group who has this skill set and help your team be more effective as a result.

Decision making

All problems need a solution and all solutions require that someone make the decision to implement them. Without strong decision making skills, teams can become bogged down in discussion and less effective as a result. 

Making decisions is a key part of the problem solving process. It’s important to remember that decision making is not restricted to the leadership team. Every staff member makes decisions every day and developing these skills ensures that your team is able to solve problems at any scale. Remember that making decisions does not mean leaping to the first solution but weighing up the options and coming to an informed, well thought out solution to any given problem that works for the whole team.

Lightning Decision Jam (LDJ)   #action   #decision making   #problem solving   #issue analysis   #innovation   #design   #remote-friendly   The problem with anything that requires creative thinking is that it’s easy to get lost—lose focus and fall into the trap of having useless, open-ended, unstructured discussions. Here’s the most effective solution I’ve found: Replace all open, unstructured discussion with a clear process. What to use this exercise for: Anything which requires a group of people to make decisions, solve problems or discuss challenges. It’s always good to frame an LDJ session with a broad topic, here are some examples: The conversion flow of our checkout Our internal design process How we organise events Keeping up with our competition Improving sales flow

Dependability

Most complex organizational problems require multiple people to be involved in delivering the solution. Ensuring that the team and organization can depend on you to take the necessary actions and communicate where necessary is key to ensuring problems are solved effectively.

Being dependable also means working to deadlines and to brief. It is often a matter of creating trust in a team so that everyone can depend on one another to complete the agreed actions in the agreed time frame so that the team can move forward together. Being undependable can create problems of friction and can limit the effectiveness of your solutions so be sure to bear this in mind throughout a project. 

Team Purpose & Culture   #team   #hyperisland   #culture   #remote-friendly   This is an essential process designed to help teams define their purpose (why they exist) and their culture (how they work together to achieve that purpose). Defining these two things will help any team to be more focused and aligned. With support of tangible examples from other companies, the team members work as individuals and a group to codify the way they work together. The goal is a visual manifestation of both the purpose and culture that can be put up in the team’s work space.

Emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is an important skill for any successful team member, whether communicating internally or with clients or users. In the problem solving process, emotional intelligence means being attuned to how people are feeling and thinking, communicating effectively and being self-aware of what you bring to a room. 

There are often differences of opinion when working through problem solving processes, and it can be easy to let things become impassioned or combative. Developing your emotional intelligence means being empathetic to your colleagues and managing your own emotions throughout the problem and solution process. Be kind, be thoughtful and put your points across care and attention. 

Being emotionally intelligent is a skill for life and by deploying it at work, you can not only work efficiently but empathetically. Check out the emotional culture workshop template for more!

Facilitation

As we’ve clarified in our facilitation skills post, facilitation is the art of leading people through processes towards agreed-upon objectives in a manner that encourages participation, ownership, and creativity by all those involved. While facilitation is a set of interrelated skills in itself, the broad definition of facilitation can be invaluable when it comes to problem solving. Leading a team through a problem solving process is made more effective if you improve and utilize facilitation skills – whether you’re a manager, team leader or external stakeholder.

The Six Thinking Hats   #creative thinking   #meeting facilitation   #problem solving   #issue resolution   #idea generation   #conflict resolution   The Six Thinking Hats are used by individuals and groups to separate out conflicting styles of thinking. They enable and encourage a group of people to think constructively together in exploring and implementing change, rather than using argument to fight over who is right and who is wrong.

Flexibility 

Being flexible is a vital skill when it comes to problem solving. This does not mean immediately bowing to pressure or changing your opinion quickly: instead, being flexible is all about seeing things from new perspectives, receiving new information and factoring it into your thought process.

Flexibility is also important when it comes to rolling out solutions. It might be that other organizational projects have greater priority or require the same resources as your chosen solution. Being flexible means understanding needs and challenges across the team and being open to shifting or arranging your own schedule as necessary. Again, this does not mean immediately making way for other projects. It’s about articulating your own needs, understanding the needs of others and being able to come to a meaningful compromise.

The Creativity Dice   #creativity   #problem solving   #thiagi   #issue analysis   Too much linear thinking is hazardous to creative problem solving. To be creative, you should approach the problem (or the opportunity) from different points of view. You should leave a thought hanging in mid-air and move to another. This skipping around prevents premature closure and lets your brain incubate one line of thought while you consciously pursue another.

Working in any group can lead to unconscious elements of groupthink or situations in which you may not wish to be entirely honest. Disagreeing with the opinions of the executive team or wishing to save the feelings of a coworker can be tricky to navigate, but being honest is absolutely vital when to comes to developing effective solutions and ensuring your voice is heard. 

Remember that being honest does not mean being brutally candid. You can deliver your honest feedback and opinions thoughtfully and without creating friction by using other skills such as emotional intelligence. 

Explore your Values   #hyperisland   #skills   #values   #remote-friendly   Your Values is an exercise for participants to explore what their most important values are. It’s done in an intuitive and rapid way to encourage participants to follow their intuitive feeling rather than over-thinking and finding the “correct” values. It is a good exercise to use to initiate reflection and dialogue around personal values.

Initiative 

The problem solving process is multi-faceted and requires different approaches at certain points of the process. Taking initiative to bring problems to the attention of the team, collect data or lead the solution creating process is always valuable. You might even roadtest your own small scale solutions or brainstorm before a session. Taking initiative is particularly effective if you have good deal of knowledge in that area or have ownership of a particular project and want to get things kickstarted.

That said, be sure to remember to honor the process and work in service of the team. If you are asked to own one part of the problem solving process and you don’t complete that task because your initiative leads you to work on something else, that’s not an effective method of solving business challenges.

15% Solutions   #action   #liberating structures   #remote-friendly   You can reveal the actions, however small, that everyone can do immediately. At a minimum, these will create momentum, and that may make a BIG difference.  15% Solutions show that there is no reason to wait around, feel powerless, or fearful. They help people pick it up a level. They get individuals and the group to focus on what is within their discretion instead of what they cannot change.  With a very simple question, you can flip the conversation to what can be done and find solutions to big problems that are often distributed widely in places not known in advance. Shifting a few grains of sand may trigger a landslide and change the whole landscape.

Impartiality

A particularly useful problem solving skill for product owners or managers is the ability to remain impartial throughout much of the process. In practice, this means treating all points of view and ideas brought forward in a meeting equally and ensuring that your own areas of interest or ownership are not favored over others. 

There may be a stage in the process where a decision maker has to weigh the cost and ROI of possible solutions against the company roadmap though even then, ensuring that the decision made is based on merit and not personal opinion. 

Empathy map   #frame insights   #create   #design   #issue analysis   An empathy map is a tool to help a design team to empathize with the people they are designing for. You can make an empathy map for a group of people or for a persona. To be used after doing personas when more insights are needed.

Being a good leader means getting a team aligned, energized and focused around a common goal. In the problem solving process, strong leadership helps ensure that the process is efficient, that any conflicts are resolved and that a team is managed in the direction of success.

It’s common for managers or executives to assume this role in a problem solving workshop, though it’s important that the leader maintains impartiality and does not bulldoze the group in a particular direction. Remember that good leadership means working in service of the purpose and team and ensuring the workshop is a safe space for employees of any level to contribute. Take a look at our leadership games and activities post for more exercises and methods to help improve leadership in your organization.

Leadership Pizza   #leadership   #team   #remote-friendly   This leadership development activity offers a self-assessment framework for people to first identify what skills, attributes and attitudes they find important for effective leadership, and then assess their own development and initiate goal setting.

In the context of problem solving, mediation is important in keeping a team engaged, happy and free of conflict. When leading or facilitating a problem solving workshop, you are likely to run into differences of opinion. Depending on the nature of the problem, certain issues may be brought up that are emotive in nature. 

Being an effective mediator means helping those people on either side of such a divide are heard, listen to one another and encouraged to find common ground and a resolution. Mediating skills are useful for leaders and managers in many situations and the problem solving process is no different.

Conflict Responses   #hyperisland   #team   #issue resolution   A workshop for a team to reflect on past conflicts, and use them to generate guidelines for effective conflict handling. The workshop uses the Thomas-Killman model of conflict responses to frame a reflective discussion. Use it to open up a discussion around conflict with a team.

Planning 

Solving organizational problems is much more effective when following a process or problem solving model. Planning skills are vital in order to structure, deliver and follow-through on a problem solving workshop and ensure your solutions are intelligently deployed.

Planning skills include the ability to organize tasks and a team, plan and design the process and take into account any potential challenges. Taking the time to plan carefully can save time and frustration later in the process and is valuable for ensuring a team is positioned for success.

3 Action Steps   #hyperisland   #action   #remote-friendly   This is a small-scale strategic planning session that helps groups and individuals to take action toward a desired change. It is often used at the end of a workshop or programme. The group discusses and agrees on a vision, then creates some action steps that will lead them towards that vision. The scope of the challenge is also defined, through discussion of the helpful and harmful factors influencing the group.

Prioritization

As organisations grow, the scale and variation of problems they face multiplies. Your team or is likely to face numerous challenges in different areas and so having the skills to analyze and prioritize becomes very important, particularly for those in leadership roles.

A thorough problem solving process is likely to deliver multiple solutions and you may have several different problems you wish to solve simultaneously. Prioritization is the ability to measure the importance, value, and effectiveness of those possible solutions and choose which to enact and in what order. The process of prioritization is integral in ensuring the biggest challenges are addressed with the most impactful solutions.

Impact and Effort Matrix   #gamestorming   #decision making   #action   #remote-friendly   In this decision-making exercise, possible actions are mapped based on two factors: effort required to implement and potential impact. Categorizing ideas along these lines is a useful technique in decision making, as it obliges contributors to balance and evaluate suggested actions before committing to them.

Project management

Some problem solving skills are utilized in a workshop or ideation phases, while others come in useful when it comes to decision making. Overseeing an entire problem solving process and ensuring its success requires strong project management skills. 

While project management incorporates many of the other skills listed here, it is important to note the distinction of considering all of the factors of a project and managing them successfully. Being able to negotiate with stakeholders, manage tasks, time and people, consider costs and ROI, and tie everything together is massively helpful when going through the problem solving process. 

Record keeping

Working out meaningful solutions to organizational challenges is only one part of the process.  Thoughtfully documenting and keeping records of each problem solving step for future consultation is important in ensuring efficiency and meaningful change. 

For example, some problems may be lower priority than others but can be revisited in the future. If the team has ideated on solutions and found some are not up to the task, record those so you can rule them out and avoiding repeating work. Keeping records of the process also helps you improve and refine your problem solving model next time around!

Personal Kanban   #gamestorming   #action   #agile   #project planning   Personal Kanban is a tool for organizing your work to be more efficient and productive. It is based on agile methods and principles.

Research skills

Conducting research to support both the identification of problems and the development of appropriate solutions is important for an effective process. Knowing where to go to collect research, how to conduct research efficiently, and identifying pieces of research are relevant are all things a good researcher can do well. 

In larger groups, not everyone has to demonstrate this ability in order for a problem solving workshop to be effective. That said, having people with research skills involved in the process, particularly if they have existing area knowledge, can help ensure the solutions that are developed with data that supports their intention. Remember that being able to deliver the results of research efficiently and in a way the team can easily understand is also important. The best data in the world is only as effective as how it is delivered and interpreted.

Customer experience map   #ideation   #concepts   #research   #design   #issue analysis   #remote-friendly   Customer experience mapping is a method of documenting and visualizing the experience a customer has as they use the product or service. It also maps out their responses to their experiences. To be used when there is a solution (even in a conceptual stage) that can be analyzed.

Risk management

Managing risk is an often overlooked part of the problem solving process. Solutions are often developed with the intention of reducing exposure to risk or solving issues that create risk but sometimes, great solutions are more experimental in nature and as such, deploying them needs to be carefully considered. 

Managing risk means acknowledging that there may be risks associated with more out of the box solutions or trying new things, but that this must be measured against the possible benefits and other organizational factors. 

Be informed, get the right data and stakeholders in the room and you can appropriately factor risk into your decision making process. 

Decisions, Decisions…   #communication   #decision making   #thiagi   #action   #issue analysis   When it comes to decision-making, why are some of us more prone to take risks while others are risk-averse? One explanation might be the way the decision and options were presented.  This exercise, based on Kahneman and Tversky’s classic study , illustrates how the framing effect influences our judgement and our ability to make decisions . The participants are divided into two groups. Both groups are presented with the same problem and two alternative programs for solving them. The two programs both have the same consequences but are presented differently. The debriefing discussion examines how the framing of the program impacted the participant’s decision.

Team-building 

No single person is as good at problem solving as a team. Building an effective team and helping them come together around a common purpose is one of the most important problem solving skills, doubly so for leaders. By bringing a team together and helping them work efficiently, you pave the way for team ownership of a problem and the development of effective solutions. 

In a problem solving workshop, it can be tempting to jump right into the deep end, though taking the time to break the ice, energize the team and align them with a game or exercise will pay off over the course of the day.

Remember that you will likely go through the problem solving process multiple times over an organization’s lifespan and building a strong team culture will make future problem solving more effective. It’s also great to work with people you know, trust and have fun with. Working on team building in and out of the problem solving process is a hallmark of successful teams that can work together to solve business problems.

9 Dimensions Team Building Activity   #ice breaker   #teambuilding   #team   #remote-friendly   9 Dimensions is a powerful activity designed to build relationships and trust among team members. There are 2 variations of this icebreaker. The first version is for teams who want to get to know each other better. The second version is for teams who want to explore how they are working together as a team.

Time management 

The problem solving process is designed to lead a team from identifying a problem through to delivering a solution and evaluating its effectiveness. Without effective time management skills or timeboxing of tasks, it can be easy for a team to get bogged down or be inefficient.

By using a problem solving model and carefully designing your workshop, you can allocate time efficiently and trust that the process will deliver the results you need in a good timeframe.

Time management also comes into play when it comes to rolling out solutions, particularly those that are experimental in nature. Having a clear timeframe for implementing and evaluating solutions is vital for ensuring their success and being able to pivot if necessary.

Improving your skills at problem solving is often a career-long pursuit though there are methods you can use to make the learning process more efficient and to supercharge your problem solving skillset.

Remember that the skills you need to be a great problem solver have a large overlap with those skills you need to be effective in any role. Investing time and effort to develop your active listening or critical thinking skills is valuable in any context. Here are 7 ways to improve your problem solving skills.

Share best practices

Remember that your team is an excellent source of skills, wisdom, and techniques and that you should all take advantage of one another where possible. Best practices that one team has for solving problems, conducting research or making decisions should be shared across the organization. If you have in-house staff that have done active listening training or are data analysis pros, have them lead a training session. 

Your team is one of your best resources. Create space and internal processes for the sharing of skills so that you can all grow together. 

Ask for help and attend training

Once you’ve figured out you have a skills gap, the next step is to take action to fill that skills gap. That might be by asking your superior for training or coaching, or liaising with team members with that skill set. You might even attend specialized training for certain skills – active listening or critical thinking, for example, are business-critical skills that are regularly offered as part of a training scheme.

Whatever method you choose, remember that taking action of some description is necessary for growth. Whether that means practicing, getting help, attending training or doing some background reading, taking active steps to improve your skills is the way to go.

Learn a process 

Problem solving can be complicated, particularly when attempting to solve large problems for the first time. Using a problem solving process helps give structure to your problem solving efforts and focus on creating outcomes, rather than worrying about the format. 

Tools such as the seven-step problem solving process above are effective because not only do they feature steps that will help a team solve problems, they also develop skills along the way. Each step asks for people to engage with the process using different skills and in doing so, helps the team learn and grow together. Group processes of varying complexity and purpose can also be found in the SessionLab library of facilitation techniques . Using a tried and tested process and really help ease the learning curve for both those leading such a process, as well as those undergoing the purpose.

Effective teams make decisions about where they should and shouldn’t expend additional effort. By using a problem solving process, you can focus on the things that matter, rather than stumbling towards a solution haphazardly. 

Create a feedback loop

Some skills gaps are more obvious than others. It’s possible that your perception of your active listening skills differs from those of your colleagues. 

It’s valuable to create a system where team members can provide feedback in an ordered and friendly manner so they can all learn from one another. Only by identifying areas of improvement can you then work to improve them. 

Remember that feedback systems require oversight and consideration so that they don’t turn into a place to complain about colleagues. Design the system intelligently so that you encourage the creation of learning opportunities, rather than encouraging people to list their pet peeves.

While practice might not make perfect, it does make the problem solving process easier. If you are having trouble with critical thinking, don’t shy away from doing it. Get involved where you can and stretch those muscles as regularly as possible. 

Problem solving skills come more naturally to some than to others and that’s okay. Take opportunities to get involved and see where you can practice your skills in situations outside of a workshop context. Try collaborating in other circumstances at work or conduct data analysis on your own projects. You can often develop those skills you need for problem solving simply by doing them. Get involved!

Use expert exercises and methods

Learn from the best. Our library of 700+ facilitation techniques is full of activities and methods that help develop the skills you need to be an effective problem solver. Check out our templates to see how to approach problem solving and other organizational challenges in a structured and intelligent manner.

There is no single approach to improving problem solving skills, but by using the techniques employed by others you can learn from their example and develop processes that have seen proven results. 

Try new ways of thinking and change your mindset

Using tried and tested exercises that you know well can help deliver results, but you do run the risk of missing out on the learning opportunities offered by new approaches. As with the problem solving process, changing your mindset can remove blockages and be used to develop your problem solving skills.

Most teams have members with mixed skill sets and specialties. Mix people from different teams and share skills and different points of view. Teach your customer support team how to use design thinking methods or help your developers with conflict resolution techniques. Try switching perspectives with facilitation techniques like Flip It! or by using new problem solving methodologies or models. Give design thinking, liberating structures or lego serious play a try if you want to try a new approach. You will find that framing problems in new ways and using existing skills in new contexts can be hugely useful for personal development and improving your skillset. It’s also a lot of fun to try new things. Give it a go!

Encountering business challenges and needing to find appropriate solutions is not unique to your organization. Lots of very smart people have developed methods, theories and approaches to help develop problem solving skills and create effective solutions. Learn from them!

Books like The Art of Thinking Clearly , Think Smarter, or Thinking Fast, Thinking Slow are great places to start, though it’s also worth looking at blogs related to organizations facing similar problems to yours, or browsing for success stories. Seeing how Dropbox massively increased growth and working backward can help you see the skills or approach you might be lacking to solve that same problem. Learning from others by reading their stories or approaches can be time-consuming but ultimately rewarding.

A tired, distracted mind is not in the best position to learn new skills. It can be tempted to burn the candle at both ends and develop problem solving skills outside of work. Absolutely use your time effectively and take opportunities for self-improvement, though remember that rest is hugely important and that without letting your brain rest, you cannot be at your most effective. 

Creating distance between yourself and the problem you might be facing can also be useful. By letting an idea sit, you can find that a better one presents itself or you can develop it further. Take regular breaks when working and create a space for downtime. Remember that working smarter is preferable to working harder and that self-care is important for any effective learning or improvement process.

Want to design better group processes?

Over to you

Now we’ve explored some of the key problem solving skills and the problem solving steps necessary for an effective process, you’re ready to begin developing more effective solutions and leading problem solving workshops.

Need more inspiration? Check out our post on problem solving activities you can use when guiding a group towards a great solution in your next workshop or meeting. Have questions? Did you have a great problem solving technique you use with your team? Get in touch in the comments below. We’d love to chat!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Going from a mere idea to a workshop that delivers results for your clients can feel like a daunting task. In this piece, we will shine a light on all the work behind the scenes and help you learn how to plan a workshop from start to finish. On a good day, facilitation can feel like effortless magic, but that is mostly the result of backstage work, foresight, and a lot of careful planning. Read on to learn a step-by-step approach to breaking the process of planning a workshop into small, manageable chunks.  The flow starts with the first meeting with a client to define the purposes of a workshop.…

How does learning work? A clever 9-year-old once told me: “I know I am learning something new when I am surprised.” The science of adult learning tells us that, in order to learn new skills (which, unsurprisingly, is harder for adults to do than kids) grown-ups need to first get into a specific headspace.  In a business, this approach is often employed in a training session where employees learn new skills or work on professional development. But how do you ensure your training is effective? In this guide, we'll explore how to create an effective training session plan and run engaging training sessions. As team leader, project manager, or consultant,…

Facilitation is more and more recognized as a key component of work, as employers and society are faced with bigger and more complex problems and ideas. From facilitating meetings to big, multi-stakeholder strategy development workshops, the facilitator's skillset is more and more in demand. In this article, we will go through a list of the best online facilitation resources, including newsletters, podcasts, communities, and 10 free toolkits you can bookmark and read to upskill and improve your facilitation practice. When designing activities and workshops, you'll probably start by using templates and methods you are familiar with. Soon enough, you'll need to expand your range and look for facilitation methods and…

Design your next workshop with SessionLab

Join the 150,000 facilitators using SessionLab

Sign up for free

Time Management Skills - 5 skills that the most productive people master

Exceptional time management starts with the right set of skills. No time management app , technique or even a simple tip can help you manage your time better if you don’t develop a few core time management skills.

In this article, you will learn which skills are the cornerstone of the most productive people  in the world, and how you can develop them.

At this point, you might be asking yourself: why are time management skills so important? Well, a skill is nothing other than the ability to perform something well.

Without proper time management skills, you simply lack the capacity to organize your time (even less as a manager ), yourself in general or others in a smart and consistent way. 

Even if you find the perfect time management technique or tool, you don’t have the internal resources necessary for preserving things in practice.

Without the right time management skillset, you don’t have what it takes to follow through with the selected time management techniques  or tips.

Don’t confuse time management skills with time management techniques or even personality traits

Skills are closely interlaced with techniques, core time management skills and how to develop them.

• 1. Planning
• 2. Decision making and prioritization
• 3. Setting boundaries and saying no
• 4. Delegating and outsourcing tasks
• 5. Building a system and diligently following it

The full list of time management skills

It’s very important that you don’t confuse time management skills (or any other set of skills) with time management techniques or even personality traits. 

Personality traits are features of your character. They are an integral part of your personality, shaped by your genes and (early) life experiences. They are very hard to change; almost impossible in the short or mid-term. 

Very popular models of personality traits are, for example, Big Five personality traits and The HEXACO Personality Inventory .

The HEXACO measures the following personality traits:

• Honesty-Humility : Sincerity, Fairness, Greed-Avoidance, Modesty
• Emotionality : Fearfulness, Anxiety, Dependence, Sentimentality
• Extraversion : Social Self-Esteem, Social Boldness, Sociability, Liveliness
• Agreeableness : Forgivingness, Gentleness, Flexibility, Patience
• Conscientiousness : Organization, Diligence, Perfectionism, Prudence
• Openness to Experience : Aesthetic Appreciation, Inquisitiveness, Creativity, Unconventionality, Altruism

There are, of course, some personality traits that help with being good at time management. 

Even more, people with some types of personalities can acquire new skills much faster, including time management skills. Conscientiousness is especially important in this regard.  

Nevertheless, with so many different time management techniques, you can definitely find the right time management solution for your personality. Thus, knowing your personality should be the first step towards better time management.

How to create a productive & organized working place, where people love to perform

Personality traits are hard to change. To be good at time management, you should find the set of techniques that fits your personality best and to develop those core time management skills that empower your personality advantages and neutralize the disadvantages.

Luckily, skills are much easier to learn than a personality can be changed. You can acquire new skills through life experience or, even better, with training. Simply said, if you practice one thing for long enough (for example, correctly prioritizing your tasks), you become good at it sooner or later.

We know three main types of skills:

• Hard skills and labor skills , which are also known as technical skills or skills related to a specific craft or technique. They are usually very little related to one’s personality.
• Soft skills , which are closely related to personality traits and consist of people skills, social skills and communication skills. Soft skills are very important in time management.
• Life skills , which are abilities for effectively dealing with life challenges. Among life skills, the most important are: decision making, problem solving, creative thinking, self-awareness, empathy, assertiveness, equanimity, resilience, coping with stress and emotions. Soft skills are in a way a subcategory of life skills.

Even if skills, techniques and personality traits are not the same, they are closely interlaced, supporting each other.  

For example, if we take a very popular skill such as swimming, the breaststroke is a swimming technique. Then in effective communication, mirroring is a popular technique.

A proper technique can guide you through acquiring a new skill or shows how to put a certain skill to practice in the best possible way. A proper technique or best practice recommends the right set of procedures and methods to follow and which tools to use.

In summary, here is the difference between all the definitions  mentioned above:

• A skill is an ability to do something (swimming).
• A technique is an efficient way to put a skill in practice, a best practice (breaststroke, butterfly stroke etc.).
• Different techniques usually empower a different set of methods and tools that help you learn a new skill, apply it in practice more easily or perform it better (when swimming: how to do arm action, kicking, breathing, turning, using different swimming tools etc.).
• Personality traits are an integral part of one’s character, usually very hard to change.

And if we apply that to time management:

• Time management skills: boundary setting, planning, delegating etc.
• Time management techniques: getting things done, Pomodoro timer, Eisenhower matrix etc.
• Time management tools : calendar, note-taking software, time tracker (e.g. My Hours )
• Personality traits that encourage good time management: social boldness, flexibility, organization, diligence and prudence

Now that we know the important difference between time management skills, techniques, tools and personality traits, let’s analyze the core time management skills and how to acquire them.  The five most important time management skills are:

• Decision making and prioritization
• ‍Setting boundaries and saying no
• ‍Delegating and outsourcing tasks
• ‍Building a system and diligently following it

Good time management starts with good planning skills. It’s very hard to manage your day or week if you don’t have a good plan of which tasks should get completed. Developing proper planning skills is the first step toward better time management. Of course, in practice, a day never goes completely according to plan, but a good plan is the tool to help you calibrate the course of the day and not stray off course.

" Plans are worthless, but planning is everything. " - Dwight D. Eisenhower

Planning skills are important in many aspects of time management. Preparing task lists, building sequences of work, calendar management, making meeting agendas, even preparing project plans, it all involves proper planning skills. 

With proper planning skills, you must be able to imagine what needs to be done and prioritize the most important tasks.  Then you also have to execute the plan with proper self-monitoring and evaluate how good is the plan you’ve created.

How can you develop planning skills?  The best way to develop planning skills is to consistently use a calendar tool, such as Google calendar. Simply plan your week ahead, directly in the calendar: When to wake up. Which task to start first in a day. When to take meetings. Your leisure time. And so on. 

Write everything directly into the calendar. That will give you a good overview of how you will spend time in the following week. It’s the simplest type of plan you can make. When you master your calendar, you can start using more advanced plans. Studying best practices in project planning is definitely a good next step.  

The point of a plan is not only to imagine how things should go but also to decide about the priorities. The idea is to make hard decisions about how you should spend your precious time.  

We all have the same number of hours in a day. What we do with those hours is what makes the real difference in time management. The bottom line is that good time management skills mean making good decisions about your time.

There are many decisions to make when it comes to time management. How long you will sleep, where you will work, which tasks you will start first, how long you will work and so on. 

Since most people hate decision making, they usually just go with the flow  and let their bosses, spouses, and others determine how they will spend time. But that usually leads to poor time management, so don’t be one of those people.

If you want to be good at time management, you must be in control of your time. If you want to be in control, you have to pull the strings wherever possible. 

You have to prioritize, you have to decide which tasks to tackle first, and which tasks you will say no to (to the extent possible in your current position).

How can you develop good decision making and prioritization skills? The Eisenhower matrix is probably the best start for learning prioritization. The matrix recommends arranging tasks in one of the four quadrants:

• Urgent + Important (Do)
• Urgent + Not Important(Delegate)
• Not Urgent + Important (Put it in your calendar)
• Not Important + Not Urgent(Delete)

List all the tasks you have to perform in a week. Arrange them in one of the four quadrants. In every quadrant, sort them from the most important one to the least important one. Start with the most important and urgent tasks. That’s how you’ll practice making decisions about your time. 

If you want to be good at time management, you have to treat your time as the most precious resource you possess. 

That means setting very clear boundaries to people who want to delegate tasks to you or to engage you in projects and activities that are not your priority. In this regard, saying no is one of the most important skills in time management.

Just like you must learn to say no to other people, you also have to learn how to set boundaries for yourself . If you don’t know how to do that, you could take too much work on your plate and not deliver. 

Or you can do too many things at once. Limiting work in progress, avoiding multitasking, and limiting the number of active projects are all important tips in time management.

How can you learn to say no?  If you lack social boldness and assertiveness, you might have a hard time saying no to people. 

The best way to develop good boundary-setting skills is to start saying no in small unimportant situations, and then slowly scale up to the bigger things where you are more emotionally involved. Practice makes perfect. Practice gets you out of your comfort zone.

It also makes sense to ask yourself what you are afraid of in rejecting others (usually it’s because you think that people will have a bad opinion about you after a rejection or that they will reject you the next time you try to engage them etc.). When you have the reasons, explore if they are really viable.

You can also help yourself with some templates for e-mails with respectful declines of collaboration or you can prepare a few good rejections or excuses in advance. 

But the best advice is to just be honest – I would love to, but I don’t have the time, so I’ll pass on the opportunity. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

Saying “no” is about protecting your time. Delegating tasks is about leveraging other’s people time. Learning how to delegate is a very important next step in being a master of time management. 

The main point of task delegation is that you can focus on the highest value activities and get all the rest off your back. It’s a kind of specialization. 

With proper delegation, you can also engage people who are bigger experts than you are at some things, meaning they can perform some tasks better and faster. Delegating tasks might sound simple, but it’s really not. First, you have to find the right people whom you can trust and who will actually deliver. Then you have to build a relationship with them and properly communicate “the definition of work done” and “acceptance criteria” when you delegate. People rarely deliver as expected the first time. That means you need to learn to give constructive feedback. 

You need to know how and when to use the carrot and the stick for their work to improve. The good news is that learning how to delegate or outsource tasks greatly contributes to your leadership skills and personal development. How can you learn to delegate? If you have never been in a leadership position or never really delegated, prepare a list of all the tasks you could delegate. 

These tasks can be business (administration, legal, social media management etc.) or personal in nature (cleaning, washing, grocery buying etc.). 

Assess every task according to how easy or hard it is to delegate it. Follow criteria such as: task complexity, potential executants, price, time sensitivity etc. Then start with the easiest task to delegate. Invest some energy and find the right person for the job. Expect there will probably be some issues with performance, communication or relationships at the beginning. But that’s the only way to really learn to delegate and really leverage other people’s time.

When you learn how to plan, prioritize, delegate and so on, it sooner or later wakes up the need for a coherent and complete time management system. There are numerous time management techniques that can be employed. At least 50 of them. 

Only a few are really complete (for example GTD is one of those, but in practice, people more often compose their own system from a few techniques that suit their personality most. With more than 50 time management techniques available, the selection is huge.

In this regard, you actually need two skills. The first one is building a system for yourself and constantly improving it . 

That consists of experimenting with different techniques, exploring what suits your personality best, and then putting the selected techniques together in a meaningful way. It usually takes a few months to build a system that really works. 

The second skill is diligently following the system . There’s no value in a personal time management system that’s not being used regularly.

How can you build the best time management system for yourself and then actually use it?

First, research all the time management techniques out there. Select the ones you find the most interesting. Start testing them one by one in practice and give yourself a few months to select the techniques that fit you best. 

Absolutely combine time management techniques with different tools that support the selected techniques; that can be different calendars, note-taking, time management apps and other apps in combination with reminders, notifications and checklists.

Using a good time tracker  is an important part of a complete time management system. You can try our time‑tracking app for free for the first 30 days .

There are many other important skills when it comes to time management. We have put together a more comprehensive list of time management skills, so you can make a self-assessment of which skills you need to still develop to become really good at time management.

Asking for help  – Sometimes when you get stuck, overwhelmed or there’s no way to outsource, your only option might be to ask for help. Some people find asking for help humiliating,and see it as a sign of not being good enough. But there’s nothing really wrong with asking for help. Actually, it’s more of a sign of strength than weakness.

Automating tasks  – Wit hall the technology, there are many options for task automation, especially when it comes to email and social media management. Explore services like IFTTT and Zapier for more information on how to automate tasks.

Batching  – There are many things you can batch together to become more productive. Types of tasks, meeting locations, telephone calls (you may use call handling services ) etc. Batching can be a good antidote to multitasking and a great way to improve your productivity.

Clarity  – Being confused or lost is a big enemy of progress and using your time productively. It means you are stuck and not moving forward. Having a very clear perspective of what you want and how you will get there is the core enabler of good time management.

Completion – Many people have difficulties actually completing a task. They complete a task to 90 % or even more, and then they have an emotional block preventing them from crossing the finish line. You definitely need to know how to get past such a burden.

Coping skills / Stress management  – In a complex and stressful environment, you need to stay focused, sharp and immune to many outside distractions. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, you need to develop good coping skills. That includes capabilities such as overcoming stress and dealing with difficult people.

Creating routines  – Our brains love routines and patterns. We see patterns even where there are none. But the good news is that when you get used to a routine, it takes almost no effort to follow it. Consequently, routines are a very important part of the time management. Your time management system should consist of a set of routines. For example, every morning you can write down the three most important tasks for the day. It’s a simple routine that can skyrocket your productivity. As an interesting fact: it usually takes 1 to 2 months to get used to a new routine.

Discipline / Beating procrastination  – Discipline means that you do something whether you like it or not. It takes discipline to start a task, it takes discipline to follow through with the task, and it takes discipline to finish it. It also takes discipline to beat procrastination and to get things done.

Staying flexible  – In reality, things never go according to plan. That means you have to stay flexible to maximize your output in any given situation. As we said, planning is really important, but then you have to stay flexible about how your goals will be achieved.

Focusing / Avoiding multitasking  – Multitasking is a big enemy of good time management. Of course, there are times when you have to juggle several things at once, but in general, good time management skills require the mental capabilities to focus on one thing and get it done.

Goal setting  – The better you know the direction for where you want to be, the better you can outline your strategy and tasks that need to be performed to achieve the set goals. In other words, your most important tasks are always closely connected to your life and business goals. If you don’t have clear goals in your life, there’s almost no need for time management.

Getting in the flow  – “Flow” is one of the most productive states you can be in. You forget about everything and just create and deliver. If you want to get into the flow, you have to work in peace on a challenging task, while being empowered by intrinsic motivation.

Organizing things, including lists and notes  – An important part of time management is organizing yourself and your environment in a productive way. That includes having a clean desk, a system for filing, note-taking, making and following checklists, and so on.

Problem-solving  – When you work on your tasks, problems always arise. Your job is not to dwell on these problems, but to tackle them and solve them in the most efficient way. Never waste time.

Punctuality  – If you are not on time, you are late. How could you be good at time management, if you’re always late. Being late is often a clear sign that you don’t have control over your time. A messy desk can be such an indicator, for example.

Rest (recovery time) – You can only be super productive if you take enough time off. That includes getting enough sleep, taking at least one day a week completely off, regularly going on vacations and not overwhelming yourself with too much work. Otherwise, your productivity starts to sharply decline. Finding balance between work, play, and rest is an important part of time management.

Setting up deadlines / Avoiding perfectionism  – If you don’t have clear deadlines and estimations of how long you will spend on a specific task, it can take forever to complete it. An important part of time management is to not overdo things. If you are a perfectionist, you might often spend more time than needed on tasks, overdoing things. Setting clear deadlines and limits is the right solution for such self-torture.

Time Management Skills are just one end of the productive work specter, read about Time Management Techniques to see the whole picture and learn from it. 

Have we forgotten any important time management skill? Write to us and we will add it to the list.

And don’t forget to try our time tracker,   free for the first 30 days .

How to create a productive and organized working place, where people love to perform

What Is Workforce Optimization?

Managing large access control systems: How to do it right?

The “not-to-do list”: A personalized list of tasks and habits you should never do

How many hours a day is a part time job?

Table of Contents

What is time management, the importance of time management, common time management challenges, top 16 time management skills, strategies for prioritizing tasks effectively, final words, top 16 time management skills to help you become a success.

Top time management skills are: Make a Plan Create a Priority List Rather Than a To-Do List Start Early Breakdown Every Task Into Small Chunks Practice Decision Making Delegate tasks Set SMART Goals Set up Deadlines Be Mindful of When You’re Going Off-Track  Learn to Set Boundaries and Say No Minimize Distractions Deal With Stress Wisely Avoid Multitasking Use the 20-Minute Rule Take Time Off Build a System and Follow it Diligently 

Do you often feel stressed out with too much work to do when there’s not enough time in the day? How is it then that some people seem to have enough time to do everything? The secret seems to be controlling time instead of letting time control you. In other words, the difference lies ineffective time management. 

This blog discusses how you can improve your  time management skills and increase productivity.

Time management is a technique for using your time productively and efficiently. It means organizing and planning how to divide your time between various tasks. You’ll have time to do everything you need without being stressed out about it with good time management skills. You can work productively and prioritize your time to work out the urgent or important tasks first while following up with things that are not urgent but still important. Thus, you can focus your time and energy on things that matter the most. You’ll end up working smarter, not harder, to increase productivity.

Time management skills  are essential because it helps us use time wisely and stop wasting time. We become more focused and productive when we are in charge of how we use our time. Productivity leads to profitability. So, good time management can add to your bottom line. The benefits of effective time management are immense:

• Less stress or anxiety
• Better work-life balance
• Increased focus
• Higher levels of productivity
• More free time
• Makes things simple and easy
• Less distraction
• Greater energy and motivation

Become a Business and Leadership Professional

• 3rd Best among overall jobs in the US
• 400,000 + Jobs globally
• 60% Companies see managementdriving annual planning

Executive Certificate Program in General Management

• Online Self Paced content by IIM Indore

Professional Certification in Product Management

• Leverage Generative AI as a Product Manager using tools such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, Gencraft, Midjourney, & Picsart
• Get access to SPJ Exec Ed Alumni benefits post program completion

Here's what learners are saying regarding our programs:

Sanjeet Kumar Sinha

Deputy general manager-procurement , emami ltd.

I was enriched by the learning experience and I appreciate the support I received from the Simplilearn team to resolve my queries. After completing the program, I have been involved in new strategic projects at his workplace.

Marketing Coordinator , IDEALERA MANAGMENTS LLP

My decision to upskill myself in Product Management from Simplilearn was a great choice. After completing my course, I received a new job offer with a salary hike. The course helped me to start the career journey of my interest and excel professionally.

Time management is a fundamental aspect of personal and professional success, yet many individuals encounter various challenges in effectively managing their time. These challenges often stem from a combination of factors, including personal habits, external pressures, and environmental factors. Understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial for improving time management skills and achieving greater productivity and efficiency. Some of the most common time management challenges include:

1. Poor Planning

One of the most prevalent challenges individuals face is poor planning. This includes failing to allocate sufficient time for tasks, underestimating the time needed to complete them, or not having a clear plan of action. Without adequate planning, individuals may find themselves overwhelmed by a backlog of work or struggling to meet deadlines.

2. Lack of Organization

Another common challenge is a lack of organization, which can lead to difficulty prioritizing tasks and maintaining a clear focus on important activities. Without a structured approach to time management, individuals may struggle to differentiate between urgent and non-urgent tasks, leading to a cycle of reactive decision-making and increased stress levels.

3. Feeling Overwhelmed

Many individuals experience feelings of overwhelm when faced with a heavy workload or multiple responsibilities. This can make it challenging to stay on top of deadlines and commitments, leading to increased stress and anxiety. Feeling overwhelmed can also result in procrastination and avoidance behaviors, further exacerbating time management challenges.

3. Procrastination

Procrastination is a common behavior characterized by delaying tasks or avoiding them altogether. This often stems from factors such as fear of failure, perfectionism, or a lack of motivation. Procrastination can significantly impact productivity and progress towards goals, making it essential to address this challenge effectively.

4. Distractions

In today's digital age, distractions are abundant and can derail even the most well-intentioned efforts to manage time effectively. Common distractions include emails, social media, notifications, and interruptions from colleagues or family members. Managing distractions and maintaining focus is essential for maximizing productivity and achieving desired outcomes.

5. Difficulty Saying No

Many individuals struggle with setting boundaries and saying no to additional commitments or requests for their time. This can result in overcommitment and spreading oneself too thin, leading to burnout and decreased effectiveness. Learning to prioritize and allocate time judiciously is essential for managing this challenge effectively.

6. Lack of Self-Discipline

Effective time management requires a degree of self-discipline and commitment to following through on plans and priorities. Without self-discipline, individuals may struggle to stick to schedules, meet deadlines, or resist the temptation to engage in time-wasting activities.

Good time management begins with the right set of skills. You cannot manage your time better if you don’t develop the essential time management skills. These skills take time to create and will vary from person to person. Finding what works best for your personality trait is necessary. 

Let’s analyze the core time management skills and how to develop them.

1. Make a Plan

Effective time management isn’t achieved randomly. It involves a good amount of planning. Developing a strategy for which tasks are important, task sequences, calendar management, meetings, project plans, etc., can help you calibrate the course of the day and not go astray. 

2. Create a Priority List Rather Than a To-Do List

Think about what needs to be done and prioritize the most critical tasks. 

Refrain from creating to-do list of all tasks to be done. Instead, create a list of the tasks based on priority and check off items as you complete them. This helps to drive a sense of accomplishment and motivation. The best way to develop planning skills is using calendar tools like Google calendar. 

3. Start Early

Start your day early to take full advantage of the day. Most successful people get up early in the morning and do some quick exercising before heading to work. If you start early, you have plenty of time to think and plan the day. Early in the morning, you are more calm, creative, and clear-headed. This means you have all the ingredients to be more productive.

4. Breakdown Every Task Into Small Chunks

Zero in on what you want, and build smaller goals that ladder up to your desired goal. Group all related tasks into smaller groups that are easy to manage and tackle. Thus, you can better visualize and take steps to reach your goal.

5. Practice Decision Making 

What we do with the 24 hours in a day is what makes the real difference in time management. The ability for good decision-making about time is one of the top time management skills. Prioritize and decide which tasks to handle first and say no to. 

6. Delegate tasks

Task delegation means proper management of tasks. Learning how to delegate is very important in developing time management skills. Delegating work to your subordinates depending on their skills and abilities will free up time for you and make your team members feel valued and motivated to perform well. By delegating or outsourcing whenever possible, you give yourself time to take on the most challenging tasks. Thus you move closer to the goal of becoming the most efficient version of yourself possible. 

7. Set SMART Goals

Set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and secured within a time frame. Be specific with the outcomes you want to achieve and allocate the time needed to reach that outcome.  

8. Set Up Deadlines

Set realistic deadlines for task completion and stick to them. Try to set a deadline before the due date to deal with other tasks that may get in the way.

9. Be Mindful of When You’re Going Off-Track 

Procrastination affects productivity and causes wastage of time and energy. We tend to procrastinate when bogged down or feeling bored. Break up challenging tasks into smaller activities to stay engaged and on track.   

10. Learn to Set Boundaries and Say No

Time is your most precious asset, and good time management means getting comfortable with saying ‘no’ to tasks that are not your priority. Saying no on-time saves you time to focus on more important things. Learn how to set boundaries for yourself, so you don’t end up biting more than you can chew. 

11. Minimize Distractions

Anything that distracts you – emails, texts, social media – can make you lose focus and become less productive. Eliminate these distractions and take control of your time so you can get more work done. 

12. Deal With Stress Wisely

Stress can affect our productivity. We often feel stressed when we take on more work than we can accomplish. It’s crucial to identify what works for you when it comes to managing stress response. Find effective ways to deal with stress, including taking a short break, exercising, meditating, practicing a hobby, calling up a friend, or listening to music.

13. Avoid Multitasking

Multitasking sounds like you’re getting more tasks at once. But, studies have proven that it actually hampers productivity. Therefore, rather than multitasking and splitting your attention between a few different tasks, focus on getting one task done and moving on to the next. This small change can improve your outcomes. Bonus: You’ll feel less drained! 

14. Use the 20-Minute Rule

The 20 minute increment block is one of the most essential time management skills. Prepare to tackle an important task and set the alarm for 20 minutes. Focus singularly on the task and give it your best shot until the alarm rings. Now decide if you’re going to put the task down or finish it. Repeat until you’ve completed the task.   

15. Take Time Off

Sometimes the best thing to do is give your mind a break from the task at hand. Taking a break is a great way to give your brain a chance to reset. It enhances focus and creativity and results in better problem-solving.  

16. Build a System and Follow it Diligently

Try out different techniques and figure out what suits you the best. Put the selected methods together to build a system that works and helps you improve. Follow the system regularly to get the most value out of it.

Prioritizing tasks is a fundamental skill in time management that enables individuals to focus their time and energy on activities that align with their goals and objectives. By prioritizing tasks effectively, individuals can maximize productivity, reduce stress, and achieve greater success in both their personal and professional lives. Here are some strategies for prioritizing tasks effectively:

Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix, also known as the Urgent-Important Matrix, is a powerful tool for prioritizing tasks based on their urgency and importance. Tasks are categorized into four quadrants:

• Quadrant 1: Urgent and Important tasks that require immediate attention.
• Quadrant 2: Important but Not Urgent tasks that contribute to long-term goals and should be prioritized.
• Quadrant 3: Urgent but Not Important tasks that can be delegated or minimized.
• Quadrant 4: Not Urgent and Not Important tasks that can be eliminated or deferred.
• Using the Eisenhower Matrix helps individuals focus their time and attention on tasks that have the greatest impact on their goals and objectives.

ABC Prioritization

Another effective strategy for prioritizing tasks is ABC prioritization, where tasks are ranked in order of importance:

• A tasks are high-priority tasks that must be completed urgently.
• B tasks are medium-priority tasks that should be completed after A tasks.
• C tasks are low-priority tasks that can be completed last or deferred if necessary.
• Prioritizing tasks using the ABC method helps individuals allocate their time and resources more effectively, ensuring that critical tasks receive appropriate attention.

Time Blocking

Time blocking involves allocating specific time blocks for different tasks or activities throughout the day. By scheduling dedicated time for important tasks, individuals can ensure that they have sufficient time and focus to complete them. Time blocking also helps individuals avoid multitasking and minimize distractions, leading to greater productivity and efficiency.

Weighted Scoring

Weighted scoring is a method of prioritizing tasks based on predetermined criteria such as importance, urgency, impact, or effort required. Each task is assigned a score based on these criteria, and tasks with the highest scores are prioritized accordingly. Weighted scoring provides a systematic approach to prioritization and helps individuals make informed decisions about where to allocate their time and resources.

Consider Deadlines and Dependencies

When prioritizing tasks, it's essential to consider deadlines and dependencies to ensure that tasks are completed on time and in the correct order. Tasks with imminent deadlines or those that are dependent on other tasks should be prioritized accordingly to avoid delays and bottlenecks in workflow.

Regular Review and Adjustment

Priorities can change over time due to shifting deadlines, new information, or changes in circumstances. Therefore, it's essential to regularly review and adjust task priorities to ensure they remain aligned with overarching goals and objectives. By staying flexible and responsive to changing priorities, individuals can adapt their plans and schedules as needed to maximize effectiveness.

Focus on High-Value Activities

When prioritizing tasks, it's important to focus on high-value activities that contribute the most to achieving desired outcomes. This may involve identifying tasks that have the greatest impact on goals or tasks that align with core values and objectives. By prioritizing high-value activities, individuals can make the most efficient use of their time and resources.

Consider the Pareto Principle

The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, suggests that roughly 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. When prioritizing tasks, individuals can apply this principle by focusing on the tasks that yield the greatest results or have the most significant impact on outcomes. By identifying and prioritizing tasks that contribute the most to desired outcomes, individuals can achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in their work.

These practical time management skills can lead to a happier, more successful life because you’ll be able to focus and achieve your goals in less time. Use these strategies on a regular basis to extract maximum value out of them. With the everyday practice of prioritizing tasks and organizing them, you’ll be able to build a healthy relationship with time — which is key to a successful and more fulfilling life.  

Interested in learning more about management? Then sign up for Simplilearn’s Executive Certificate Program in General Management and easily take the next step in your career. Designed in collaboration with IIM Indore, master management principles of marketing, economics, accounting, and HR.

1. What is the best time management skill?

The best time management skill is subjective and may vary for each individual. However, one widely recognized effective skill is prioritization. Prioritizing tasks helps you identify and focus on the most important and urgent activities, ensuring you allocate your time and energy to the right things.

2. How can I manage my time?

To manage your time effectively, you can employ several strategies:

• Create a schedule or to-do list to organize your tasks.
• Set clear goals and deadlines for your activities.
• Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable task.
• Eliminate or delegate non-essential tasks.
• Use productivity techniques and tools such as time-blocking or the Pomodoro Technique.
• Minimize distractions and set boundaries to maintain focus.
• Regularly review and adjust your schedule based on progress and changing priorities.

3. How can I improve my management skills?

To improve your management skills, you can consider the following actions:

• Seek opportunities for professional development and leadership, communication, and problem-solving training.
• Learn from experienced managers or mentors through observation and seeking guidance.
• Develop strong organizational and planning skills to coordinate tasks and resources effectively.
• Enhance your interpersonal skills, including effective communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork.
• Continually seek feedback and reflect on your performance to identify areas for improvement.

4. Is time management a technical skill?

Time management is not typically categorized as a technical skill. Instead, it is considered a soft skill, which refers to personal attributes and behaviors that enable individuals to interact effectively with others and accomplish tasks efficiently. Time management involves abilities such as prioritization, planning, and self-discipline.

5. Why is time management important?

Time management is important for several reasons:

• Increased productivity: Effective time management allows you to accomplish more in less time, improving your productivity and efficiency.
• Reduced stress: By organizing and prioritizing your tasks, you can minimize the feeling of being overwhelmed and reduce stress levels.
• Improved focus and concentration: Proper time management helps you allocate dedicated time to each task, allowing you to concentrate and produce higher-quality work.
• Achievement of goals: By managing your time effectively, you can allocate resources and efforts toward accomplishing your short-term and long-term goals.
• Better work-life balance: Time management enables you to allocate time for work, personal life, hobbies, and self-care, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

Our Business And Leadership Courses Duration And Fees

Business And Leadership Courses typically range from a few weeks to several months, with fees varying based on program and institution.

Recommended Reads

Free eBook: Crack PRINCE2® in 7 Days

6 Effective Time Management Tips For Achieving Your Goals

A Simplified and Complete Guide to Learn Space and Time Complexity

Managing Data

Understanding TAKT Time and Cycle Time vs. Lead Time

The Best Guide to Time Series Analysis In Python

Get Affiliated Certifications with Live Class programs

• PMP, PMI, PMBOK, CAPM, PgMP, PfMP, ACP, PBA, RMP, SP, and OPM3 are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

Essential Tools: Organization Prioritization, Time Management, Decision Making and Problem Solving

Learning Objectives:

• Build trust through productive organization, prioritization, and time management
• Identify strategies to increase organization and prioritization
• Manage commitments to build trust and respect with peers and supervisors
• Choose appropriate strategies and make sound and well-grounded decisions

Watch these videos on time management :

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Most+Popular+Time+Management+Funny&Form=VQFRVP#view=detail&mid=ED2A635BF1F59E96BB81ED2A635BF1F59E96BB81 time management techniques

https://youtu.be/0245yIOjdDk    Eisenhower matrix

https://youtu.be/tT89OZ7TNwc    Eisenhower matrix

Watch the Jar of Life Video—setting priorities :

https://youtu.be/v5ZvL4as2y0    Rocks, pebbles, sand story

Watch these videos on decision making :

https://youtu.be/lm9gOxnX5XM    Big Bang Theory decision making; funny

https://youtu.be/VrSUe_m19FY decision making – take action; funny

Making and Keeping Commitments

Our relationships with other people are vital to our effective participation in the world. We live in a world of engagement and the language we choose to use creates a power that ripples outwards. Somewhat similar to the reaction that occurs when we drop a pebble in a pond. We use language to not only describe our world but to create it. And effective communication, including keeping our commitments is central to that. Keeping commitments is a crucial factor for every family, friendship or partnership, and for every team, association, or organization. Every one of these groups is comprised of us, and others, engaging in a continuing cycle of conversations and commitments

Of all the types of conversations we have, the most potent and productive is when we make an offer to another, or when we request a commitment from another. And when that offer or request is accepted this can be characterized as ‘The Promise Cycle’ .  This simple act of making and managing promises then creates a mutual commitment from one person to another to take a specific future action.

And the responsibility that accompanies a promise is to do ‘what’ we said we would do, do it to the ‘standard’ to which we committed, and to do it at the ‘time’ we committed to. In other words, we must deliver what we promise, to the standard we promise and when we promise. The effectiveness of this process relies on the clarity of the conditions. In other words, how well formed and well expressed the commitment is, and how well it’s understood by both people.

The promise cycle can be described this way. It occurs when you offer to do something for another as an: Offer + Acceptance = Promise , or when another makes a request of you as a: Request + Acceptance = Promise . In life we bind ourselves to each other through promises and we begin to drift when we don’t deliver on those promises. Therefore the making and keeping of commitments is an important element of our communication. It determines predictability, certainty and continuity in all our various relationships.

Now imagine the profound impact that would occur in every aspect of life if all members of your family, your team, your associations, or your organization kept their commitments? Mutual trust would increase, and as a result efficiency, effectiveness and productivity would grow exponentially. Trust is central to our identity; such a simple process; such a profound impact. And In an organizational setting; understanding and using this process allows team and business leaders to develop a committed, collaborative, high- performance culture .

Reflection:

Now think of one instance in both your personal life and professional life where you have made a promise and delivered on that promise.

Then think of one instance in both your personal and professional life when you have made a promise and not delivered on that promise.

What were the implications and results?

Ada pted from: Robert Dunham, Institute for Generative Leadership, Boulder, CO   (C) 2015, Institute for Generative Leadership – http://generateleadership.com/

Excerpt from the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, 1989

Personal management has evolved in a pattern similar to many other areas of human endeavor. Major developmental thrusts, or ‘waves’ as Alvin Toffler calls them, follow each other in succession, each adding a vital new dimension.

Likewise, in the area of time management, each generation builds on the one before it – each one moves us toward greater control of our lives. The first wave or generation could be characterized by notes and checklists, an effort to give some semblance of recognition and inclusiveness to the many demands placed on our time and energy.

The second generation could be characterized by calendars and appointment books. This wave reflects an attempt to look ahead, to schedule events and activities in the future.

The third generation reflects the current time management field. It adds to those preceding generations the important idea of prioritization, of clarifying values, and of comparing the relative worth of activities based on their relationship to those values. In addition, it focuses on setting goals – specific long-, intermediate- and short-term targets toward which time and energy would be directed in harmony with values. It also includes the concept of daily planning, of making a specific plan to accomplish those goals and activities determined to be of greatest worth.

While the third generation has made a significant contribution, people have begun to realize that “efficient” scheduling and control of time are often counterproductive. The efficiency focus creates expectations that clash with the opportunities to develop rich relations, to meet human needs, and to enjoy spontaneous moments on a daily basis.

As a result, many people have become turned off by the time management programs and planner that make them feel too scheduled, too restricted, and they “throw the baby out with the bath water,” reverting to first or second generation techniques to preserve relationships, spontaneity, and quality of life.

But there is an emerging fourth generation that is different in kind. It recognizes that “time management” is really a misnomer – the challenge is not to manage time, but to manage ourselves. Satisfaction is a function of the expectation as well as realization. And expectation (and satisfaction) lies in our Circle of Influence.

Rather than focusing on things and time, fourth generation expectations focus on preserving and enhancing relationships and on accomplishing results – in short, on maintaining P/PC Balance [P stands for production of desired results and PC stands for the capacity to produce the desired results].

General Organizing Skills

Along with communication and computer skills, organizational skills are some of the most important transferable job skills a worker can possess. People need organizational skills at work to be more productive. Workers who know where to find notes or certain resources can save time. Therefore, they tend to get more done. There are a number of organizational skills for work, including those noted below.

Physical Organization

Clutter is often the culprit when it comes to disorganization in a work space. Make a point to clear out unneeded papers, file documents in the appropriate places and put unused supplies back in the supply closet. You don’t have to be a neat freak to be successful with physical organization. You might find that it fits your working style to designate a weekly session for busting through the accumulated clutter. Get into the habit of putting papers, gadgets, business cards, files, magazines, newspapers and supplies in their proper places. Throw away or shred items that are past their usable life.

Mental Organization

Keeping your mind organized can be a challenge when you are juggling the varied demands of performing a job. Prioritize projects and make to-do lists to keep yourself on track. Understand your personal working style and play to your strengths. Not everyone is cut out to be an accomplished multi-tasker. You might work best by focusing on finishing off one project at a time rather than balancing multiple tasks.

Planning is a needed workplace skill, and it is particularly important as person advances into more supervisory or managerial roles. Most work is centered on certain projects that must be completed within a specific time period. Projects are usually divided into many different tasks, and workers must plan their tasks ahead of time to bring the project to fruition. A person can also plan ahead in case certain problems come up that could potentially delay the project.

Set goals and outline the steps you need to take to reach them. Focus forward on goals that you may have set with your supervisor. Schedule time to work through the tasks involved so that you are making constant progress.

A goal is something you want to do, have or be or something your employer expects to happen over time.

The way you set your goals affects their effectiveness. Goal setting is deciding what you want to do, why you want to do it, when you are going to do it and how you are going to do it. Setting goals helps you to accomplish things which are important in both your work and home life. Plan the Plan and not the results. As you begin to think about your goals, keep the following things in mind.

• Be Positive: have a good attitude
• Be Realistic: know yourself and your comfort level
• Set Deadlines: be realistic so you don’t become frustrated
• Prioritize: make lists, break things into smaller pieces
• Write down your goals & keep them visible: this will help you stay on task
• Make your goals small and achievable : for better success
• List your values : What’s important to you?
• Plan for the future and place yourself there: visualize, fantasize

  Time Management

Having good organizational skills is about making the best use of your time. Being organize reduces the amount of time you have to dig to uncover important work related information. Understand where your time goes. For example, if you check email every five minutes, you might want to create a twice-a-day email schedule to more effectively handle your inbox. Maintain a calendar so you don’t miss important deadlines.

Thinking about time management can generate many questions for exploration and reflection.

Do we manage time or manage capacity? Do we manage time or manage our values and what we care about? Do we manage time or manage our choices? Do we manage tasks or manage outcomes? Do we manage our time or our energy?

Use of time is clearly a choice. When those choices lack grounding in a larger purpose and clear discernment of what we care about and what’s really important, the choices of how we spend our time can sometimes fail to deliver purposeful outcomes.

Taking time to consider at a more than superficial level what we care about and centering our focus on those cares generates different outcomes. Those who are grounded in a clear purpose and who allow that purpose to drive conversations for action and commitments make different choices that enable personal as well as customer satisfaction. These commitments are grounded in outcomes that matter rather than task completion. Spending time on tasks without connection to a greater purpose can cause frustration, a sense of overwhelm energy depletion, disappointment, exhaustion, and loss of clear direction.

Meeting Deadlines

One of the most important organizational skills is the ability to meet deadlines and use time wisely. It usually takes a little experience before an individual can properly assign tasks, allocate resources and complete a project on time. Meeting deadlines requires time management skills, which is an important organizational skill itself

Employees need time management organizational skills to keep track of meetings, appointments, tasks and deadlines. Time management skills will help you stay on schedule with everything you do. Time management skills will also help you avoid the last minute rush to complete tasks, eliminating potential stress in the process

Tracking Tasks

Organizational skills are needed to keep track of projects. Finding a way to track tasks will help keep you ahead of the game. Projects require a lot of individual tasks. These tasks need to be completed on time to reach the project deadline. If you work with project deadlines, use a project log to keep track of your progress. You can keep the project log on file in your computer or on paper. There is no right way. The important point is to do it to simplify your life as well as that of others.

Good organizational skills can help lead to success through many paths. Time is money. Organization saves time by keeping valuable data easily accessible, goals in focus and everyone on the same page. Employees who have good organizational skills are efficient at covering the demands of their jobs. This directly relates to a company’s bottom line. Poor organization leads to frustration on the part of a business owner, employees and customers. Keep an orderly office, work space, computer and mind to cultivate an environment that is focused on meeting business goals in a timely manner.

Organizational Skills: Prioritization

Prioritization is a valuable organizational skill. Some tasks may require immediate attention, others can wait. This skill set is closely linked to time management. We only have a limited amount of time to utilize during our workday, so place those tasks that have to be completed first at the head of a list. In the military, on the battlefield, doctors apply the organizational skill of “triage”; injured soldiers are placed into one of three categories, since it is physically impossible for the doctor to get to everyone at once. Wounded soldiers who are going to die, no matter what is done to them, are placed in one category. Soldiers who have serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, go into another category. Finally, those soldiers who require immediate attention and can be saved go into the third category. This is prioritization.

Organizational skills such as prioritization, organizing the workspace, time management , form the core basis of good organizational habits. Practical organizational skills include wise planning, time optimization, detail orientation, and prioritization . Last, but not least, would be to relieve stress ! A stressed out worker makes more mistakes, and may say something to a co-worker or subordinate in the “heat of the moment”, that they will later regret! Do whatever it takes for you personally to be relaxed, yet professional, in making your business decisions and conducting efficient operations. Implementing these organizational skills will contribute to a healthy work environment.

There are five steps to prioritizing your work

• Think about what needs to be done– First, think about what needs to be done. How do you juggle (prioritize) your daily activities? Make a list of daily activities, and think about how you work to accomplish them.
• Decide and prioritize what to do– Now it is time to decide which goals are important to you, and how you can achieve them. Before you do, remember that relaxation is a key. How do you relax? Have you given yourself time to relax? What do you do to relax? Before you continue, think about relaxing and make a list of the things you do to relax. As you plan your day, allow time for yourself to relax and refresh.

By now, you have an idea of your goals. You should also have a list of how you organize your daily life and what your work style is. As a reminder, this list should tell you the following:

• What your distractions are
• When do you work best
• What are your daily activities (commitments) are
• When you work best

Keep your list in mind as you begin to set goals, break the goal into manageable pieces, order (prioritize) those pieces and achieve your goal. Learn to say no to distractions and extra demands on your time. Saying no can be difficult at first, but as you prioritize and work to achieve your goals you will see how important this can be.

• Monitor and Evaluate : How am I doing? It is important to think about what you do while you do it.

It takes commitment to design a plan and stick to it. Remind yourself often of your objectives. Write short lists or put up photographs or articles to help remind you of our goal and your progress.

If you keep veering from the goal, maybe the objective is not something you want badly enough. If so, change it. Be flexible. Setting and achieving goals is a lifelong process. Set new objectives that are consistent with who you are and what you want. Objectives may change over time.

Here are some suggestions for monitoring and evaluating the way you work. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What am I doing well?
• What could I improve?
• What are the opportunities facing you?
• What is getting in your way?
• Practice Prioritizing —Write a list of things you need to accomplish. Decide what is most important and most urgent.       Prioritize list in order of importance Then, breakdown each item into a list of tasks that need to happen to complete it. Check off the tasks as you complete them.
• Reward Yourself — Celebrate when you have completed your task.

Set up a reward system for yourself. It may be calling a friend, reading a couple of chapters of your favorite book, taking a bubble bath, shooting a few hoops, or taking a walk. Whatever it is should be meaningful to you.

Time Management: The Eisenhower Method

The Eisenhower Method helps you decide which action you should or shouldn’t do. It aids you to divide actions into one of four categories. The quadrants are divided by importance and urgency.

“What is important is seldom urgent and what is urgent is seldom important.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

How to Use the Eisenhower Method

Using the Eisenhower quadrant is very easy. You pick an item from your to-do list and ask yourself these two questions.

• “Is it urgent?”
• “Is it important?”

You can now put the action into the correct quadrant.

Below is an explanation of each quadrant.

• Not Urgent and Not Important Examples:
• Time wasters (Ex: Facebook, checking e-mails all the time…)
• Busy work (Ex: Work that doesn’t need to be done)
• Procrastinating

You should not spend any time on activities in this quadrant. When is something not important? If it doesn’t progress you toward your goals, then why should you spend time doing it?

When is something not urgent? If it doesn’t matter when it is done, then it’s not urgent. It can be done today, or it can be done next week or even next year, it doesn’t matter.

The combination of not urgent and not important is the worst quadrant to spend your time in. Decrease your time in this quadrant and put it somewhere else. I prefer you put it in ‘not urgent and important’ .

• Urgent and Not Important
• Answering e-mails
• Incoming phone calls
• Interrupting colleagues

Since the tasks are still not important and you’re still not progressing towards your goals’ it’s better to not spend time here either. However, these tasks are urgent, therefore you can’t schedule them. They’re also hard to ignore, since urgent action often demands attention. Ex: A phone call or an interrupting colleague. Find a way to deal with these as quickly as possible.

• Urgent and Important
• Emergencies
• Troubleshooting

You have to do these actions. They’re important. They progress you toward your goals, however, since they’re urgent, they’re often unplanned and unwanted.

You will always spend some time here, since emergencies will always happen. When they do, you have to deal with them. No excuses. After you deal with the situation, spend time to make sure it never happens again, minimize its occurrence or make preparations for when it happens again.

• Not Urgent and Important
• Building quality relationships with other people
• Doing actual work to progress toward a major goal
• Physical exercise

This is the quadrant in which you should spent most of your time. Most people however, don’t do this and spend most of their time in any of the other quadrants. Because these important tasks don’t scream to you like a ringing phone, they’re often neglected in favor of more urgent matters.

If you spend almost no time here, then your first important task is to save some time each day to work on the important things.

Urgent activities are often the ones we concentrate on and often forget about really important ones. If you spend all of your time concentrating on the urgent and important tasks you will just be firefighting. Managing time effectively, and achieving the things that you want to achieve, means spending your time on things that are important and not just urgent.

We can categorize tasks on two scales according to their importance and urgency. Making 4 categories and placing them in matrix known also as Time Matrix below.

What is Decision Making?

People often find it hard to make decisions – inevitably we all have to make decisions all the time, some are more important than others.

Some people put off making decisions by endlessly searching for more information or getting other people to offer their recommendations.  Others resort to decision making by taking a vote, sticking a pin in a list or tossing a coin.

Regardless of the effort that is put into making a decision, it has to be accepted that some decisions will not be the best possible choice.  This page examines one technique that can be used for effective decision making and that should help you to make effective decisions now and in the future.

Although the following technique is designed for an organisational or group structure, it can be easily adapted to an individual level.

In its simplest sense: ‘ Decision Making is the act of choosing between two or more courses of action ‘.   However, it must always be remembered that there may not always be a ‘correct’ decision among the available choices.

There may have been a better choice that had not been considered, or the right information may not have been available at the time.  Because of this, it is important to keep a record of all important decisions and the reasons why these decisions were made, so that improvements can be made in the future.  This also provides justification for any decision taken when something goes wrong.

Hindsight might not be able to correct past mistakes, but it will aid improved decision making in the future.

Effective Decision Making

Although decisions can be made using either intuition or reasoning, a combination of both approaches is often used.  Whatever approach is used, it is usually helpful to structure decision making in order to:

• Reduce more complicated decisions down to simpler steps.
• See how any decisions are arrived at.
• Plan decision making to meet deadlines.

Stages of Decision Making

In psychology, decision-making is regarded as the cognitive process resulting in the selection of a belief or a course of action among several alternative possibilities. Every decision-making process produces a final choice that may or may not prompt action. Decision-making is the study of identifying and choosing alternatives based on the values and preferences of the decision maker. Decision-making is one of the central activities of management and is a huge part of any process of implementation.

Many different techniques of decision making have been developed, ranging from simple rules of thumb, to extremely complex procedures.  The method used depends on the nature of the decision to be made and how complex it is.

The method described here follows seven stages:

• Listing all possible solutions/options.
• Setting a time scale and deciding who is responsible for the decision.
• Information gathering.
• Weighing up the risks involved.
• Deciding on values, or in other words what is important.
• Weighing up the pros and cons of each course of action.
• Making the decision.
•  Listing Possible Solutions/Options

In order to come up with a list of all the possible solutions and/or options available it is usually appropriate to work on a group (or individual) problem-solving process. This process, could include brainstorming or some other ‘idea generating’ process (see our page: Problem Solving for more information). 

This stage is important to the overall decision making processes as a decision will be made from a selection of fixed choices.  Always remember to consider the possibility of not making a decision or doing nothing and be aware that both options are actually potential solutions in themselves.

• Setting a Time Period and Deciding Who is Responsible for the Decision

In deciding how much time to make available for the decision making process, it helps to consider the following:

• How much time is available to spend on this decision?
• Is there a deadline for making a decision and what are the consequences of missing this deadline?
• Is there an advantage in making a quick decision?
• How important is it to make a decision?  How important is it that the decision is right?
• Will spending more time improve the quality of the decision?

Responsibility for the Decision

Before making a decision, it needs to be clear who is going to take responsibility for the decision.  Remember that it is not always those making the decision who have to assume responsibility for it.  Is it an individual, a group or an organisation?  This is a key question because the degree to which responsibility for a decision is shared can greatly influence how much risk people are willing to take.

If the decision making is for work then it is helpful to consider the structure of the organization that you are in.  Is the individual responsible for the decisions he or she makes or does the organization hold ultimate responsibility?  Who has to carry out the course of action decided?  Who will it affect if something goes wrong?  Are you willing to take responsibility for a mistake?

Finally, you need to know who can actually make the decision.  When helping a friend, colleague or client to reach a decision, in most circumstances the final decision and responsibility will be taken by them.  Whenever possible, and if it is not obvious, it is better to make a formal decision as to who is responsible for a decision.  This idea of responsibility also highlights the need to keep a record of how any decision was made, what information it was based on and who was involved.  Enough information needs to be kept to justify that decision in the future so that, if something does go wrong, it is possible to show that your decision was reasonable in the circumstance and given the knowledge you held at the time.

3.  Information Gathering

Before starting on the process of making a decision, all relevant information needs to be gathered.

If there is inadequate or out-dated information then it is more likely that a wrong decision might be made.  Also, if there is a lot of irrelevant information then the decision will be difficult to make, it will be easier to become distracted by unnecessary factors.

There is a need for up-to-date, accurate information on which to make decisions.  Such information needs to be gathered so that a well-informed decision can be made.  The amount of time spent on information gathering has to be weighed against how much you are willing to risk making the wrong decision.  In a group situation, such as at work, it may be appropriate for different people to research different aspects of the information required.

• Weighing up the Risks Involved

One key question is how much risk should be taken in making the decision? Generally, the amount of risk an individual is willing to take depends on:

• The seriousness of the consequences of taking the wrong decision.
• The benefits of making the right decision.
• Not only how bad the worst outcome might be, but also how likely that outcome is to happen.

It is also useful to consider what the risk of the worst possible outcome occurring might be, and to decide if the risk is acceptable.  The choice can be between going ‘all out for success’ or taking a safe decision.

• Deciding on Values

Everybody has their own unique set of values – what they believe to be important.

Many people decide to buy a car for themselves but different people buy different cars based on their own personal values.  One person might feel that price is the most important feature, whereas another person might be more concerned with its speed and performance.  Others might value safety, luggage space or the cars impact on the environment or a combination of these features.

Depending on which values are considered important, different opinions may seem more or less attractive.  If the responsibility for a decision is shared it is possible that one person might not have the same values as the others.  In such cases, it is important to obtain a consensus as to which values are to be given the most weight.  It is important that the values on which a decision is made are understood because they will have a strong influence on the final choice.

People do not make decisions based on just one of their values.  They will consider all their values which are relevant to the decision and prioritise them in order of importance. If you were to buy a car, what would be the five most important factors to you?

• Weighing the Pros and Cons

It is possible to evaluate the pros and cons of each possible solution/option by considering the possible advantages and disadvantages. 

One aid to evaluating any solution/option is to use a ‘balance sheet’, weighing up the pros and cons (benefits and costs) associated with that solution. Having listed the pros and cons, it may be possible to immediately decide whether the option is viable.

However, it may be useful to rate each of the pros and cons on a simple 1 to 10 scale (with 10 high – most important to 1 low – least important):

In scoring each of the pros and cons it helps to take into account how important each item on the list is in meeting values.  This balance sheet approach allows both the information to be taken into account as well as the values, and presents them in a clear and straight forward manner.

• Making the Decision

There are many techniques that can be used to help in reaching a decision.  The pros and cons method (as above) is just one way of evaluating each of the possible solutions/options available.

There are other techniques which allow for more direct comparisons between possible solutions.  These are more complicated and generally involve a certain amount of calculation.  These can be particularly helpful when it is necessary to weigh a number of conflicting values and options.

For example, how would you decide between a cheap to buy but expensive to run car and another more expensive car that is more economical to keep on the road?

Intuitive Judgments:   In addition to making reasoned decisions using the techniques shown above, in many cases people use an intuitive approach to decision making.  When making a decision many influences, which have not been considered, may play a part.  For example, prejudice or wishful thinking might affect judgment.  Reliance is often placed on past experience without consideration of past mistakes.  Making a decision using intuition alone should be an option and not done merely because it is the easy way out, or other methods are more difficult.

Intuition is a perfectly acceptable means of making a decision, although it is generally more appropriate when the decision is of a simple nature or needs to be made quickly.  More complicated decisions tend to require a more formal, structured approach.  It is important to be wary of impulsive reactions to a situation and remember to keep a record of the decision for future reference, no matter whether the decision was made intuitively or after taking a reasoned approach.

If possible, it is best to allow time to reflect on a decision once it has been reached.  It is preferable to sleep on it before announcing it to others.  Once a decision is made public, it is very difficult to change.

Decision making is the act of choosing between a number of alternatives.  In the wider process of problem solving, decision making involves choosing between possible solutions to a problem.  Decisions can be made through either an intuitive or reasoned process, or a combination of the two.  There are usually a number of stages to any structured decision making.

You should always remember that no decision making technique should be used as an alternative to good judgement and clear thinking.  All decision making involves individual judgement, and systematic techniques are merely there to assist those judgements.

http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/decision-making2.html © 2011 – 2015 SkillsYouNeed.com The use of material found at skillsyouneed.com is free provided that copyright is acknowledged and a reference or link is included to the page/s where the information was found. Material from skillsyouneed.com may not be sold, or published for profit in any form without express written permission from skillsyouneed.com. For information on how to reference correctly please see our page on referencing .

Find more at: http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/decision-making2.html#ixzz3m1X9Av7w

Guidelines for Problem Solving and Decision Making

Much of what people do is solve problems and make decisions. Often, they are “under the gun”, stressed and very short of time. Consequently, when they encounter a new problem or decision they must make, they react with a decision that seemed to work before. It’s easy with this approach to get stuck in a circle of solving the same problem over and over again. Therefore, it’s often useful to get used to an organized approach to problem solving and decision making. Not all problems can be solved and decisions made by the following, rather rational approach. However, the following basic guidelines will get you started. Don’t be intimidated by the length of the list of guidelines. After you’ve practiced them a few times, they’ll become second nature to you — enough that you can deepen and enrich them to suit your own needs and nature.

(Note that it might be more your nature to view a “problem” as an “opportunity”. Therefore, you might substitute “problem” for “opportunity” in the following guidelines.)

• Define the problem

This is often where people struggle. They react to what they think the problem is. Instead, seek to understand more about why you think there’s a problem.

Define the problem: (with input from yourself and others). Ask yourself and others, the following questions:

• What can you see that causes you to think there’s a problem?
• Where is it happening?
• How is it happening?
• When is it happening?
• With whom is it happening? (HINT: Don’t jump to “Who is causing the problem?” When we’re stressed, blaming is often one of our first reactions. To be an effective manager, you need to address issues more than people.)
• Why is it happening?
• Write down a five-sentence description of the problem in terms of “The following should be happening, but isn’t …” or “The following is happening and should be: …” As much as possible, be specific in your description, including what is happening, where, how, with whom and why. (It may be helpful at this point to use a variety of research methods.

Defining complex problems:

If the problem still seems overwhelming, break it down by repeating steps 1-7 until you have descriptions of several related problems.

Verifying your understanding of the problems— it helps a great deal to verify your problem analysis for conferring with a peer or someone else.

Prioritize the problems— if you discover that you are looking at several related problems, then prioritize which ones you should address first.

Note the difference between “important” and “urgent” problems. Often, what we consider to be important problems to consider are really just urgent problems. Important problems deserve more attention. For example, if you’re continually answering “urgent” phone calls, then you’ve probably got a more “important” problem waiting.

Understand your role in the problem— your role in the problem can greatly influence how you perceive the role of others. For example, if you’re very stressed out, it’ll probably look like others are, too, or, you may resort too quickly to blaming and reprimanding others. Or, you are feeling very guilty about your role in the problem; you may ignore the accountabilities of others.

• Look at potential causes for the problem
• It’s amazing how much you don’t know about what you don’t know. Therefore, in this phase, it’s critical to get input from other people who notice the problem and who are affected by it.
• It’s often useful to collect input from other individuals one at a time (at least at first). Otherwise, people tend to be inhibited about offering their impressions of the real causes of problems.
• Write down what your opinions and what you’ve heard from others.
• It’s often useful to seek advice from a peer or your supervisor in order to verify your impression of the problem.
• Write down a description of the cause of the problem and in terms of what is happening, where, when, how, with whom and why.
• Identify alternatives for approaches to resolve the problem

At this point, it’s useful to keep others involved (unless you’re facing a personal and/or other performance problem). Brainstorm for solutions to the problem. Very simply put, brainstorming is collecting as many ideas as possible, and then screening them to find the best idea. It’s critical when collecting the ideas to not pass any judgment on the ideas — just write them down as you hear them.

• Select an approach to resolve the problem

When selecting the best approach, consider:

• Which approach is the most likely to solve the problem for the long term?
• Which approach is the most realistic to accomplish for now? Do you have the resources? Are they affordable? Do you have enough time to implement the approach?
• What is the extent of risk associated with each alternative?

(The nature of this step, in particular, in the problem solving process is why problem solving and decision making are highly integrated.)

• Plan the implementation of the best alternative (this is your action plan)
• Carefully consider “What will the situation look like when the problem is solved?”
• What steps should be taken to implement the best alternative to solving the problem? What systems or processes should be changed in your organization, for example, a new policy or procedure? Don’t resort to solutions where someone is “just going to try harder”.
• How will you know if the steps are being followed or not? (these are your indicators of the success of your plan)
• What resources will you need in terms of people, money and facilities?
• How much time will you need to implement the solution? Write a schedule that includes the start and stop times, and when you expect to see certain indicators of success.
• Who will primarily be responsible for ensuring implementation of the plan?
• Write down the answers to the above questions and consider this as your action plan.
• Communicate the plan to those involved in implementing it and, at least, to your immediate supervisor.

(An important aspect of this step in the problem-solving process is continual observation and feedback.)

• Monitor implementation of the plan

Monitor the indicators of success:

• Are you seeing what you would expect from the indicators?
• Will the plan be done according to schedule?
• If the plan is not being followed as expected, then consider: Was the plan realistic? Are there sufficient resources to accomplish the plan on schedule? Should more priority be placed on various aspects of the plan? Should the plan be changed?
• Verify if the problem has been resolved or not

One of the best ways to verify if a problem has been solved is to return to normal. Watch to see that the solution implemented solved the problem. If not, revisit the process and make necessary corrections.

The Six Step Problem-solving Model

Problem solving is the mental process you follow when you have a goal but can’t immediately understand how to achieve it. It’s a process that depends on you – how you perceive a problem, what you know about it, and the end-state you want to reach.

Solving a problem involves a number of cognitive activities:

• determining what the problem really is
• identifying the true causes of the problem and the opportunities for reaching a goal
• generating creative solutions to the problem
• evaluating and choosing the best solution, and
• implementing the best solution, then monitoring your actions and the results to ensure the problem is solved successfully

Clearly, problem solving isn’t a one-step process. Your success will depend on whether you approach and implement each of the stages effectively. The best way to do this is to use a well-established, systematic problem-solving model.

The six steps of problem solving

Problems vary widely, and so do their solutions. Sometimes a problem and its solution are clear, but you don’t know how to get from point A to point B. At other times, you may find it hard to define what’s wrong or how to fix it. Regardless of what a problem is, you can use a six-step problem-solving model to address it. This model is highly flexible and can be adapted to suit various types of problems. It also comes with a flexible set of tools to use at each step. The model is designed to be followed one step at a time, but you may find that some stages don’t require as much attention as others. This will depend on your unique situation.

The steps in the problem-solving model are as follows:

Identify the problem – Defining the problem is a crucial step that involves digging deeper to identify what it is that needs to be solved. The more clearly a problem is defined, the easier you’ll find it to complete subsequent steps. A symptom is a phenomenon or circumstance that results from a deeper, underlying condition. It’s common to mistake symptoms for problems themselves – and so to waste a lot of time and effort on tackling consequences of problems instead of their causes. To define a problem, you can use gap analysis, which involves comparing your current state to the future state you want to be in, to identify the gaps between them.

Gather the data and analyze the problem – You decide what type of problem it is – whether there’s a clear barrier or circumstance you need to overcome, or whether you need to determine how to reach a goal. You then dig to the root causes of the problem, and detail the nature of the gap between where you are and where you want to be. The five-why analysis is a tool that’ll help you get to the heart of the problem. Ask “Why?” a number of times to dig through each layer of symptoms and so to arrive at the problem’s root cause. You can get to the root of a more complicated problem using a cause-and-effect diagram. A cause is something that produces an effect, result, or consequence – or what contributed to the current state of affairs. Categories of causes include people, time, and the environment.

Identify as many potential solutions as you can – Brainstorm creatively – ask lots of questions about who, what, where, when, and how of the causes to point to various possibilities. Don’t limit yourself by considering practicalities at this stage; simply record your ideas.

Select and plan the solution – In evaluating your ideas, more options could present themselves. You could do this by rating each possible solution you came up with in step 3 according to criteria such as how effective it will be, how much time or effort it will take, its cost, and how likely it is to satisfy stakeholders.

During the planning step, you determine what steps must be taken, designating tasks where necessary. And you decide on deadlines for completing the actions and estimate the costs of implementing them. You also create a contingency plan in case of unforeseen circumstances so that if anything goes wrong with your plan, you have a “plan B” in place. Typically, this stage involves narrowing down the possible ways to implement the solution you’ve chosen, based on any constraints that apply. You also should draw up an action plan. The complexity of the plan will depend on the situation, but it should include the who, what, and when of your proposed solution.

Implement the solution – This is an ongoing process. You need to ensure the required resources remain available and monitor progress in solving the problem; otherwise, all the work you’ve done might be for nothing.

Evaluate the results —Check to see that your gained a favorable outcome and continue to monitor over time. If the result is not exactly what you hoped for, evaluate the places that may have contributed to the lesser outcome, revise your plan and try again.

Remember that this model is highly adaptable. Although you shouldn’t skip any of the six steps, you can tailor the amount of time you spend on each stage based on the demands of your unique situation.

The six-step problem-solving model, and the tools it provides, is an effective, systematic approach to problem solving. By following each step consciously, you can ensure that generating solutions is a fact-driven, objective, and reliable process. It encourages you to dig deeper to the root cause, allows you to get input from others, to be creative when finding solutions, and to monitor your solutions to make sure they’re working. So by following this model you’re more likely to come up with good, original, lasting solutions.

To solve problems effectively, you need to use a good problem-solving model. The six-step model is a tried-and-tested approach. Its steps include defining a problem, analyzing the problem, identifying possible solutions, choosing the best solution, planning your course of action, and finally implementing the solution while monitoring its effectiveness.

http://reporting.talent20.co.za/skillsoft/Content/cca/pd_12_a01_bs_enus/output/html/sb/sbpd_12_a01_bs_enus002003.html  Copyright 2010 SkillSoft. All rights reserved. SkillSoft and the SkillSoft logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of SkillSoft in the United States and certain other countries. All other logos or trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Professionalism by Whatcom Community College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

Morning Carpool

“Stop Coddling Your Grown Child”: 21 Essential Life Skills That You Should Be Teaching Your Child Before They Leave for College

Posted: February 22, 2024 | Last updated: February 22, 2024

As your child prepares to leave the nest for college, there are certain life skills they need to master to thrive on their own. From learning how to do laundry to budgeting and cooking, these essential skills seem obvious, but many young adults are sent off to college without them.

Doing Laundry

Learning how to do laundry is a crucial skill for any college student. Start by teaching them how to separate colors and fabrics and the right temperature to use for each. Explain the importance of cleaning the lint trap in dryers and how to use laundry detergent properly.

Basic Cooking

Knowing basic cooking skills can save your child from a diet of instant noodles. Teach them how to cook simple, healthy meals like pasta, stir-fries, and salads. Emphasize kitchen safety, including handling knives and managing the stove.

Budgeting is key to managing college expenses. Show them how to track their income and expenses and the importance of saving. Discuss the dangers of credit card debt and impulsive purchases.

Time Management

Time management skills are vital for balancing study, work, and social life. Teach them how to prioritize tasks and use a planner or digital calendar. Stress the importance of setting aside time for studying and relaxation. Good time management can be the difference between success and burnout.

Cleaning and Housekeeping

A clean living space is essential for health and well-being. Teach them basic cleaning skills like dusting, vacuuming, and disinfecting surfaces. Show them how to maintain a clean bathroom and kitchen. Cleanliness plays a big role in making a good impression on roommates and friends.

Grocery Shopping

Teach them how to make a grocery list based on planned meals, compare prices, and select fresh produce. Explain the benefits of buying in bulk and choosing store brands to save money. Show them how to read nutrition labels to make healthier choices. “Grocery shopping on my own was a reality check on adulting,” shared an online commenter.

Public Transportation

Understanding how to navigate public transportation is essential in many college towns. Teach them how to read transit maps, use apps for schedules, and understand fare systems. Discuss the importance of being aware of their surroundings and personal safety while commuting.

Basic First Aid

Basic first aid knowledge can be a lifesaver in minor emergencies. Teach them how to treat cuts, burns, and sprains and when to seek professional medical help. Show them how to create and maintain a basic first aid kit. This skill is not just for them, but for helping others too.

Personal Hygiene

Good personal hygiene is crucial for health and social interactions. Discuss the importance of regular bathing, oral hygiene, and clean clothes. Teach them about skincare and the need for regular haircuts. As a commenter says, “Good hygiene goes a long way in making a good first impression.”

Communication Skills

Effective communication is key in both personal and professional life. Teach teens how to communicate respectfully and assertively, both in person and online. Discuss the importance of active listening and empathy in building relationships.

Basic Sewing

Knowing how to sew a button or fix a minor tear can save time and money. Teach them basic sewing skills and how to use a sewing kit. This is not just practical but also a great way to be self-reliant. Plus, it’s a useful skill for costume parties!

Dealing with Emergencies

Teach them how to respond to various emergencies, like power outages, fire alarms, and severe weather. Discuss the importance of knowing emergency contacts and evacuation routes. “Being prepared for emergencies gave me peace of mind when I lived on my own,” says an online commenter.

Understanding Insurance

Understanding basic insurance concepts like health, auto, and renter’s insurance is important. Teach them how to read and understand an insurance policy and the importance of keeping documents safe. This knowledge is crucial for protecting themselves and their belongings.

Networking and Socializing

Teach teens how to network and the importance of socializing in a healthy, balanced way. Discuss how to approach professors, join clubs, and attend campus events. Networking can lead to friendships, mentorships, and even job opportunities.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential in and out of the classroom. Encourage them to think independently, question assumptions, and approach problems logically. These skills will help them navigate complex situations and make informed decisions.

Digital Literacy

Teach teens about online safety, using search engines effectively, and managing digital files. Discuss the importance of a professional online presence. As one commenter said, “Digital literacy is as important as reading and writing.”

Personal Safety

Personal safety is paramount. Teach teens about situational awareness, trusting their instincts, and basic self-defense. Discuss the importance of staying safe in social situations and understanding consent.

Stress Management

College can be stressful, so knowing how to manage stress is key. Teach them relaxation techniques, the importance of exercise, and healthy coping mechanisms. Discuss the value of seeking help when needed. Managing stress effectively can enhance their college experience.

Laundry Etiquette

In shared laundry facilities, etiquette is essential. Teach teens about respecting others’ laundry, not leaving clothes unattended, and cleaning up after themselves, which will keep the peace and foster a sense of community responsibility.

Cooking for Special Diets

Knowing how to cook for special diets is helpful if they or their friends have dietary restrictions. Teach them about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly cooking. This skill is not only considerate but also expands their culinary horizons.

Voting and Civic Engagement

Understanding the importance of voting and civic engagement is crucial. Discuss how to register to vote, the basics of local and national politics, and the importance of staying informed. “Voting for the first time made me feel like a true adult,” shared a commenter.

More for You

Fauci Says Unvaccinated Americans Responsible For Up To 300,000 Deaths

‘That’s a little absurd’: Hawaii man earns $390K a year and has a $7.3M net worth but he doesn’t let his family spend any money — here’s the solution stunned Ramsey Show hosts offered

Ex-DOJ Official Assesses Trump's Chances Of Supreme Court Intervention

I Went on a Girls Trip to This Luxury, Adults-only Resort in Jamaica — Here's Why It Made Me Love All-inclusives

Chevy Chase and Randy Quaid Reunite for New Christmas Comedy

Social Security: Here's the Maximum Possible Benefit at Ages 62, 67, and 70

Should You Shut Down Your Computer Every Night?

“He asked me if I wanted to play all the white guys”: Robert Downey Jr. on His Weirdest Role after Avengers: Endgame

Richest Female Comedians, Ranked by Net Worth

Mexican peso, ETFs slammed after ruling party’s election win. Here’s what’s worrying investors.

Homeowner shares frustrating before-and-after photos after neighbor destroyed their decades-old tree: 'You need a lawyer'

Should you avoid living in a 55-plus community? Here are 5 big problems with adult retirement communities in America

Hear retired US general’s response to Ukrainian soldiers who say US-issued tanks are underperforming

She's the world's most expensive cow, and part of Brazil's plan to put beef on everyone's plate

20 facts you might not know about 'Moneyball'

The Kansas Supreme Court has ruled that voting is not a fundamental right. What's next for voters?

The Only Major Actors Still Alive From Gilligan's Island

Most Valuable U.S. Coins That Collectors Go Crazy For

Kevin Costner Says He Was Whitney Houston's 'Imaginary Bodyguard': 'I Basically Embraced It'

The 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Better Chocolate Cake (It Costs Zero Dollars)

Ranked amongst top 3 girls’ boarding schools of India

Enquire Now

• Post author: Pihu
• Post category: Blog
• Post published: Jun 1, 2024
• Post last modified: Jun 1, 2024

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills Development in Ecole Globale

In the contemporary educational landscape, the emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills has surged, marking these abilities as quintessential for student success both within academic environments and beyond.

The scenic city of Dehradun, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is home to some of the finest boarding schools in India. These schools have long been recognized for their holistic educational approaches, which blend rigorous academic curricula with character-building extracurricular activities.

Among these prestigious institutions, Ecole Globale International Girls’ School stands out for its unique focus on nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This article explores how boarding schools in Dehradun , particularly Ecole Globale, foster these vital competencies in their students.

The Importance of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Before delving into the methodologies employed by boarding schools in Dehradun , it is crucial to understand why critical thinking and problem-solving skills are so essential.

In an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, the ability to analyze information critically, make informed decisions, and solve problems efficiently is indispensable.

These skills not only enhance academic performance but also prepare students for real-world challenges, fostering adaptability, creativity, and resilience.

Boarding Schools in Dehradun: A Tradition of Excellence

Dehradun, often referred to as the ‘School Capital of India,’ boasts a rich heritage of quality education. The boarding schools in Dehradun are renowned for their picturesque campuses, state-of-the-art facilities, and comprehensive educational programs.

These schools have consistently produced alumni who excel in various fields, from academia to business and beyond. The serene environment of Dehradun, coupled with the disciplined lifestyle of boarding schools, provides an ideal setting for nurturing young minds.

Ecole Globale International Girls’ School: A Pioneer in Holistic Education

Ecole Globale International Girls’ School exemplifies the best of what schools in Dehradun have to offer.

With a mission to empower young women through education, Ecole Globale integrates a robust academic curriculum with extensive extracurricular programs designed to develop well-rounded individuals.

The school’s emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving is woven into the fabric of its educational philosophy.

Curriculum Design and Teaching Methodologies

At Ecole Globale, the curriculum is meticulously designed to encourage intellectual curiosity and independent thinking. Subjects are not taught in isolation but are interconnected, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to learning. This method helps students understand the relevance of their studies to real-world scenarios and enhances their problem-solving capabilities.

• Inquiry-Based Learning: One of the cornerstones of Ecole Globale’s teaching methodology is inquiry-based learning. This approach encourages students to ask questions, conduct research, and engage in discussions, thereby developing critical thinking skills. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through the process of exploration and discovery.
• Project-Based Learning: Projects are an integral part of the curriculum, providing students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing problem-solving skills. Projects often involve collaboration, allowing students to work in teams, share ideas, and find innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Socratic Seminars: Ecole Globale frequently employs Socratic seminars, where students engage in critical discussions about various topics. These seminars promote deep thinking and help students articulate their thoughts clearly and confidently. The emphasis is on reasoning and evidence-based arguments, which are key components of critical thinking.

Extracurricular Activities and Skill Development

Beyond the classroom, Ecole Globale offers a plethora of extracurricular activities aimed at fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These activities range from debates and public speaking to science clubs and community service projects.

• Debates and Model United Nations (MUN): Debating and MUN activities are particularly effective in enhancing critical thinking. Students must research their topics thoroughly, anticipate counterarguments, and present their points persuasively. This process not only improves their knowledge but also hones their analytical and oratory skills.
• STEM Programs: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs at Ecole Globale are designed to stimulate curiosity and innovation. Students engage in experiments, robotics, and coding projects, which require logical reasoning and problem-solving. These activities are instrumental in preparing students for future careers in tech-driven fields.
• Community Service: Community service projects allow students to address real-world problems and make a positive impact on society. Through these projects, students learn to identify issues, develop action plans, and implement solutions. This practical experience is invaluable in building problem-solving skills and social responsibility.

The Role of Teachers and Mentors

Teachers and mentors play a pivotal role in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills at Ecole Globale. The school invests in continuous professional development to ensure that educators are equipped with the latest teaching strategies and technologies.

• Mentorship Programs : Each student at Ecole Globale is paired with a mentor who provides personalized guidance and support. Mentors help students set goals, navigate challenges, and reflect on their learning experiences. This one-on-one interaction is crucial for developing self-awareness and independent thinking.
• Professional Development: Teachers regularly participate in workshops and training sessions focused on innovative teaching methodologies. These programs keep educators abreast of new developments in pedagogy and technology, enabling them to create dynamic and engaging learning environments.

Technology Integration

In today’s digital age, proficiency in technology is a fundamental aspect of critical thinking and problem-solving. Ecole Globale integrates technology seamlessly into its curriculum to enhance learning outcomes.

• Digital Classrooms: Classrooms are equipped with interactive smart boards and digital tools that facilitate dynamic teaching and learning experiences. These technologies enable access to a wealth of online resources, simulations, and interactive activities that enrich the educational process.
• Coding and Robotics: The school offers specialized courses in coding and robotics, which are essential for developing logical reasoning and computational thinking. Students learn to write code, build robots, and create algorithms, fostering a problem-solving mindset.
• Online Platforms: Ecole Globale utilizes online platforms for assignments, assessments, and collaborative projects. These platforms enable students to work together, share resources, and receive feedback in real-time, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Fostering a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset, the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, is integral to nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ecole Globale encourages a growth mindset through various initiatives.

• Encouraging Resilience: Students are taught to view challenges as opportunities for growth. This perspective helps them develop resilience and persistence, which are essential for effective problem-solving.
• Celebrating Effort: The school celebrates effort and improvement, rather than just success. This approach motivates students to take risks and embrace challenges without fear of failure.
• Reflective Practices: Reflection is a key component of the learning process at Ecole Globale. Students regularly reflect on their experiences, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and set goals for improvement. This practice enhances self-awareness and critical thinking.

Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is crucial in the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Ecole Globale actively engages parents in the educational process through various programs and initiatives.

• Workshops and Seminars: The school organizes workshops and seminars for parents on topics related to child development, education strategies, and the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These sessions equip parents with the knowledge and tools to support their children’s learning at home.
• Regular Communication: Ecole Globale maintains regular communication with parents through meetings, reports, and digital platforms. This open line of communication ensures that parents are informed about their children’s progress and can provide appropriate support.
• Parent-Teacher Partnerships: The school fosters strong partnerships between parents and teachers. Collaborative efforts ensure that students receive consistent guidance and encouragement both at school and at home.

Success Stories

The impact of Ecole Globale’s emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving is evident in the success stories of its students.

Alumni of the school have gone on to excel in various fields, from academia and research to entrepreneurship and social work.

Their achievements are a testament to the school’s commitment to holistic education and the development of essential life skills.

Boarding schools in Dehradun, particularly Ecole Globale International Girls’ School, are at the forefront of fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students.

Through innovative curricula, engaging extracurricular activities, dedicated mentorship, and cutting-edge technology, these schools provide an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

As the world continues to evolve, the ability to think critically and solve problems creatively will remain paramount. Ecole Globale’s holistic approach ensures that its students are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the future with confidence and competence.

Related posts:

• 21st-Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving at Ecole Globale
• The Importance of Critical Thinking Skills in Education
• Ecole Globale’s Strategies for Fostering Cross-Cultural Communication Skills
• Developing Critical Thinking Abilities In The Students

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You Might Also Like

Ways to Minimize Your Kids Fighting

The Lack Of Access To Quality Education ?

Effective Study Habits: Supporting Your Child’s Academic Success in Boarding School

Enquiry form.

TechRepublic

8 Best Data Science Tools and Software

Apache Spark and Hadoop, Microsoft Power BI, Jupyter Notebook and Alteryx are among the top data science tools for finding business insights. Compare their features, pros and cons.

EU’s AI Act: Europe’s New Rules for Artificial Intelligence

Europe's AI legislation, adopted March 13, attempts to strike a tricky balance between promoting innovation and protecting citizens' rights.

10 Best Predictive Analytics Tools and Software for 2024

Tableau, TIBCO Data Science, IBM and Sisense are among the best software for predictive analytics. Explore their features, pricing, pros and cons to find the best option for your organization.

Tableau Review: Features, Pricing, Pros and Cons

Tableau has three pricing tiers that cater to all kinds of data teams, with capabilities like accelerators and real-time analytics. And if Tableau doesn’t meet your needs, it has a few alternatives worth noting.

Top 6 Enterprise Data Storage Solutions for 2024

Amazon, IDrive, IBM, Google, NetApp and Wasabi offer some of the top enterprise data storage solutions. Explore their features and benefits, and find the right solution for your organization's needs.

Latest Articles

The 5 Best Udemy Courses That Are Worth Taking in 2024

Udemy is an online platform for learning at your own pace. Boost your career with our picks for the best Udemy courses for learning tech skills online in 2024.

What Is Data Quality? Definition and Best Practices

Data quality refers to the degree to which data is accurate, complete, reliable and relevant for its intended use.

TechRepublic Premium Editorial Calendar: Policies, Checklists, Hiring Kits and Glossaries for Download

TechRepublic Premium content helps you solve your toughest IT issues and jump-start your career or next project.

What is the EU’s AI Office? New Body Formed to Oversee the Rollout of General Purpose Models and AI Act

The AI Office will be responsible for enforcing the rules of the AI Act, ensuring its implementation across Member States, funding AI and robotics innovation and more.

Top Tech Conferences & Events to Add to Your Calendar in 2024

A great way to stay current with the latest technology trends and innovations is by attending conferences. Read and bookmark our 2024 tech events guide.

What is Data Science? Benefits, Techniques and Use Cases

Data science involves extracting valuable insights from complex datasets. While this process can be technically challenging and time-consuming, it can lead to better business decision-making.

Gartner’s 7 Predictions for the Future of Australian & Global Cloud Computing

An explosion in AI computing, a big shift in workloads to the cloud, and difficulties in gaining value from hybrid cloud strategies are among the trends Australian cloud professionals will see to 2028.

OpenAI Adds PwC as Its First Resale Partner for the ChatGPT Enterprise Tier

PwC employees have 100,000 ChatGPT Enterprise seats. Plus, OpenAI forms a new safety and security committee in their quest for more powerful AI, and seals media deals.

What Is Contact Management? Importance, Benefits and Tools

Contact management ensures accurate, organized and accessible information for effective communication and relationship building.

How to Use Tableau: A Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

Learn how to use Tableau with this guide. From creating visualizations to analyzing data, this guide will help you master the essentials of Tableau.

HubSpot CRM vs. Mailchimp (2024): Which Tool Is Right for You?

HubSpot and Mailchimp can do a lot of the same things. In most cases, though, one will likely be a better choice than the other for a given use case.

Top 5 Cloud Trends U.K. Businesses Should Watch in 2024

TechRepublic identified the top five emerging cloud technology trends that businesses in the U.K. should be aware of this year.

Pipedrive vs. monday.com (2024): CRM Comparison

Find out which CRM platform is best for your business by comparing Pipedrive and Monday.com. Learn about their features, pricing and more.

Celoxis: Project Management Software Is Changing Due to Complexity and New Ways of Working

More remote work and a focus on resource planning are two trends driving changes in project management software in APAC and around the globe. Celoxis’ Ratnakar Gore explains how PM vendors are responding to fast-paced change.

SAP vs. Oracle (2024): Which ERP Solution Is Best for You?

Explore the key differences between SAP and Oracle with this in-depth comparison to determine which one is the right choice for your business needs.

Create a TechRepublic Account

Get the web's best business technology news, tutorials, reviews, trends, and analysis—in your inbox. Let's start with the basics.

* - indicates required fields

Sign in to TechRepublic

Lost your password? Request a new password

Reset Password

Please enter your email adress. You will receive an email message with instructions on how to reset your password.

Check your email for a password reset link. If you didn't receive an email don't forgot to check your spam folder, otherwise contact support .

Welcome. Tell us a little bit about you.

This will help us provide you with customized content.

Want to receive more TechRepublic news?

You're all set.

Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye out for a confirmation email from our team. To ensure any newsletters you subscribed to hit your inbox, make sure to add [email protected] to your contacts list.