The column "Leadership Whiteboard" provides a short visual leadership coaching moment. It introduces and explains a new sketch in each issue, provides leadership coaching for further development, and shares a leadership quote and recommended book.

Multi-Tasking & Time Management, Part 2

The column in the previous issue contrasted the difference between multi-tasking and the single project focus. I heard long ago that you can ask someone doing ten things to add one more task easier than giving the task to someone doing only one thing. This is because adding one item to the individual doing ten things increases his or her load by only 10%. But for the person focused on only one thing, it doubles the workload.

I realize not all tasks are equal, but a person skilled in time management can juggle more. If you are the boss, pastor, or supervisor, your responsibility for multiple people and programs requires a proficiency in time management. The benefits include less stress, more free time (or capacity to do more), and more tasks accomplished. Allow me to share two time management helps:

• Control the distractions within your power. While you cannot plan for an unforeseen crisis, you can stop allowing the non-urgent to take you from the urgent. The biggest rabbit holes are email, general online activity, social media, and lack of structure. You lose time when you allow new email alerts to sidetrack you rather than checking email periodically. Likewise, social media takes you, by design, from one item to the next endlessly, counting on your curiosity. Monitor online time you spend. Most devices provide a weekly report. If you are easily distracted, create a structure to stay focused.
  

• Carve out undistracted multiple blocks of time for specific tasks. Avoid “chasing rabbits” during those dedicated time slots. Understand these undistracted blocks cannot fill your entire workday because interruptions will happen. Consider rewriting your to-do list daily to prioritize what must be done in that day. Don’t avoid larger tasks, as this delay tactic is a poor habit. Instead, remember you “eat the elephant one bite at a time.” Likewise, big projects are accomplished one task at a time. Consider tackling a big task first, followed by a couple of easy ones, and then another hard one. Your calendar and to-do list form the structure, but you provide the discipline.
  
  

About the Columnist: Ron Hunter Jr., Ph.D., is CEO of Randall House Publications.