The Eisenhower Matrix is often talked about when discussing productivity, but do you know what it is? The model breaks down any given task into four simple categories, forming lines between importance and urgen
- Important & urgent – Get it done!
– Tasks with deadlines
– Urgent emails
– High priority tasks - Important, but not urgent – Schedule it!
– Planning stages
– Training
– Networking - Not important, but urgent – Delegate it!
– Scheduling meetings
– Uploading blog posts
– Answering phone calls - Not important & not urgent – Get rid of it!
– Procrastination
– Office gossip
– Perfectionism
The idea behind the model is to sort every task you receive into each of these categories, which will help you tackle them in an order which allows you to manage your workday more productively.
When using the matrix, it’s imperative to clearly define the terms “urgent” and “important”. Important tasks are generally those with responsibility and consequence attached to them, and when if ignored would have detrimental effects. Any task that is urgent is only so if it has a close approaching deadline. Resist the temptation to mark most tasks as urgent when you could easily schedule another time to complete them.
The matrix is particularly useful for individuals involved in any form of project management, or those who find themselves overworked, and with no time to focus on their long-term goals. This is all too common for those who are involved with the running of a membership association.
Using this method not only prompts but answers the questions of what you should be spending your time on and when. This will allow you to cut the wheat from the chaff by enabling you to successfully prioritise workloads, work more cohesively as a team and reduce stress levels.
Let us know in the comments if you’re going to start using the Eisenhower Matrix!
