3 Time Management Theory Concepts To Transform Your Efficiency
Time management theory underlies various training programs, presentations and courses that are designed to help you get higher efficiency in your work or life.
Theories abound whenever we explain something as complex as time. Three of these powerful time management theories are explained in this report.
Time management is important to everyone.
Controlling how much time you spend on various activities, and choosing which activities take priority, is at the heart of effective time management.
Studying time management theory helps you plan, organize and schedule your tasks in the correct way so that they align with what really matters in your life.
Without a clear understanding about time management theory, it is difficult to formulate a strategy and come up with an action plan that will manage your time effectively.
It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to enhance your professional or work related life, or your personal routines. The tools and techniques that you will choose, adopt and follow will depend upon which type of time management theory appeals most to you.
Time Management Theory #1
Pareto Principle
Also referred to as the 80-20 rule, the Pareto principle formulated by Italian economist and philosopher Vilfredo Pareto states that the vast majority of impact in anything comes from a small proportion of activities, people or effort.
The observation was based on demographic data in Italy. 80% of the land was owned by 20% of the population. And 80% of productivity from these lands came from 20% of those working on it.
The 20% who made things happen were generally more efficient, managed time better, and streamlined operations for the highest leverage. Based on this theory, time management guides and coaches advice you to focus on the 20% of activities or tasks that are most important to your overall success.
The effort and time that you devote to this creamy layer will more than outweigh what you invest into the rest, because there will be little if any impact on your bottom line.
Time Management Theory #2
Pickle Jar Theory
Another time management theory is easy to understand and execute when taught using a pickle jar. When you take an empty pickle jar and fill it with rocks, it appears to be full – until you fill it with gravel. The smaller granules fill the cracks between the rocks, and you can still fit in some sand, and then water.
But go about it the other way and add water or sand to the bottle first, and you won’t be able to later slip in the rocks. In a time management perspective, you will similarly be able to get less important work done in the spaces between and after major projects or tasks.
But if you let trivia take up much of your working day, there won’t be enough time left for you to tackle what really matters.
Time Management Theory #3
Maslow’s Theory
Another time management theory that is very popular was that of Abraham Harold Maslow, an American psychology professor. He teaches the importance of matching time management with our other needs as human beings, and integrating everything into a nourishing and wholesome complex.
As long as the efficient use of time helps us meet higher goals of fulfilment, spirituality and well being, we perceive it as helpful. But in the interests of greater efficiency, if we sacrifice bigger things like purpose, meaning and satisfaction with our lives, then it is a moot victory.
Maslow’s theory focuses on understanding your needs, differentiating them, and setting time limits on getting each done so that you do not encroach on other essential areas of your life.
Theory Guides Practice
Time management theory can therefore help guide your method of managing time. Your efficiency-improving actions will be guided by the principles of time managing theory.
Pick the one you most resonate with, and build your time management plans around it. Almost all have in common the concepts that lie at the root of Time Management Tao:
- Find your center – know WHAT to do
- Understand your order – know HOW to do it
- Pick your timing – know WHO to use & WHEN
And if you’re looking for a simple yet powerful tool that will help you manage your time more effectively, check out Rescue Time (click here for a FREE trial).
Time Management Research – Statistics & Myths
Breakthrough News From Time Management Research Labs To Help You Find Extra Time In Your Daily Routine
Time management research is an often overlooked area which can bring incredible efficiency to individuals and organizations alike. It is fascinating to look at some time management statistics and explore areas of improvement which can overcome serious hurdles like procrastination and wasteful inefficiency.
Why do we procrastinate?
This is an interesting question. And one which you can answer in a scientific and logical way by time management research.
Here are a few reasons from a study of a large group of subjects. The survey was part of a research project:
- The work involved is not exciting or enjoyable.
- No one is sure what the goals and targets are.
- The task is large and forbidding, with too much to do.
- There’s already a backlog of other work, with this extra burden being impossible to schedule.
- Focusing on less important projects because of fear of failure at the important ones.
- Being addicted to the thrill of a last minute rush leads to putting it off.
- Perfectionism is the enemy of getting started until everything is just right.
Time management research frequently throws up amazing and complex data.
If often takes a lot of analysis and studies, involving a large sample of subjects, to cull meaningful information from this raw data.
But without this research, we wouldn’t be aware of some important trends and changes that can revolutionize productivity in both individuals and organizations.
Internet Usage and Email
Social media is wasteful and a drain on employee productivity. But it was quite a surprise to discover that 31% of CIOs prohibited social media use at their workplace, and more than half only allowed it for business purposes.
That’s not surprising when you come to think about this startling statistic – the average Web user sees the equivalent of 6 newspapers every day!
With the same amount of time as before available to handle this deluge, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lose focus on the important work.
Other concerns about using the Web at work include:
- fear of data theft – 75% of senior executives
- losing money – 72% of small business owners found social media unprofitable
- bad feedback from customers and ex-employees
Why People Waste Time Online
Among the leading time wasting activities online, time management research has identified 3 leading causes:
- personal internet use
- online socializing with colleagues
- employees running their own personal business
Employees answered questions about their time on the Internet during work hours. After all, they could have used their time more productively. Or to complete tasks. The responses were interesting too.
- 18% claimed they didn’t have enough work to keep them busy
- 14% were unhappy about how long they had to work
- 12% blamed the lack of challenge in their job
At one of the Fortune 100 companies, employees interspersed 15 minute bursts of work involving serious mental activity with
- periods of browsing social networks or
- exploring other websites.
Time Management Research for Analysis
Many times, research has helped identify and analyze areas of potential improvement and profitability. For instance, nearly 1 in 10 Americans is an email addict.
Many view their mobile devices as ‘always on’ inbox access instruments, and will check email frequently and respond to it.
Nearly 43% of those surveyed in a research project said they prefer to sleep where they can easily access their email. They wish to stay connected with their digital networks. They obsess over being able to check email even while travelling or when on vacation.
Research into how people use their time also leads to some disturbing discoveries. Nearly a third of working adults in the US sleep less than 6 hours each night. A similar proportion (30%) worries about work pressure. They didn’t have enough time to complete all their tasks.
Worker burnout rates averaged 32%, primarily because of trying to cope with the information overload and juggle various activities. Almost 62% of workers didn’t avail all the vacation time they were eligible for.
All this information that time management research throws up reinforces the same principles that Time Management Tao is based upon. You must learn how to:
- Find your center – know WHAT to do
- Understand your order – know HOW to do it
- Pick your timing – know WHO to use & WHEN
When you do – and the Ming Vase Time Management guides will help you – then you begin to become more productive and effective in your work, and personal life.
That’s what makes time management research really valuable and worth pursuing. The benefits can translate into significant change for a sizable chunk of the population.
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