Why You’re Dropping the Ball and How to Fix It
Do you ever feel like you have multiple projects to handle, but for whatever reason, you just keep dropping balls? Project management is a learned skill set that takes time and tools to master successfully. Recently a friend of mine shared with me the system he uses to manage the multiple moving parts of his multimillion dollar business, and I found it so intriguing that I tweaked it and implemented it, too. I have been using it for the past two months, and I have found it very helpful. The first step is to utilize a calendar at the beginning of the month and write down one big action item or project you want to accomplish each day. Then convert that monthly plan into a Project Task List that can be easily updated. Click here to download the Excel Template I use for my weekly Task List, or keep reading to create your own. How to Create a Weekly Task List Utilizing an Excel Spreadsheet, create an individual column for each project you are working on. At the top of the column, label the project. Below the label, list the different tasks you need to accomplish in order to complete the project. Below this, create a “people to contact” section where you list the people you need to contact in order to make the tasks happen. Finally, list the things you must do today in order to complete the project on time. You should update your Task List on a daily basis. It is important to note that in the “Things I Must Do Today” column, you should never have more than 2-3 things in each column for each project. The reason behind this is it becomes unrealistic to think you can accomplish multiple big items in one day. Don’t set yourself up for failure. As you analyze your daily list, ask yourself the question, “Who else can do this instead of me?” You should spend your time focused on the things that only you can do, and you should outsource or delegate everything possible to other members of your team who are just as capable of completing the task. Another great tip that my friend shared with me – don’t check your email until the end of the day. Make sure that you have checked off everything on your to-do list before you get bogged down in the world of answering emails. You might be surprised just how many emails that were sent to you in the morning magically solve themselves by the afternoon without you ever having to get involved.
Article By: Tina Bell Tina Bell is the Director of Marketing for HealthCARE Express®, where her responsibilities include spearheading the company’s social media and internet strategies, leading the in-house physician recruitment team, and developing aggressive programs to promote patient satisfaction and effective service recovery. Tina speaks nationally at industry conferences including the Medical Practice Association of America and the National Association of Occupational Health Professionals. She is the director of business development for Medical Practice Success and an independent Medical Practice marketing consultant.
