Learn how to prioritize tasks and be more productive with this simple matrix system devised by former president Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Talking Points:
- Identify what is URGENT & IMPORTANT (the upper left quadrant). Do these tasks right away.
- Identify what is LESS URGENT but still IMPORTANT (the upper right quadrant). Delay these tasks if needed; do them later.
- Identify what is URGENT but LESS IMPORTANT (the lower left quadrant). Delegate these tasks for your team to accomplish.
- Identify what is LESS URGENT and LESS IMPORTANT (the lower right quadrant). Don’t do these tasks; eliminate them altogether from your priority list.
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Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- What do you spend the majority of your time doing each week? Make a list and label each item as a 1 (urgent and important), 2 (less urgent but important), 3 (urgent but less important), and 4 (less urgent and less important).
- What is urgent and important for you to do on a daily or weekly basis? Make a list.
- Identify what is less urgent but still important. Write these down and give yourself a deadline for these tasks.
- Create a list of items that are urgent but not important for you to accomplish personally. To whom can you delegate each of these tasks?
- Identify the tasks that are less urgent and less important. Why do you do these things? Which ones are you willing to eliminate from your life?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?