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:
  1. Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. 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).
  3. What is urgent and important for you to do on a daily or weekly basis? Make a list.
  4. Identify what is less urgent but still important. Write these down and give yourself a deadline for these tasks.
  5. 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?
  6. 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?
  7. Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?