10 Time Management Hacks for New Managers - with Eric Girard
Productivity Gladiator
Mastering Time Management Tools
This chapter explores effective time management practices, focusing on scheduling applications like Calendly and Microsoft Bookings. It also highlights the efficiency of dictation as a productivity tool, sharing personal experiences and insights on enhancing communication without the need for typing.
Eric Girard joins Brian as a co-host to unveil 10 time management hacks for new managers, empowering them to balance their increased responsibilities efficiently. These hacks will help you carve out the time necessary to fulfill your team's needs while handling your personal responsibilities.
See the full details and links on the episode's page.
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Links to References In This Episode
Brian's TEDx talk "Reimagining the Value of Your Time"
Brian's time value calculator
Brian's post on stopping the back-and-forth to schedule meetings
AI transcription apps:
Video: 11 ways normal office workers can use AI right now to be more productive.
Blog Post: Dictating is 3x faster than typing, start talking!
Episode Digest:
Mastering time management is vital as you transition into a management role. In this episode, productivity experts Brian Nelson-Palmer and Eric Girard shared 10 time hacks for new managers. Here are their tips, check out the episode for more detail.
Eric’s Ideas:
Calendar block everything.
Put all tasks and appointments on your calendar, even small items like writing up notes. Block off specific times and treat your calendar as the boss. Eric aims for 15 minute increments. This ensures items don't slip through the cracks.
Use a system that works for you.
For example, don't force yourself to use a complex system or app if simple to-do lists work better. Eric uses Apple Calendar, Mail, and Notes while Brian uses a calendar for places he needs TO BE, to-do lists for what he needs TO DO, and notes/lists/checklists for thoughts and ideas he needs TO REMEMBER. Find what is sustainable and scalable long-term. The best system is the one you'll actually use.
Leverage AI for meeting transcriptions to capture summary and action items.
Use apps like Fathom to get full transcriptions of meetings. Review the transcript quickly after to pull out key points vs listening to long recordings. This saves time absorbing content.
Run multiple calendars.
Have distinct calendars for work, personal, family etc. to toggle on/off as needed. This reduces overwhelm of seeing everything at once. Eric manages 5+ calendars based on priorities.
Apply the 3 D's method for email.
Do it (handle quick emails instantly), delegate it (schedule time later for longer items), or delete it (remove junk mail). Stay on top of your inbox to avoid overload.
Brian’s Ideas
Stop running basic errands.
Order online or use delivery services instead of spending time on basic errands. Know your hourly rate to determine if it's worth your time. Leverage technology to optimize efficiency.
Use subscriptions and auto-delivery.
Set up subscriptions for household items and auto-delivery for work supplies to save time. Get discounts with subscribe and save options. One less thing to remember.
Leverage AI to redirect your time to your people.
Use AI to automate administrative tasks and free up time for people management, the key role of any manager. AI can't replace human emotional intelligence and empathy.
Avoid “email tag” back and forth to schedule meetings.
Provide your availability or links to schedule time through calendar apps like Calendly. Don’t waste time on coordination.
Talking to your computer is 3X faster than typing.
Dictation is faster than typing. Use voice-to-text built into your computer and apps to compose emails and notes. Stop typing, start talking.
In addition, Brian emphasized calculating your hourly rate to assess if buying back time is worthwhile. Eric noted that while technology can optimize efficiency, you should still control your system rather than letting it control you.
Key themes covered include leveraging technology for efficiency, structuring your time deliberately, streamlining communication, and automating administrative tasks wherever possible. The overarching focus is on freeing up time for people leadership - the core of management.
Assess your own work style and needs, then implement the approaches that fit you best. The right time management system will be personalized. Experiment to find what works. The goal is to establish a sustainable approach to maximize your time and energy as a new manager.
Today’s Guest
ERIC GIRARD
CEO, GIRARD TRAINING SOLUTIONS
Eric Girard has over 30 years of experience helping improve the performance of managers and employees. He specializes in the development of new managers, focusing on their successful transition to their new role and on their team management skills. He has a high-energy and engaging facilitation style.
Eric is a passionate, lifelong learner. As a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, he is pursuing the rating of Master Scuba Diver Trainer. When not designing or delivering training, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and twin 14-year-old daughters.
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ericpgirard
Instagram: instagram.com/eric.p.girard
Website: girardtrainingsolutions.com
Podcast: girardtrainingsolutions.com/podcast
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