Question

what are some strategies to improve self management?

Answer 1

Management is an essential tool in the workplace, but we typically only focus on the skill of managing others. While just as important, self-management skills are crucial but overlooked as a necessary set of skills on the job. Being able to manage oneself is critical, and often an indicator of your ability to manage others.

1.Implement the “Two-Minute” Rule:-

The “two-minute” rule is a great way to kick start self-management, both at home and at work. The rule is simple: if it takes less than two minutes to complete a task, do it now. Don’t put off hanging up a coat, RSVP-ing to a meeting, or putting the dishes in the dishwasher.

It’s a simple rule, to be sure, but it’s essential to self-management. It teaches you to make the most of your time while avoiding everyday procrastination habits. While a two-minute task could seem small or meaningless, checking things off your to-do list is a confidence builder. Being efficient with your time, even with the most trivial tasks, can snowball into more significant accomplishments.

2.Forget the Myth of Multitasking:-

In today’s workplace, it’s hard to reject the appeal of multitasking. Studies show that only 2.5% of the population can efficiently multitask, so most of us need to stop kidding ourselves that it works.

However, it’s easy to believe the myth of multitasking when it keeps us from reflecting and prioritizing. When we’re thrown many tasks at once, it can be tempting to try to accomplish a few at the same time, instead of considering the order of importance of each task. Instead, we multitask and split our brains - likely losing our ability to get even one thing done correctly.

3. Admit Your Mistakes:-

As a manager, it often falls to us to point out the mistakes of others. In self-management, it’s essential to be able to admit your own mistakes. So many of us are afraid to own up when we’ve done something wrong, but when we ignore it, we’re impeding our paths to growth.

Instead of avoiding a mistake, acknowledge it as soon as you can. Then move on. The more comfortable you become with this process, the less you’ll find you need it. Admitting failure - even your own - creates a teachable moment of growth. It’s also one of the healthiest things you can do as a leader or manager.

4. Act like a Kindergartner:-

The first lessons we learn as children are often forgotten as an adult. But, acknowledging "the golden rule" in the workplace can fundamentally change the way we relate to teammates. It’s simple: Treat others the way you would like to be treated. We get back exactly what we give.

5. Allow Time for Self Reflection:-

Self-management will only go as far as your personal goals allow it. With an eye on the horizon, plan your day-to-day keeping in mind your future goals. While we get swept up in daily drama or projects, make time to “course correct”: How are your actions now setting you up for success in the future?

“I’m always ‘working with myself’ so why would I need to have check-ins?” you might ask. But think about it - you have regular meeting with bosses or teammates to check the status of a project, so why wouldn’t you apply the same rule to yourself?

Self-reflection can be a time to think about mistakes or areas of improvement, but it should also be used to acknowledge personal accomplishments and celebrate progress. Remember, if you haven’t reflected on where you’ve been, you’ll have a harder time understanding where you’re headed.