The Importance of Priority Management

We all have the same 24 hours in a day, and once that time is spent, we cannot get it back. Some days feel as if they drag on, while others come and go quickly. Managing what we allow into our time fosters a sense of control over our daily lives and benefits us professionally.

Priority management is the process of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on activities that produce the most important results. This is a critical skill to develop in business because it generates forward momentum. If we do not learn to prioritize certain tasks, we can become overwhelmed by the amount of things we need to accomplish. However, if we focus our attention on the most important and time-bound tasks first, everything else becomes more manageable.

Most people think that if they get the easy tasks out of the way first that they will somehow have more time later to do what matters most. Unfortunately, that’s not usually how it works out and the tasks that were put off are left unfinished, despite their importance. The strategic approach is to evaluate all of the tasks we need to accomplish, rank order them from most important to least important, and then block time throughout the day for working on each task. 

Not only does this create a roadmap for productivity, it also allows for the proper allocation of resources and efforts. With a clear sense of direction, leaders can assign tasks out to certain individuals, plan meetings around employee check-ins, and ensure that everyone is working together toward a common goal.

Priority management has many benefits, but one of the most prominent benefits is the reduction of stress. Employees do not have to scramble to get things done at the last minute when they learn to prioritize the tasks that are most important. This helps them avoid distractions and gain a sense of control over their day. With the experience of less stress, individuals are also less likely to feel burnout.

Effective priority management distinguishes top performers from their counterparts. Employees who can identify crucial tasks and allocate the necessary time and resources are able to foster a more productive and positive working environment.

If you start to feel overwhelmed by everything that’s on your plate, I challenge you to take a step back, evaluate the tasks you need to accomplish, and focus on the three most important tasks first. What are some of the things you’ve been focusing on that are not actually benefiting you? It might be time to let go of some of the tasks that are holding you back from reaching your fullest potential.

-Meghan Slaughter