Will Thomas’s Tips for Managing Workload
In this week’s blog, Pocketbook author Will Thomas shares his tips for managing workload:
1. Use unexpected available time, such as when people are late for appointments, by creating a weekly ‘Transition Time File’. Keep in it tasks for that week that you can do in short bursts . Carry it with you so you never lose a moment!
2. Parkinson’s Law states that ‘Work expands to fill the time you make available to it’. So, set yourself a ‘Working Envelope’, ie how much time you will spend each week working and in other pursuits.
3. Poor work-life balance can have short- and long-term effects on our health, relationships and effectiveness. Here’s a simple prescription for thinking about making positive changes: R.E.S.T.
R= Refuel. Eat and drink healthily for maximum performance. Are you getting enough water each day?
E= Exercise. Take regular exercise for posture, health and stamina. Are you getting a daily heart-rate rise through exercise?
S= Stop. Take stimulus-free time. Are you getting at least a few minutes of time in total peace and quiet each day?
T=Time. Take time to reflect on your successes and plan your next steps each day. Are you taking a few minutes of quiet reflection to review, energise and plan?
4. When someone delegates something to you, you always have at least four options:
a) Say Yes.
b) Say No.
c) Negotioate – ‘If I do this for the time you say, it will mean I won’t be able to do this other thing until…How do you feel about that?
d) Say you’ll come back to them when you have considered it.
Will Thomas is author of the Managing Workload Pocketbook and joint author of the Head of Department’s Pocketbook. Both books are available from Teachers’ Pocketbooks at £7.99 + p&p.
Pocketbook Linda
