Jim Estill’s 8 Rules of Time
By Jim Estill
I study the use of time and how to maximize productivity and enjoyment from it. It has helped me in my successful career as CEO of SYNNEX Canada, a company which does over 3 billion dollars in sales each year. From these studies in time management, I have come up with the following list of time rules:
1 – It is more important to have clear goals than to be efficient. It is more important to work on the right things than to work efficiently. I liken this to the person who wants to get to Sudbury so gets in their car and drives 150 km/hour. Does he get there before the person who checks the map (direction) and drives less efficiently at say 100 KM/hour? Driving in the right direction is more important than driving fast. I call this Leadership before Management. Leadership is about direction, management is about efficiency. This is why I called my CD “Time Leadership” (and later my ebook)
2 – Energy use is more important than time use. I can get much more done if I have the right energy than if I just spend the time. Because of this, I work on things that give me energy (eg. exercise, working on things I am inspired by, avoiding things that drain my energy, etc.). I also try to recognize when I am high energy and spend those times doing high productivity tasks.
3 – Know what you have to do. I am not referring to goals here, I am referring to specific tasks. Every course and book on time management talks about the “To Do” list or some variation on it. Part of the reason for this list is to be able to prioritize (see Rule #1). It also helps you to know your workload. One trick on a TO DO list is to write the first action required to start the task right on the list. Eg. If I am calling a vendor, I might need to get a briefing on the relationship as the first step.
4 – Learn to say NO – politely of course. If you know your goals and priorities (see Rule #1), you will see what things you are being asked to do that infringes on them. Having a TO DO list helps you know if you have time (see Rule #3).
5 – Learn tricks. For me, the best sources of tricks are from other people who are effective in their jobs. I also get them from books and audio programs. Some of the more effective tricks I use are outlined in the chapters on Powers and on Time Leadership Tips.
6 – Track how you spend your time. On the tracking sheet record what things give you energy and what things take energy (see Rule #2). Determine how you think you should spend your day and from the time sheets figure out the changes you might want to make. One concept I have worked on is “The Perfect Day”. What would be the elements of your perfect day?
7 – Get rid of your TV, or at least control your use of it. TV is North America’s biggest time waster. I have nothing against entertainment but I think many people use TV as a time waster and do not get great entertainment or learning from it.
8 - Study time use. I have written many articles and published a CD (and before that an audio tape) on Time Management. Even though I have read 40-50 books on the topic, over 100 articles, listened to many audio programs and attended half a dozen time management courses, I always learn something new when I read a new one.
Finally, many people think I am too efficient or time focused. I do not deny that I am somewhat. However, good time use can also lead to a fuller life. Why not spend the time you need to spend effectively so you have more time to do other things you want to do?
About the Author
Jim Estill is the CEO of SYNNEX Canada. His time management expertise is available in his ebook, Time Leadership. To read a sample chapter of his ebook, and to check out his highly acclaimed CEO blog, visit www.jimestill.com.
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