5 Tips That Make Time Management Training Really Work

If you want time management training that works for the long-run, there are five tips any effective training program should have:

1. Make sure it fits into your schedule.
   In our fast-paced world, taking a full day out of work for training can leave you with even MORE to do when you get back to your office.  However, there are live virtual training programs that can be condensed into shorter 60-90 minute segments.  These types of programs have to be really targeted to focus on the most important tips and techniques you need, yet you still interact with an instructor and other participants during the class.  You'll leave feeling you spent your time wisely and learned the most significant things you needed to know.
   
2. Make sure it's personalized to your unique needs.
   One size definitely does not fit all when it comes to time management.  Make sure any training program you engage in is targeted to YOUR needs.  One excellent way to do this is to use some kind of time management assessment instrument to identify your most important areas for improvement.  In any event, make sure any time management training you take recognizes that we're not all the same and we don't all have the same time management challenges.
   
3. Use it to focus on your key priorities.
   To significantly improve the use of your time, it's important to understand the 80/20 Rule.  This states that 80% of your results come from just 20% of the activities you do.  So know what your most important priorities are, and the actions you need to take to meet them.  A good way to do this is to ask yourself one key questions:  What is ONE thing you're not doing now or could do more of that would have the greatest impact on how you manage your time?  Then identify the actions you need to take, remove obstacles in your way, and put your focus there.  Even if you don't get everything done (and none of us ever really will), you'll know you got your most important things done.
   
4. Make yourself accountable to others.
   Time management training is really about habit and behavior change.  The most effective behavior change programs of any sort always include some element of accountability.  So create a plan that makes you accountable to other people and you'll be more successful.  You could ask your boss, your peers and even the instructor and other participants in your time management class to help you.  In order to do this effectively, check-in with other people about your progress on a frequent basis and you'll find you are enjoying the process and managing your time much more effective.
   
5. Reinforce consistently.
   Any type of training that achieves long-term impact should be a process, not a one-time event.  Most time management training programs don't offer any kind of reinforcement or follow-up.  This is something you really need when it comes to long-term behavior change.  So look for a program that includes a strong reinforcement element.  If you are asked to report your progress over time back to your class, that's even better.

When you choose a time management training program that has these five elements in it, you will find that it meets your specific needs and challenges.  You'll focus on your most important strategies for improvement, and consistently manage your time better.  The end result:  you'll have a great sense of control, a lot less stress and be significantly more productive.  Who doesn't need that these days?