Efficient time management is essential for any manager. A manager who manages his time well will always have an advantage over the competition. The goal of time management is not to restrict or limit your time, but to maximize your productivity. A good manager is usually busy and must place great emphasis on time allocation. The following are some guidelines that managers should follow to manage their time more effectively:

1. Develop a time management plan. Remember that you run your business/department and you know what you have to achieve. Sit down and analyze your average daily activities and how you could most effectively accomplish them.

2. Write things down. It’s a simple thing that we can all do to make our lives easier. Write down critical activities at night for the next day’s work. Check off activities as you complete them and move down the list.

3. Set specific daily, weekly, and monthly goals. Don’t set goals that you know will be a piece of cake, nor should you set goals that take you too far. Be ambitious but not obsessive.

4. Prioritize. Take the time to identify your most critical tasks. The 80/20 method is a good guide to follow. Identify the 20% of tasks that are most important and focus on them by finishing them first or reserving a firm block at some point in the day to get them done.

5. Eliminate waste. Identify the moments of the day when you are not being productive or are wasting time and do what you can to eliminate them. If you’re supposed to meet with your boss and you tend to be late, make sure you schedule your routine tasks before that meeting so you don’t get stuck doing nothing.

6. Be flexible. As a manager leading subordinates, you must make time to address their needs and problems. Develop a routine, perhaps set aside a specific time in the day when they can approach you on various topics. Give them instructions when they have a problem that requires urgent attention.

7. Delegate more. Too many managers take on too much work because they feel pressure from their superiors. Most of the time, training a subordinate to perform a task will free them up to focus on more important things. When done correctly, subordinates appreciate the trust you are showing them and will try to get the task done smoothly.

8. Invest in and use time management tools. There are a number of software options that are great for keeping you up to date.

9. Get comfortable saying “no” to people. A good time manager must keep his priorities in mind and not give in to things that will throw him off track. Pleasing people is not his main goal. Also, if you give them a brief explanation, they should understand.

There are too many managers out there with sub-standard time management skills. Following these simple guidelines can help you take your management progress to the next level.