“Who has time? But if we do not ever take time, how can we ever have time?”
The Merovingian, Matrix Trilogy
When I deliver a workshop, one of the first things I share is that I do not follow my own agenda. Here is why; I do not want to put the learning opportunities into a box or constrict the possibilities to expand and discuss what would be more relevant for the group. I want the learners to dictate the flow (to a point mind). Randomness and unexpected moments can have an adverse effect to what you need to accomplish if you have, say a two management leadership course. So time always matters, even if it ends up be flexible, adaptable or improvisational.
Time management is always a desired topic when I work with store managers. They want the thing that will make their time…uhhm, better managed? Listen, if you want a tool to better manage your time, go buy one. The thing I feel the most credible in delivering managing time is not the tool, but the process of prioritization. It focuses on one’s ability to prioritize what matters, what doesn’t, what can be delegated and what absolutely needs to be done on behalf of the business. To me, this decision making process is the “thing” that best manages our time. By the way, we all get the same amount of time as everyone else. Just an FYI.
I have been delivering a two-day course for the past month plus and every session has been different. I have always had to make it two-days in length. However, in some cases, I have had to work around time constraints (attendee needs, flights, etc). I have had to pick and choose my battles to meet that time target, while simultaneously adapting to the needs of the learners. Time becomes both rigid and flexible. This is the challenge. It always will be as my philosophy dictates my not sticking to an agenda.
Store managers must also embrace this whole prioritization thing. What takes precedence? What is essential? What can be delegated? What is sacred? What if the business dictating? Or the team or the boss or the customer?
Perhaps the best way to close this concept is a remark made this afternoon by a store manager. His priority, his high priority is anything that won’t get him fired. How real is that?
Cheers