Prioritize

Prioritizing is "top of mind" for me this week as I am preparing for my comprehensive exams in my PhD program. There are lots of good ways to prioritize or weigh the relative value of certain activities. The one that I like is the A,B,C system because it forces you to consider what really is the most important.

Now, my system might be a little different than what you would use, so please change the language to make sense for you and your situation. Here's a legend for ABC:

A = Push - If I don't do this, I'll get fired or divorced
Pull - I love this type of activity and it makes me the most money/satisfaction

B = Push - This task will prevent a important losses, reduce the risk of aggravating an important customer/partner/spouse.
Pull - This is important work that I enjoy and it can increase my profitability and career advancement and make my partner/spouse/customer happier.

C = Push - Someone wants this right now, but it's not a high priority. It came up on my email/voicemail so I might as well do it now, even though I am working on more important tasks. I don't trust anyone to who I can delegate this low value task.
Pull - I really enjoy this task even though it adds little value compared to other tasks I could be doing.

It is true that certain tasks change in value, so it is important to be aware of that fact. Some tasks become more work if they are put off and thus, what looks like a C, may actually be a B.

Try this out and let me know how it works for you. What types of descriptions work for you for A, B & C? See if you can accomplish more tasks in the A - Pull category and reflect on how that made your week go. Share the fact that you are prioritizing with anyone who might unwittingly interfere with your prioritization scheme. Consider having blocked time for certain types of meetings and quiet project time as well.

Time is something like money, if we have more of it, we'll find a use for it. Just like money, it's important to use your time well on the most valuable tasks.

Be Happy and Productive!

Shaun

Shaun G. Jamison (C) 2005 All Rights Reserved.