Managing Yourself for Success

A person who’s committed to success won’t allow him/herself to break stride, no matter how tempting it might be to “take things easy for a month or two”.

A Personal Story

My friend had joined a smallMidwest manufacturing company about 15 years ago as a systems analyst. About the same time, another young man came aboard as an accountant. Both were aggressive go-getter types.

About three years ago, both men were made department heads. At this point, my friend took a breather. He felt his achievement allowed him to take it a little easier and enjoy his newly-won position.

But his counterpart didn’t feel he’d graduated to the easy life. He looked on his new position not as a victory won, but as a new battle to be waged. He figured that unless he tackled an area that has always been difficult for him – personally managing and motivating people – he would not be meeting the real demands of the new job. So he intensified his efforts, and mastered the art of managing people.

Last May 1, this man became executive vice president of the company, and heir apparent for the top spot. My friend still heads his department.

Determination to set and meet personal challenges

Some suggestions:• Make time work for you• Personalize corporate goals•Set short-range objectives• Search out tough jobs

Techniques to Use Time More Productively

Telephone Interruptions1. Take no calls when busy –

call back2. Make calls back in a

group3. Delegate discussion and

response to others4. Be brief – say “Thanks

for calling” or “I have another call”

Drop-in Visitors1. Have secretary interrupt2. Stand up - conversations are

shorter3. Move to door to indicate you

have another commitment4. Delegate – encourage

initiative by assistants5. Socialize elsewhere

Meetings1. Test the need for “regular” meetings2. Develop a purpose and agenda for each meeting3. Start on time4. Summarize conclusions and assign action to individuals

Techniques to Use Time More Productively

Scheduled Appointments1. Delegate Whenever Possible2. Don’t schedule yourself too

tightly3. Make daily to do list –

Prioritize A, B, C.4. Ask what is best use of time

right now - Use wait time to accomplish A priority

Handle Paper1. Don’t put it down unless

you are dong something about it

2. Write replies on original correspondence

3. Use secretary to help4. Throw out junk mail5. Use email rather than

telephone or mail to handle situation