Unit 3: Writing Assignment Prompt: Following analysis of the reading assignments and self-reflection, describe the role of communication in effective leadership. Discuss your own administration style
MSL 601 Introduction to Graduate Education Belhaven University Unit Three Time Management Topics Covered in this Lecture  God is first: Sabbath, prayer, and meditation  Principles for managing time  Prioritizing  Focus  Family and personal considerations  Supportive tools  Time management strategies God is First!  Sabbath  Prayer  Meditation Principles for Managing Your Time  Common concepts  Time is a commodity  Time is money  Time is of the essence  Giving of your time Principles, cont.  Benefits of time management:  Maximize productivity  Achieve goals  Supports a balanced life with God being first Everyone is Unique  Know yourself:  Time conscience – Some people keep a very strict account of time.  Time oblivious – Some people are always late and are oblivious to deadlines and schedules.  Time procrastinators – This personality type is aware of deadlines and schedules but puts off tasks until the last minute. Evaluate Your Activities  Time Analysis:  Document daily activities  Create list of tasks  Set a deadline to accomplish tasks  Document time spent on tasks  Analyze amount of time spent  Identify wasted time Redeem Your Time  Every minute counts  Plan to use gaps that occur each day  Five minutes reclaimed here, and ten minutes there can add up to a substantial amount  Say “no!” Focus  Find a place to study that works and stick with it.  Tackle difficult subjects or sections first  Avoid cramming at last minute  Set up a weekly schedule with equal daily allotments. Set Goals  Setting goals is vital for effective time management.  Identify what needs to be to accomplished  Goals add focus S.M.A.R.T. Goals  Specific  Measurable  Attainable  Realistic  Time specific Prioritize  Scan your “to do list”  Flag urgent items from nonurgent items  Break up larger tasks Application of Principles  Each day make a daily plan of activities/tasks  Prioritize list of daily tasks  Eliminate nonessentials  Delegate if possible  Factor enough time to do the task right Application of Principles, cont.  Evaluate effectiveness regularly  Take regular breaks  Identify distractions and eliminate them  Do not neglect physical exercise and diet Signs of Poor Time Management  Constant rushing  Missed deadlines  Work overload  Sense of being overwhelmed  Indecision Take my yoke upon you  Stop and pray  Look to Jesus  Meditate on Matthew. 11:28 -30 Pareto Principle  Pareto Principle or 80/20 rule  20% of your time accomplishes 80% of your tasks  20% of priorities produce 80% or results Operational vs. Inspirational goals  S.M.A.R.T. goals are not enough  Balance assignments from the program with your assignment from God.  Connect with life calling  Personal spiritual goals  Personal responsibilities Inspirational goals  Link values with goals  Consider behavioral changes  Meditate on relevant scripture  Supporting ministry goals  Christ is our standard Motivation  Beliefs supersede “need” motivations  Beliefs distinct from desires  According to Rima (2000 ), there are four motivational factors  Basic needs  Physiological needs  Willful desires  Significant beliefs Family and Personal Considerations  Don’t neglect your family  Establish quality time  Schedule special activities  Ask for their support  Make educational goals a family effort  Take time to sharpen your axe Supportive Tools  Note taking software  Bibliography and research software  Scheduling software  Daily planners  Reminders  Databases  Internet accessibility Ad hoc Tips  Value all of your time as something to be used  Look for something positive or enjoyable  Be an optimist  Build on previous successes  Move on from previous failures Ad hoc Tips, cont.  Make time for what is really important  Challenge yourself to find new approaches to free up your time.  Evaluate unproductive habits  Keep supportive tools handy  Revise goals as needed  Be mindful of long term goals Ad hoc Tips, cont.  Review activities at the beginning and end of the day.  Pray over these activities  Reward yourself for simple accomplishments  Conduct self -check for wasting time  Ask yourself if you are avoiding a task  Concentrate on one item at a time  Ask for support and help from your cohorts or your professor. Self – Check List  Are you putting God first?  How frequently are your daily goals achieved?  How flexible are you in changing plans?  How frequent do you make plans on how to avoid distractions? Self – Check List, cont.  Are you documenting your time management plan?  Are you making time for personal obligations?  Are you allowing time for rest?  How frequently are you being interrupted? Time Management Strategy  Previous points provide the elements for developing strategic time management plan  Develop a plan that works for you  Assess your current situation  Needs  Obligations  Responsibilities Time Management Strategy, cont.  Set your short -term assignment goals on ongoing basis  Link with achieving long -term ministry and educational goals  Develop specific steps  Assess success  Revaluate what is working  Give God the glory This Concludes Unit 3  Recapping Unit 3  God is first: Sabbath, prayer, and meditation  Principles for managing time  Prioritizing and focusing  Family and personal considerations  Supportive tools  Time management strategies References  Dartmouth College (2001) Time tips. Academic skills center. Retrieved from http://www.dartmouth.edu/~acskills/succe ss /time.html  Nelson, D. L., Quick, J. C. (2006). Organizational behavior: Foundations, realities, & challenges. (5th. ed.). Mason, OH: Thomson South -Western. References, cont.  Mayo Clinic. (2009). Time management: Tips to reduce stress and improve productivity. retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/time – management/WL00048  Rima, S. D. (200). Leading from the inside out: The art of self -leadership. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.