Here's how you can optimize your time and tasks for maximum productivity.

One tipp for prioritization is to look at all the important tasks within your Eisenhower Matrix (both urgent and non-urgent) and add a label to all "strategic" tasks. These are tasks which have a high impact on your long term goals. Examples can be: -Tasks related to building a strong team. -Tasks related to your personal growth. -Tasks related to building your professional network. I reserve half a day per week for these type of tasks. You won't have time to do all strategic tasks immediately, but tracking them can help you maintaining progress towards your longterm goals.

My experience for planning when to do the tasks: do not make a blocker for each and every task. First of all, you'll spend way too much time filling your calendar. Second, you'll have difficulty in estimating time required for each and every task (and you'll lose time doing that). Third, usually your work schedule is already filled with tons of meetings, crowding it with more small blockers just makes it way too stuffed (and can look overwhelming. Instead, create blockers of 1.5 to 2 hours where you tackle a set of tasks.

It is understandably difficult to cut yourself off entirely when trying to limit interruptions. What I do is a tiered approach based on how strong the need for focus is of the respective task: 1. Moderate focus (e.g. simple data entry or replying to e-mails: >No special measures taken. 2. Strong focus (e.g. planning a meeting, creating a presentation deck, analyzing data): >Do not disturb functions turned on for my devices. >Headphones on. 3. Extreme focus (e.g. designing new processes/products/ideas, creative writing, learning complex topics): >Disconnect from internet. >Pen and paper, sometimes. (This is so Millenial, but helps me personally to focus).

Interruptions are the biggest productivity killers. One research says that when a deep work is interrupted, it takes “25 mins” on an average for a worker to recover and get back to the same intensity of work. Here are some practical ways: - Keep your coworkers (or family, if your work from home) informed of your work timings and DND schedules. - Use props, one of my friends has a red “On-Air” light sign (that they use in radio stations) outside their office, so that people know when to enter and when not to enter. - I wear a noise cancelling headphones whenever I get into deep work - I have positioned my workspace in a corner that has no distractions. Fiercely protect your deep work time and you will be more productive and efficient.

Categorize tasks based on urgency and importance. Tackle urgent and important tasks first, then schedule important but not urgent tasks. Delegate or eliminate urgent but unimportant tasks, and avoid unimportant and not urgent tasks altogether.

Leadership is also about delegating well. We can't do all the tasks all the time. The people and people around us have many unique skills that deserve recognition and attention, but most of all dedication to grow. Executives need to understand that a well-focused team is much more likely to achieve its goals than a team that does not pay as much attention to its talents.

Regularly reflect on your productivity strategies. What's working well? What adjustments can be made? Be willing to adapt and experiment to find the system that optimizes your time and maximizes your output.

Remember, efficiency is not about working harder, it's about working smarter. By implementing these strategies and tailoring them to your individual work style, you can significantly increase your productivity, achieve more in less time, and free up valuable time for strategic thinking and professional development.