Here's how you can juggle work-life balance and meet deadlines.
Balancing work and personal life while meeting deadlines can feel like a high-wire act. You're not alone if you've struggled to keep all the balls in the air without dropping one. The key is to develop a set of problem-solving skills that allow you to navigate through your tasks efficiently without sacrificing your well-being. Let's explore how you can juggle work-life balance and meet deadlines with some strategic approaches.
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Igor PejinHead of production I Automotive | Problem solving | Projects | 10 years in automotive I Lead 2000 employees
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AMAN SETHI (Author)Top Voice- Problem Solving | Subject Matter Expert- Hays| Ex- Accenture | SAP ERP | S4 Hana | Team Player | Self…
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Rahul SawhneyEngineering Leader | Senior Software Engineering Manager @ Microsoft (Azure Data SQL) | Author of Book Titled…
When your to-do list seems endless, prioritizing tasks can be your lifeline. Start by identifying what's urgent and important, and tackle those tasks first. This is known as the Eisenhower Matrix, a time management tool that helps you decide on and prioritize tasks by urgency and importance, sorting out less urgent and important tasks which you should either delegate or not do at all. Remember, not everything that demands your attention is truly critical to your work or personal life.
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The simple way of answering this question is everyone has 24 hours. The only difference that will matter is how one manages these hours. If need to achieve something extra then for that extra some things needs and to be sacrificed and that is a mandate with no shortcuts or alternatives.
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One thing i have found useful is to prioritise your day and make a mental map. As a leader it’s important to break your day into small chunks: 1. For 1:1 with team members 2. For planned meetings 3. For technical work, it could be code review or design documentation or technical discussion or coding 4. Keeping watch on the component metrics, open incidents, replying to emails etc. This not only helps you clearly plan day better but, also makes you prioritise only the important tasks that needs to be accomplished.
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Prioritizing tasks is essential for managing your workload effectively and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Here's a guide on how to prioritize tasks: -Identify Urgent and Important Tasks: Assess tasks based on urgency and importance. -Use the Eisenhower Matrix: Urgent and Important Do first. Important but Not Urgent Schedule. Urgent but Not Important Delegate. Not Urgent and Not Important Avoid. -Set Clear Deadlines: Assign deadlines to create urgency. -Consider Impact and Consequences: Focus on tasks with significant positive outcomes. -Be Flexible and Adapt: Regularly review and adjust priorities. -Seek Input and Feedback: Consult with colleagues or mentors for insights. -Stay Organized: Use a to-do list.
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On travaille pour vivre on ne vit pas uniquement pour travailler. En ce qui concerne ma propre vision la vie de famille est très importante et irremplaçable. Le travail on peut le rattraper le perfectionner mais hélas la famille les proches les gens qu'on aime dans cette vie s'ils partent les bons moments partiront avec eux et ne reviendront jamais. Donc pour mieux expliquer cet équilibre il faut investir plus dans sa vie familiale que dans sa vie professionnelle. Ça reste une vision personnelle.
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There is no one size fits all with respect to prioritisation of tasks, it will depend on the task at hand and individual working style. Some ideas that may work are: - Schedule time to avoid distractions to concentrate on completing the task - Only work on one task at a time and complete it before moving onto the next - Don't be afraid to ask for help and check in to avoid veering off-course and most importantly, keep an open dialogue with your stakeholders.
Allocating specific time blocks to different activities can significantly improve your productivity. By setting aside dedicated time for work tasks, personal time, and rest, you ensure that each aspect of your life receives the attention it deserves. This method, often referred to as time blocking or time boxing, helps prevent tasks from bleeding into your personal life, allowing you to be fully present in whatever you're doing, whether that's finishing a report or enjoying dinner with family.
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What I have come to accept as a time blocking mantra is "pay yourself first". The term is from finance, but in its literal sense it is absolutely applicable in all spheres of life. So, time blocking helps us to prioritize our tasks first, giving others as much time as we want. If it's the other way around (and in most cases it is), from intense meetings, work comes down to "go with the flow" and that's a trap that every manager must avoid.
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List all tasks you need to complete, including work responsibilities, personal errands, and self-care activities. Divide your day into blocks of time, each dedicated to a specific category or task. Ensure that you allocate realistic amounts of time to each task based on its priority and complexity.
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Intentionally blocking time to think strategically and deeply is critical in today’s business landscape. Remember, the best thing about YOUR calendar is that YOU control it!
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Allocating specific time blocks to activities can boost productivity. Time blocking ensures dedicated periods for work, personal time, and rest, giving each area the attention it deserves. This method prevents tasks from encroaching on personal life, allowing you to be fully present in each moment. Whether finishing a report or enjoying family dinner, time blocking keeps you focused and balanced.
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Let's face it, life can get crazy sometimes! That's why I've learned to prioritize my time by breaking it down into manageable chunks. I call them my "time blocks". By dedicating specific times of the day to work, relaxation and personal activities, I avoid the chaos of multitasking and actually get to enjoy each moment. No more work creeping into my personal time or feeling guilty for taking a break! With time blocks, I'm more focused, productive and present in everything I do - from tackling projects to sharing laughs with loved ones. It's all about finding that sweet spot of balance and making the most of my time.
Delegation is not a sign of weakness but a strategic move to manage your workload effectively. Identify tasks that others can handle and pass them on. This frees up your time for high-priority activities that require your expertise. When delegating, be clear about expectations and deadlines to ensure tasks are completed efficiently. Remember, trusting colleagues or family members with responsibilities can also empower them and help build a supportive network.
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As departments grow and evolve, so do the activities performed - do not be nervous of training / developing your team to specialise in specific subjects and allow them to become the experts. Then you can feel confident to delegate. Remember the golden rule, you do not need to know the answer to everything, but you do need to know who to ask to provide the answer.
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Na indústria da mineração, a delegação de tarefas é essencial para garantir a eficiência e o bom andamento das operações. Identificar tarefas que podem ser repassadas para outros membros da equipe ou parceiros de negócios é fundamental para gerenciar a carga de trabalho de forma eficaz. Ao delegar tarefas na mineração, é importante ser claro sobre as expectativas e prazos, garantindo que as atividades sejam concluídas de forma eficiente. Isso libera tempo para os profissionais focarem em tarefas de alta prioridade que exigem sua expertise e conhecimento especializado. Além disso, ao delegar responsabilidades, também estamos capacitando nossos colegas de equipe e construindo uma rede de apoio sólida dentro da empresa.
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You must also provide grace for those that will make mistakes and use that to help them grow and also to help you better explain any expectations or needs in the future.
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Strategic delegation is critical for meeting timelines. However, just as important is also deciding when to say “no” to scope creep or reaching out for help in unforeseen circumstances.
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For me the urgent important quadrant helps in deciding the tasks which can be delegated so that I can focus on important tasks. I try to keep urgent important cell sparse to avoid pressure and achieve work-life balance.
Multitasking might seem like a good idea, but it can actually hamper your productivity and lead to mistakes. Instead, focus on one task at a time. This approach, known as single-tasking, allows you to give your full attention to the task at hand, resulting in higher quality work and fewer errors. When you complete a task, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment that can motivate you to tackle the next challenge with renewed focus.
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Multitasking might seem like a time-saver, but it's actually a productivity killer in disguise. It often leads to mistakes and lower-quality work. Instead, try single-tasking. Focus on one task at a time to improve your concentration and the quality of your work. When you finish tasks individually, you get a sense of accomplishment that boosts your motivation. For more on how multitasking affects attention, check out "Attention Span" ["O Poder da Atenção", in my translation, published by Alta Books in Brazil] by Gloria Mark.
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Mohamed Madkour
Sr. Technical Manager @ Depa Group | Interior Design Management | LinkedIn Top Voice
Multitasking can result in the following: 1. Decreased productivity. 2. Lower quality of work. 3. Increased stress. 4. Reduced focus. 5. Ineffective time management.
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I would replace "Avoid Multitasking" with "Stay focused": a positive statement. The explanation could be rephrased accordingly.
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Huge no for me folks. If you are multi tasking, you are not managing your time efficiently, you are not participating 100% in the task, and you should seriously consider deligating!
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I got told off by one of my staff. I was logged into a Teams meeting but blogging at the same time. Just because you can, doesn't mean that you should. When Blackberries first came on the scene, I remember sitting in a meeting with a legal officer who spent the whole meeting head down answering emails. I remember thinking, why is he here? Cut forward 20 years and I am logged into a meeting and doing emails, blogging and doing everything else other than being present. If you have been meeting nap, deal with that head on and don't go. Otherwise, camera on, pay attention and contribute...its not hard (thanks for the feedback)
Managing stress is crucial for maintaining work-life balance and meeting deadlines. Develop stress-reduction techniques that work for you, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. By keeping stress in check, you'll maintain a clear head, which is essential for problem-solving and decision-making. Remember, taking care of your mental health is not a luxury; it's a necessity that enables you to perform at your best both professionally and personally.
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No setor da mineração, o estresse é uma realidade constante devido aos desafios e pressões do ambiente de trabalho, como prazos apertados, segurança no trabalho e demandas físicas e mentais intensas. Portanto, é fundamental que os profissionais da mineração também aprendam a gerenciar o estresse de forma eficaz. Para os trabalhadores da mineração, é importante desenvolver técnicas de redução do estresse que sejam adequadas ao ambiente de trabalho, como a prática de exercícios físicos para aliviar a tensão acumulada, a meditação para relaxar a mente e a prática de hobbies para desconectar do trabalho e recarregar as energias.
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Managing stress is not as hard as you think. A few practices like regular 30 minutes meditation can help gradually increasing your stress handling level. Bunch of tasks at a time previously might seem chaotic but after decent months of regular meditation same amount of task might feel easier
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Managing stress is crucial for maintaining work-life balance and meeting deadlines effectively. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as regular exercise, meditation, and hobbies into your routine. These activities help keep your stress levels in check, ensuring you stay focused and clear-headed. Prioritizing your mental health enables you to handle work pressures better and perform at your best both professionally and personally.
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To manage stress effectively, I incorporate mindfulness practices such as meditation and regular exercise into my routine. Additionally, I advocate for a healthy work-life culture within my team, encouraging breaks and promoting a supportive atmosphere where team members feel comfortable discussing their challenges. It is also important to know yourself and practice self-checks and reflections to recognize early signs of being negatively impacted by stress. In these times, having the self-control to take a break and take care of yourself is crucial.
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When it comes to stress management, remember that you don't have to follow what others do, like meditating, going for a walk, or spending time with friends. There are many stress-relief methods, and you need to find what works best for you. You might prefer listening to your favorite songs and daydreaming or mentally imagining yourself in a calm environment. In conclusion, stress management should be personalized to your style.
Leverage technology to streamline your workflow and stay organized. There are various tools and apps designed to help with task management, scheduling, and communication. By using these technologies effectively, you can keep track of deadlines, collaborate with others, and automate repetitive tasks. This not only saves time but also reduces the mental load of having to remember every detail, allowing you to focus on the bigger picture.
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There was a great book written by Jim Benson called, “Personal Kanban” that really struck a chord with me about applying the Lean principles of Kanban on a personal level. There are many tools out there that help facilitate the process (e.g. Trello, Monday.com, Jira). But “a fool with a tool is still a fool” The key is to understand how to use the tool effectively to solve your problem. Have a good process first.
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Now in this era, smart work is always preferred over hard work and technology comes in handy.This enables us to save time, effort and resources. Following are some of the best tech platforms:- 1) Content from Chat GPT. 2) Audio & Visual from Youtube. 3) Search from Google search engine. 4) Data stored from One drive.\ 5) Networkig from Linked In, Facebook & Instagram. 6) Marketing reach from Google ads, Facebook and youtube ads.
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One thing I’ve found helpful is use your phone to it’s full potential. Write everything in your calendar, create a to do list for motivation, create reminders that go off to never forget, make an alarm for a mandatory break to relieve stress, etc…
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Harnessing technology is instrumental in optimizing workflow efficiency and maintaining organizational prowess. Utilizing task management tools, scheduling apps, and communication platforms enables seamless coordination and productivity. These technologies empower you to track deadlines meticulously, foster collaboration effortlessly, and automate routine tasks efficiently. By leveraging such tools effectively, you minimize the cognitive burden of remembering every detail, freeing up mental bandwidth to focus on strategic initiatives and overarching goals. Embracing technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also cultivates a more organized and agile approach to work thereby boosting productivity and achieving sustained success
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My view is that , if we use technology in terms of works of any field will be very beneficial and we can reduce time for the activities so we sud use technology which can reduce time and benefits can be doubled at the same time , So I think it is better to use technology to reduce time for the same activities executed.. !!
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Balancing work and life while meeting deadlines can be a tricky act, but from my own journey, finding this balance has been key to staying happy and productive: 7) Set Boundaries: Clearly define work and personal time. This helps prevent burnout and ensures you have quality time for yourself and loved ones. Trust me, your productivity will thank you! 8) Take Breaks: Regular short breaks can boost your focus and energy. A quick walk or a coffee break can do wonders for your efficiency and mental well-being. 9) Reflect and Adjust: Regularly review what’s working and what isn’t. Flexibility allows you to tweak your approach, ensuring you stay on top of deadlines without sacrificing your personal life.
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Work life Balance is relative for all and no single formula works for all. It depends on care area on person to person basis. Based on my experience: 1. Set right realistic expectations at work and equally at personal front, so that they are always met without any disappointments and conflicts. Things that you know you can fulfill without undergoing any stress and pressure Negotiate well. 2. Seek the right source for help if needed at work or personal front for it is okay to seek help and also equally be helpful when needed. 3.Create understanding relationships at work and at personal front which helps quick decisions and smoother results. Personal front , you will not confront complains but are respected for being transparent and honest.
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I was recently reminded that all my focus lately has been on blocking time to do this, and blocking time to do that in order to manage the work-life balance that I seek to maintain. But I need more work on blocking time to get to where I need to be and to return. So I am making a conscious effort to create pre-meeting preparation blocks and post-meeting debriefing blocks so I don’t get stressed and anxious when start times overlap with finish times and I’m not yet where I need to be (either physically or psychologically). Slowing down the overall pace of day helps.
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Learn to Say No: Understand your limits and don't take on more than you can handle. Decline additional tasks that could compromise your existing commitments.
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"𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙩𝙝 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜." – Benjamin Franklin Beyond the strategies already mentioned, I believe it's important to regularly reflect and adapt our methods to evolving circumstances. Continuous improvement in our approach to our personal work-life balance and deadline management ensures that we remain agile and effective in all aspects of our professional and personal lives. Regularly soliciting feedback from our teams and loved ones can provide valuable insights for further refinement. And take professional help if necessary!
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