We’ve talked extensively on the many facets of being a great leader and good boss. As we mentioned, being a good boss requires a lot of juggling and great balance, which is why one characteristic of being a great leader is being well organized. But, sometimes, your to-do list needs work.
The same, however, goes for any person in the office. More often than not, we are required to take on a number of different tasks throughout the day. If we want to succeed, we need to take certain steps in order to help us find the time to complete all these tasks efficiently and perfectly.
That’s why over the next couple of posts, we are going to talk about one of the best ways to get yourself organized and on your way to success: the to-do list.
Here are our top 3 reasons why you need to work on your to do list:
1. It helps you focus.
Harvard Business Review contributor Ron Friedman likens the to-do list at your desk to the mise-en-place or “everything in its place” of the kitchen.
“For the experienced chef, mise-en-place represents more than a quaint practice or a time-saving technique. It’s a state of mind,” writes Friedman.
In short, what Friedman is referring to is the attention and focus you can place on the tasks at hand simply by orienting yourself with a to-do list that will ensure you know exactly where everything is at.
2. It helps you visualize what’s most important.
Having a to-do list is a great way to help you figure out the most important tasks you need to get done during the day, ensuring that you aren’t scrambling when your superiors are requesting that you turn in a certain assignment.
Likewise, having that kind of visual can help you make sure that you are taking your time on certain projects rather than rushing them because you have to get them in. A to-do list will help because you will know exactly when everything is due and how much time you need to complete them.
3. It keeps you better prepared for the unexpected.
When you have a to-do list, you should be able to know exactly how long each and every task takes to complete. So when something unexpected happens, (i.e. an emergency meeting or a quick assignment) you can just take a look at your to-do list and see how to manage yourself from that point forward. It ensures that you start everything that needs to be done right away, as well as know what tasks can temporarily be put on the back-burner.