The most successful professionals have exceptional time management skills. If you don't have strong time management skills, that's okay. Like any skill, time management skills can be developed.
We recently asked our leading executives about their best time management hacks.
Here are their responses...
Percy Leon, Digital Media Content Executive
You've probably heard of "time hacks" by now if you're a video creator, a YouTube manager, or just someone who needs to maximize their time while working.
Time-saving techniques are basically ways to be more productive at work and do more tasks faster.
You can utilize a few different tactics to make the most of your time. I do the following things, to name a few.
The first thing I do is make a schedule I can follow. I know I'll be able to focus and make the most of the time I have if I have a plan of action for each day and know what needs to be done and when.
Over the entire month, I aim to develop and batch my stuff, having enough for LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube long form, and YouTube shorts.
I divide my tasks into manageable portions and complete each one one at a time. This is another crucial time-saving technique.
This enables me to concentrate on each activity and complete it more quickly. I discovered various apps, like Notion, to keep track of what needs to be done so that you don't forget anything.
Limiting distractions is a third time-saving trick. I mute my phone, turn off notifications, even if I find this to be a challenge, and concentrate on the task at hand. That way, I won't be seduced by diversions all the time and can accomplish more in less time.
I try to take breaks throughout the day. This helps my mind recharge and I’m able to continue with the task I set out to do.
By creating a schedule, breaking out each task into smaller chunks, limiting distractions, and taking breaks throughout the day, I’m able to get more done in less time and be more productive.
Percy Leon is a digital media content producer specializing in educational technology and entertainment. He is interested in web3, metaverse, and the use of virtual reality for storytelling.
Kathryn Marshburn, Music Program Manager
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I thought I was a great multi-tasker as a businesswoman until I saw a video on Nick Cannon and Amber Grimes when I saw how they both work in the music industry. They are on time, work like no other, efficiently work, treating the housekeeping staff the same as a client. Always having a positive attitude and always showing up. I borrowed a life hack from Nick, where he has a daily list of his to-dos, but always adds the last item where he makes time to do at least one favor a day for someone. This is one of my favorite topics: how do we share our experiences and mold and guide the next generation?
I value sharing my perspective with Gen Z and millennials about the music industry and how staff should be treated. I have many students and industry folks that reach out to me to ask questions about the industry in LA and connecting with these requests is important to me.
My favorite time-saving hack is to follow the Nick Cannon style of working and do favors and serve others. But because there are so many requests, I had to come up with an organizational plan.
I reserve 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm every single Friday to allow for time in my calendar to serve others and share what I know about the music industry. I schedule 30-minute calls, back to back, for anyone who wants to chat on music, needs advice, needs to connect, or is looking for resources. This helps me to plan ahead and group requests together.
I'm a big believer in paying it forward as so many people, especially women, kicked down so many doors for me.
Kathryn Marshburn has spent 12+ years in the music and gaming industries guiding teams on identifying targeted goals with an agile approach resulting in driving revenue and reducing risk.
Mark Taylor, Product & Operations Executive
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Self-prioritisation. Identify the current “axis of power” in your work and align what you are doing with that.
For example, I gave an update every Monday to the CEO on the status of a number of projects that had previously been languishing.
I knew the CEO’s expectations: 1) that everyone involved in the projects was working well together, and 2) that what we said was going to be done was actually being addressed in a timely and accurate manner.
I spent a good amount of my week getting status updates, fact-checking, and thinking ahead for possible questions. I blended these into a truth-based, expectation-meeting story by the time Monday’s meeting arrived.
This is where the “axis of power” comes in. If the CEO thought I was getting things done and doing a good job, it didn’t matter what anyone else thought—and I lived to fight another day...
Mark Taylor has 20+ years of risk, technology, and product management experience working in global and regional financial services firms in the UK and the U.S. He's managed teams of 40+, successfully addressed 100+ regulatory issues, and has saved companies $15M+.
Carla Biasi, Personal Stylist
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Delegation! As an executive, we are charged with hiring a highly competent team. Use the highly motivated in your group to assist with tasks and responsibilities. This also helps acclimate them to different skills, and you have the opportunity to discover hidden talents in your staff. Your employees will love the collaborative environment!
Carla Biasi is a personal stylist living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She currently has her own business and works part-time at an upscale women's boutique and as a virtual and kit stylist for a women’s specialty brand.
What's the best time management hack you use on the job? Join the conversation inside Work It Daily's Executive Program.
