Time Management Seminars

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Most time-management seminars, which range in length from a few hours to three days, take one of two approaches to teaching time management. One is the gimmick approach, in which hundreds of time-saving tips are tossed out for managers to pick and choose. They suggest, for example: don't face your desk toward an open door because it invites interruptions; don't eat heavy lunches; cut down on the number of meetings you attend; hire a good secretary to screen your mail and answer the phone. These approaches don't depend on a body of knowledge or a theory base. Rather, they are a compilation of handy hints, some of which can be very effective in the organization and utilization of a Manager’s time.
The other approach is more systematic and is based on developing effective Work habits rather than saving a few minutes here and there. For example, it suggests managers learn how to say no to people (including the boss) who want to divert them from the work they are doing and not waste time regretting failures or letting subordinates manipulate them into doing their thinking or them.
In our opinion, time management is nothing more than applying tm' principles of management to ourselves. So, as a basis for our discussion of managing time, it is probably a good idea to start with a fundamental review of the management process. Whether we're managing a large-scale organization, one secretary or ourselves, the process of management is composed of four simple steps:

• Try to understand what you are trying to accomplish.
• Organize your activities.
• Achieve results.
• Evaluate what has happened.