Do you know or at least have you heard of the Eisenhower Matrix? Also known as the Urgent-Important Matrix, it is a time management tool created by the 34th president of the United States, Dwight Eisenhower (1890-1969), supreme commander of the Allied Forces in Europe, during World War II
He used it to make decisions and prioritize tasks based on two main criteria: urgency and importance. The matrix divides the tasks into four quadrants, what allows a clear view of where to focus efforts and how to organize time more efficiently
You know what? I am sure you need a tool like this to help you get organized and do the same for your team. Based on the original matrix, I made an adaptation that can be applied to the reality of most people. I called it the "Square of Priorities", given the greater ease of establishing the name
Firstly, understand: to optimize time management and increase productivity, worry about what really matters amidst the countless tasks of everyday life. When you feel like you are losing control of time, breathe deeply and assess your activities clearly. Ask yourself: is the current task essential to achieving your goals? Is there anything that can be delegated or postponed
At another time, list all the tasks and activities you need to carry out. Classify each one according to its urgency and importance. And position them in the appropriate quadrants of the matrix
The matrix helps to differentiate what truly deserves immediate attention from what can be planned for the future or eliminated. Less time spent on unimportant activities and more focus on tasks that really matter result in less stress
The "Square of Priorities", which also divides the tasks into four quadrants, it is a powerful tool for anyone looking to improve their time management, making more conscious and balanced decisions about how to spend your time and energy
When using it, you will notice a positive change in the relationship between time and the completion of your tasks
Important and urgentyou need to do this activity TODAY, because it has a deadline and is essential for development (yours and the company's). If NOT carried out, this will cause some kind of loss for you, someone or the organization. Examples: settle an invoice or submit a proposal by the deadline
Important (but not urgent)tasks that must be developed as soon as possible. They do not have such a strict deadline (like that of a payment slip or a legal appeal). When it is executed, will generate some type of opportunity or benefit for you, someone or the company. Examples: schedule a meeting with a potential client; produce a video to promote your product; hold a videoconference with the supplier of a new item
Urgent (but not so important)tasks with a deadline for TODAY (if not completed now, the opportunity is lost, but are not so prioritized. Generally, do not cause significant losses if not completed, but they can bring some benefit if carried out. Examples: participating in a training event or in a technical committee meeting
Not urgent and not importantthey are jobs that are on your list, but they can wait or, who knows, even being delegated or eliminated. Examples: responding to messages on social media, select the model of the new air conditioner for the office or choose the outfit for a party at the weekend
Even after these clarifications, the challenge remains to resist the temptation to prioritize the tasks in quadrant "D", what, despite being simple or pleasant, divert attention from the most essential tasks
As a strategy, use the "D" quadrant as a reward: after completing a group of important tasks, give yourself a break with a lighter activity. In this way, you maintain productivity while enjoying moments of pure leisure
More than a technical skill, time management also requires discipline, planning and a mindset focused on effectiveness and leadership. You can believe it
