Mastering Time Allocation

Mastering Time Allocation

Time is one thing we all wish we had more of. It’s a resource we can’t create or slow down, so managing it wisely is crucial—especially as a manager. The truth is, you can’t force productivity just by cramming more into your day.

Ever feel like you're doing too much with too little time? That’s what happens when you fall into the trap of trying to squeeze more and more out of your schedule. Jam-packed calendars, back-to-back meetings, and no breathing room. Sound familiar? It can be exhausting and lead to constant anxiety. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

A Smarter Approach to Time

Effective managers take a different approach. They treat time like a container—there’s only so much of it, and while the to-do list is endless, the secret is knowing how to balance short-term and long-term tasks.

• Short-term tasks: These feel urgent and scream for your attention.
• Long-term tasks: These are often more important but require patience and a longer view.

Think of it like cooking. You can rush a quick meal, but you can’t speed up a gourmet dish—it takes time. Similarly, trying to rush through a big project just doesn’t work.

What’s Short-Term vs. Long-Term for You?

This really depends on what’s on your plate. For you, maybe short-term means today and tomorrow. For others, it could be two weeks. And long-term? Maybe it’s quarterly or annual goals, or even a five-year vision.

Prioritize to Stay on Track

To make the most of your time, focus on tasks that drive you toward your goals. Both short- and long-term activities have their big and small moments.

• Minor tasks: Checking routine emails or attending a basic meeting.
• Major tasks: Prepping for a key presentation or gathering info for an important bid.

One trick? Clear the “work clutter.” You know those distractions that pop up—unplanned calls, unexpected visitors, or that crisis that just appeared out of nowhere? On top of that, personal habits like not delegating or saying “yes” too often can also burn up your time.

Balancing Urgency and Importance

Here’s where the magic happens: Not everything that’s urgent is important. Some tasks need your attention ASAP, but others? You can defer them. Maybe you need to schedule a big planning session for the future (urgent but long-term), while handling routine calls can wait (short-term and low priority).

No One-Size-Fits-All

There’s no perfect formula for time management. It’s all about how you balance short-term needs with long-term goals. So, how do you approach it? By keeping urgency and importance in check, you can move steadily toward your big-picture success.

To effectively manage your time as a sales manager and achieve long-term success, focus on the following:

• Prioritize tasks based on importance: Don’t let urgent but minor tasks overshadow what truly drives results.
• Balance short-term and long-term goals: Keep daily tasks in check while always maintaining a strategic vision for the future.
• Clear out distractions: Eliminate “work clutter” by delegating, setting boundaries, and staying focused on high-impact activities.
• Know your limits: Remember, time is finite. Smart managers know when to say “no” and avoid overloading their schedules.

The time to take control of your schedule is now. By implementing these principles, you’ll not only reduce stress but also lead your team toward greater productivity and success.

Angel Salinas

Sales Growth Advisor at Sandler Training San Antonio

www.ssa.sandler.com