Hello
,
If you're back at work - how is your week going so far?
Being late for a meeting or missing an appointment is a common problem and just one sign you're not good at managing your time. It may also be an inconvenience or frustration for others around you.
Reduce your stress and respect their time and yours by making sure you turn up on time for your meetings in 2016.
Most common
reasons for missing meetings and appointments:
- Not putting it in your diary - write it down, put it in your scheduler. Set a reminder.
- Not leaving enough time to get to the meeting ... door-to-door. Including time to find a parking space, walk to the meeting. Block out travel time around meetings.
- Avoid back-to-back meetings to save rushing between appointments or not leaving enough
time.
- Not allowing sufficient time for getting there, delays and hold-ups. Use route planners to get an idea of travel time. Add 20-25% or more depending on your route.
- Not knowing where you're going - check it out before you get there. Google maps and Streetview are very useful to see actually where you're going, whether you have SatNav or not.
You may think squeezing in one extra task or working up until the last
minute is an efficient use of your time but if it makes you late and stressed it's not.
Aim to arrive early, rather than 'just in time'. If you do get delayed, you can be on time rather than late.
Life happens, some delays are unavoidable. If you are going to be late or can't make it, let people know. Give as much notice as possible, so they can adjust or rearrange their
plans.
You might enjoy the time you now have free. If you've gained an unexpected hour or two, make the most of it.
Check how well you manage your time and what quick and easy changes you need to make for an easier, stress-free life
here.
Have a productive 2016,
Clare
Time Management & Productivity Coach
Author of Time Management For Dummies
