Priorities: What’s Hot and What’s Not
Submitted by Kelsey Penrose on Sat, 01/25/2020 - 10:28am
Last week, I wrote about overwhelm and how to approach it. But, there’s one part of the process of overcoming overwhelm that will trip you up if you don’t understand it - setting priorities.
Priorities fall under a number of categories:
- Critical priority. (Example: Something that has to be done in 24 hours, often has a consequence if not done)
- The deadline is approaching. (Example: Hard deadline, no moving it, often has penalties for missing)
- There is no deadline but you have pressure to complete it. (Example: Boss says I want it done but doesn’t give a timeline)
- I really enjoy doing it. (Example: Hobbies or just fun work projects)
- It’s important to people who are important to you. (Example: Your wife/husband/mom wants you to)
- It’s one of those things that must be done or things start to smell or go wrong. (Example: Washing dishes, changing the oil in the car)
- It’s on my to-do list. (Example: Self-improvement, home projects)
The consequence is known as severity. Severity is all about impact, on yourself or others. Deadlines are sometimes set arbitrarily. When that’s the case, a project with a soft deadline (or no deadline) can be hard to prioritize and gets pushed back - and back - and back. That’s when you need to order your priorities based on the severity (or impact) of not doing them.
Here are some examples from my own life. Apply priority (deadline) and severity scenarios to your to do list.
What happens if I don’t prioritize learning my lines for Odd Couple (opening at the Brewery Arts Center February 14)? Well, the deadline to have them memorized is next Wednesday. If I don’t have them memorized by then, the impact will be me not knowing my lines will slow down the last three weeks of rehearsals. The impact of still missing lines come opening night is a full audience’s experience, my fellow actors’ ability to perform, and my embarrassment.
What happens if I don’t prioritize renewing my vehicle registration? The last day it’s good is January 31. If I drive my vehicle after that without registration, I will get a ticket (severity).
The last thing you need to consider in prioritization is time to completion. If you can increase your energy with a quick win (something you can get done quickly) do it! The momentum you create will empower you to tackle a project that may take a little longer.
And whatever you do, don’t multitask! Multi-tasking causes time loss due to task switching which can swallow up to 30% of your productive time.
I’m so excited to hear how you apply these methods to your life and business. Repost the article to your social networks or comment below. The floor is yours, Carson City.
GET MOMENTUM EVERY MONDAY
I’m back at Adams Hub for Innovation every Monday from 10 am until 2 pm offering FREE help to the community. You can schedule time with me in 30 minute or one-hour increments to help you get momentum with any aspect of business: strategy, process, tactics, communications, or accountability. Email me at diane@whatworksconsultants.com to schedule time with me.
ABOUT DIANE DYE HANSEN
Diane Dye Hansen has more than 20 years of experience in communication and change management gained in the sectors of government, non-profit, healthcare, publishing, advertising, entertainment, and technology. Her Critical Opportunity Theory helps organizations and leaders turn challenge into opportunity through proper leadership and team communication.
She is the president and founder of What Works Consultants, Inc., a consulting firm which helps business leaders communicate when communication is hard. This is done through research, strategic communication planning, change management consulting, human resources recruitment and training. She is a columnist on CarsonNow.org. To meet her and learn how she and her team can help your company, visit What Works Consultants, Inc. online at www.whatworksconsultants.com.
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