Time Management

[TykeMerc]

I would say that is good time management. I only bother to do that with the absolutely critical stuff.

The thing with my admittedly "winging it a bit" approach is that I hit deadlines and where (unrecoverable issues aside which are obviously discussed when they arise) deliver to agreed dates, it works for me and I'm careful to give as much advance notice as practical to stakeholder teams when their stuff is needed by.

[realityhack]

Hey ho... another neg rep from you

That wasn't me, but thanks for the -rep anyway.

It seemed the obvious answer - the industry is awash with people who come up with 'ideas' but the same people are unable to implement or understand any limitations around those same ideas

I see your point - and agree with you. I've been fine (despite my inability to multi-task) thanks to the fact I've largely had to cope with one project at a time, up until now.

I suppose it depends on why you thik you lack organisation skills. Are you constantly interrupted? Do you get distracted by the more interesting things?

A bit of both I guess. The aforementioned lack of multi-tasking is horrific when you're responsible for several simultaneously, each at different stages, with the phone/desk clatter/ad-hoc meetings distracting you. And it is tempting to do the more interesting things first and wait until the pressure's really on to be forced into dealing with the mundane.
What makes it trickier is each project is very different from the other, with very different mental 'models' or 'modes' required - eg one's a detailed requirements gathering piece of work, another quite visual, another all about business-processes and operating models, and each have very different users (Retail/Internal staff/Brokers).

If anything - faffing about on here is a welcome break!

<cough>procrastination</cough>

[MarillionFan]

I would say that is good time management. I only bother to do that with the absolutely critical stuff.

Contractors are reknowned for poor documentation. Hence project plans, gantt charts, task lists and more importantly business reqs with a risk analysis and in-scope / out scope section are critical.

At clientco recently they asked me to
some additional project planning and a risk analysis of another project that is failing. I bemoaned the request much to their surprise 'But you're always doing documentation, it's really good stuff' to which my reply was 'i hate it, it's difficult but that's why all of my projects are ahead of schedule and to date I've delivered everything on time'

I hate it, but it's a necessary evil.

[doodab]

Contractors are reknowned for poor documentation. Hence project plans, gantt charts, task lists and more importantly business reqs with a risk analysis and in-scope / out scope section are critical.

Not for picking up a pint of milk and some loo rolls.

Risk Analysis

• Skidmarks are a possibility

Out of Scope

• Tea bags
• Newspaper

[norrahe]

As well as the ever present project plans, I rely heavily on task lists.

I've found it useful to block out a half hour in the morning to review my task list and again close of play to make my to do list for the next day.

As someone already said writing things down often helps you remember.

[cojak]

All talk and no trousers syndrome...

Obvious thought would be to quit spending time moderating this board..

HTH

As if he spends a huge amount of time on it now...

[Zippy]

That wasn't me, but thanks for the -rep anyway.


I see your point - and agree with you. I've been fine (despite my inability to multi-task) thanks to the fact I've largely had to cope with one project at a time, up until now.


A bit of both I guess. The aforementioned lack of multi-tasking is horrific when you're responsible for several simultaneously, each at different stages, with the phone/desk clatter/ad-hoc meetings distracting you. And it is tempting to do the more interesting things first and wait until the pressure's really on to be forced into dealing with the mundane.
What makes it trickier is each project is very different from the other, with very different mental 'models' or 'modes' required - eg one's a detailed requirements gathering piece of work, another quite visual, another all about business-processes and operating models, and each have very different users (Retail/Internal staff/Brokers).

If anything - faffing about on here is a welcome break!

<cough>procrastination</cough>

So - in a nutshell - you are looking for a kick up the arse?

If you have boring and interesting stuff to do then assign time to both during the same day. Do the boring shit: first so you can look forward to a 'treat' after lunch.

[kaiser78]

My golden rule - FOCUS ON WHAT IS IMPORTANT AND NOT WHAT IS URGENT

It rings true.

[realityhack]

So - in a nutshell - you are looking for a kick up the arse?

Aren't I always?

Truth in jest, the problem has probably as much to do with self discipline as methodology. It's helpful knowing how others organise themselves though - especially in distraction-rich, multi-project situations. Some nuggets of wisdom so far - thanks.

I'm still interested in any productivity apps that have really made a difference, will check out onenote - hope it's cross platform.

[deanosity]

I use Checkvist: collaborative online outliner and checklist it's practically free to use, it's great for creating lists which can be sorted, prioritised, crossed off.