Put First Things First

Today’s session was based on one of Stephen Covey’s habits: PUT FIRST THINGS FIRST. The key to self-management is knowing how to ‘put things first’ – and being able to actually determine what these ‘first things’ are! We discussed Covey’s four quadrants of spending time, determined by either urgency or importance. Looking at the quadrants, everyone identified for themselves how much time they spent in the different quadrants. Quadrant 2 activities were identified as being the ones that produce the biggest results and effectiveness. We discussed ways of getting to spend more time on quadrant 2 activities, and other things that could be reduced because they were neither important nor urgent! We discussed different ways of managing time, and aspects that ‘fourth generation’ time management encompasses: coherence, balance, focus, people, flexibility and portability. ‘Stewardship’ delegation was presented and discussed as being a tool for increasing personal effectiveness, as well as empowering others. The session provided some new ideas regarding time and self-management for people and refreshed others’ memories regarding personal effectiveness. Everyone left with new insights, either ready to plan their week in new ways, or having gotten new ideas from others regarding effective self-management and ‘putting first things first’.