Why time management is more essential than ever before

Today, because of the widespread availability of mobile or cell phones, which make it possible to be connected to work 24/7, as well as the ability to work at home or from home, some or all of the time, looking at "best practices" for today's workers to achieve optimum time management is crucial.

You would think that because we have smartphones that enable us to connect with people at any time of the day or night, or we have the Internet that allows us to write to each other, across time zones, and to be in touch with each other in just a few minutes or even instantaneously, that we would have fewer time management challenges. Ironically, I have observed that just the opposite is true. Theoretically having 24/7 access now puts the burden on each and every one of us as to when we will answer the phone after work, if at all, and how often we will check e-mails, not just after the official workday ends, but during the day as well.

Are you finding yourself feeling distracted—what I call "distractionitis"—or even being fragmented? When's the last time you had one whole hour, or two, or three of uninterrupted time to work, to think, to interact without phones ringing, or even phones on vibrate distracting you through the vibrations? Have you avoided the temptation of allowing your eyes to wander to the incoming e-mails, wondering whether it's a priority or something you can delay responding to till later in the day, the next day, or never?

Why is time management so important today? Not only will it increase the likelihood that you will shine and get ahead at your current job, it can make the difference in how appealing a candidate you are when you're looking for a new job. For example, Lindsey Madison, cofounder of Social Centiv, previously known as HipLogiq, shared with me how time management skills are crucial when considering a new candidate for an IT
job at her company. Two questions she asks, says Lindsey, are: "What did they do for other
companies and how long did it take them to accomplish that task? That really helps us find the right
person for our needs.”

How time management relates to productivity

If you are managing your time better, in most instances, you will also be more productive. Researchers have discovered that working every moment is not the secret to being moreproductive. That's where time management comes in. If you're on a deadline, or even if you've passed the deadline, it may be tempting to work around the clock thinking that thatwill lead to greater productivity. You might think that you'll even be able to catch up, as much as possible, and get that project in sooner rather than later.

Alas, working around the clock is usually a sign that someone is not managing his or her time well. Time management—the kind of time management that does lead to greater productivity—means taking breaks at regular intervals and getting enough sleep. It means interacting with your family and friends, as well as making the time for recreation and leisure time activities—measures of what we like to call a life that has a work-life balance.