Attempting Too Much At Once

Published: Apr 6, 2004

Application

A common mistake of many managers is to miscalculate the amount of time required for performing a task.

Any manager who is required to prepare a price and completion quotation is an expert at calculating time for a job. Their skill determines profit or loss for their business.

If you do not have an acquaintance with this skill, find one. Ask to observe them during their next preparation of a quote. Their type of business need not be similar to your activities. Look for the principles you can apply to your own business.

Observe how they get started, the tools and references used and how the calculations are summarized into the final quote.

Adapt the methods to your overall managing style. Focus on the techniques until they become a habit.

If you're too shy to approach a busy 'quoter,' you can always learn some of the skill from a textbook.

Of course, chunking (dividing a large task into smaller units) is a clear option for this weakness in managing time.

Promise yourself you will never again suffer the stress of having attempted too much at one time.

Stories

Stories from members will add great value to these maxims

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Outcomes

Less stress in your life.
Improved planning for performing large tasks.
Meeting deadlines more easily.

Attempting Too Much At Once

Application

Stories

Outcomes

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