{"id":3888,"date":"2022-01-24T15:15:16","date_gmt":"2022-01-24T15:15:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/?p=3888"},"modified":"2022-01-24T15:32:25","modified_gmt":"2022-01-24T15:32:25","slug":"elements-of-self-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teamly.com\/blog\/elements-of-self-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-Management 101: How To Plan, Prioritize & Achieve Goals"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are endless blogs, articles, books, even studies on how to effectively lead a team.<\/p>\n

But who is leading the leader?<\/p>\n

Self-management is exactly what it sounds like – it\u2019s your ability to manage your own behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. Somehow, managing a team of 100 people seems less daunting than managing a team of one\u2026 you.<\/p>\n

\"Why<\/p>\n

<\/span>Why is Self-Management Important?<\/span><\/h2>\n

It may seem selfish and counterintuitive to focus on yourself when there is a team that needs you, either as a leader or as a teammate.<\/p>\n

There is a reason that, when a plane is going down, you are instructed to put on your oxygen mask before you assist others. If you run out of air, you aren’t much used to anyone else. This same idea of helping yourself first is relevant to your work as a leader or teammate.<\/p>\n

Company cultures can often push the narrative that the needs of the organization are the top priority and we now understand that this sentiment is a one-way ticket to a burnt-out and uninspired workforce. People are happier and produce better quality work when their needs are met and they feel valued for what they bring to the table.<\/p>\n

As a leader, formal or informal, self-management is an important tool in your toolbox to ensure that you are bringing your best self forward.<\/p>\n

\"Benefits<\/p>\n

<\/span>The Benefits of Self-Management<\/span><\/h2>\n

While an organization will greatly benefit from someone with the ability to self-manage, there are obvious benefits to the individual.<\/p>\n

Increased Efficiency<\/h3>\n

Self-managed people are effective people. Period.<\/p>\n

Effectiveness looks different for each person and profession but the ability to do what you need to do and when you need to do it is valuable both in personal and professional life. A self-managed person will have taken the time and energy to invest in systems that keep them on track and focused on the right things, considerate of their own time and the time of others.<\/p>\n

Flexibility and Effective Time Management<\/h3>\n

There is a standard template that workers tend to follow when they are traditionally employed which involves showing up to work, sitting at a desk for 8 hours, and leaving work at the end of their shift. Though the time block maybe 8 hours, studies are clear that an 8-hour workday does not even close to equal 8-hours of productive and quality work.<\/p>\n

Self-managed people are proving to the world that the 8-hour workday and 40-hour workweek are arbitrary and that people can work in a number of ways that better respect their time and produce the desired outcome for the organization. This group of go-getters are leading the way for more flexible workplaces because they are living proof that people can work effectively outside traditional systems when they are allowed to discover their own way forward.<\/p>\n

Better Relationships<\/h3>\n

People notice when you are able to self-manage. They recognize that you are bringing your best self to the table and that makes everyone else\u2019s load more manageable. Not only will this help to build trust in your team but it will build relationships both professional and personal.<\/p>\n

Increased Wellness<\/h3>\n

Instead of always running around and dealing with the loudest alarm bell in their head, those that practice self-management can enjoy a little peace and quiet so that they can actually think about the important things. This ability can be credited to overall better health outcomes because stress and anxiety will be greatly reduced.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s not forget that self-management means that you can (and will) prioritize time for physical activity to offset any time that you may have to spend at a desk. Without those alarm bells, a good night\u2019s sleep is also possible.<\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

<\/span>How to Practice Self-Management<\/span><\/h2>\n

The keyword is practice, self-management does not come easy especially in a society that seems to value selflessness over self. There\u2019s hope though, and here are some ways that you can get started and build up your self-management skills.<\/p>\n

Be Clear on Your Goals<\/h3>\n

What is your \u201cwhy\u201d?
\nWhere do you want to be?
\nWhat is important to you?<\/p>\n

When you can clearly answer those questions, you can better manage your life with intention and are well on your way to better self-management. Your practice starts with knowing where you\u2019re going and why you want to go there. Only when this becomes clear can you formulate a plan that will actually move the needle.<\/p>\n

Find an Organizational System That Works for You<\/h3>\n

So you can clearly see your goals, now how do you get there? The path isn\u2019t always clear but there are a couple of systems that you can experiment with to find the best fit for you.<\/p>\n

Getting Things Done (GTD)<\/h4>\n

If you happen to be into productivity, you know David Allen. He\u2019s known for his Getting Things Done (GTD)<\/a> framework and has decades of experience in the art of productivity. This framework is based on five clear and simple steps:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Capture<\/strong>: don\u2019t let ideas and tasks float around in your head, reach up and capture them on paper.<\/li>\n
  2. Clarify<\/strong>: look at a task and ask if there\u2019s a specific action tied to it or if it\u2019s simply for reference or for later.<\/li>\n
  3. Organize<\/strong>: put it where it belongs right away – a calendar, to-do list, notebook, file\u2026 etc.<\/li>\n
  4. Reflect<\/strong>: aks yourself, is this system working? If it is, great! If not, take the time to modify it to be more effective.<\/li>\n
  5. Engage<\/strong>: all systems a-go? Engage! Take action and get it done.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    This system is tried and true and a great place to start when you\u2019re just starting out on your self-management journey.<\/p>\n

    Time Blocking<\/h4>\n

    Time blocking is a very effective way to organize yourself and manage your time. Essentially, you organize your available hours by categories and dedicate these categories to specific time blocks in your schedule, focusing on one task at a time. Just like any organizational system, it will take a little trial and error to figure out how to block your time in a way that works for you.<\/p>\n

    For more details on the time blocking organization and time management system, check out this blog on Time Blocking – A Time Management Trick to Get in the Zone<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Pomodoro Technique<\/h4>\n

    This simple, yet effective technique is a great place to start for someone looking for an organizational system that is easy to follow. This technique involves a simple timer for short bursts of uninterrupted work followed by rest periods. For more details on this technique, check out A Simple Technique That Yields Big Results – How To Use Pomodoro To Maximize Productivity<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Eisenhower Matrix<\/h4>\n

    When everything is a priority, nothing is a priority. This system helps you learn how to prioritize your tasks by fitting them in one of four categories:<\/p>\n