It’s satisfying to complete tasks and remove them from your to-do list. But there are times when you’re just overwhelmed at the amount of work you have piled up, especially if most of them are high-priority projects. So, how do you choose which project to start when they’re all supposed to be number 1 on your list? Here’s a brief guide on how engineers can better prioritize work and projects.
Make a list
It’s very easy to get lost in a cluster of unorganized tasks. Clear your mind and make a list of which tasks you would be able to get done in a day, ensuring that you don’t get overwhelmed with overplanning. Take on tasks that you’re positive that you can finish during the workday.
Differentiate which is which
‘Urgent’ and ‘Important’ are two different things. Draw the line between what needs to be done and what needs to be done NOW. Simply missing a deadline can cause multiple negative effects to your company, so make sure you handle the tasks that need immediate attention first. If there are no tasks that have this sense of urgency attached to it, check for any other high-priority tasks whose end results might have this effect.
Source: Business Collective
Know your project’s worth
Quality > Quantity. Finishing 100 menial tasks vs finishing 10 high-impact jobs, it should be easy to tell which one has a better effect to your company. If you have tasks that would bring in money or reduce costs, do it. If the task entails changing a filing system to be more efficient, do it. Make sure that the tasks you do count.
Prioritize work that’s worth the effort
Imagine having a task that would take 3 days to finish vs 3 tasks that can get finished in a day. Experts advise you to work on heavier tasks first, but again, it all depends on your point of view. If those 3 tasks can produce a better impact to your company, then the effort you put in there is worth it. This is where flexibility and adaptability shine. Learning how to balance effort and results is a good way to fix your priorities.
Learn when to back away
Having a massive list of tasks will only give you headaches if you can’t finish it. Take into consideration the amount of work that you can do and go from there. It’s not healthy for you or your company if you keep aiming high and always fall short. Set real expectations on what you can achieve and get things done your way.
Article Source:
