Assignment 2

[Ron Bell]

What strategies do you use to manage your time effectively? 
Over the years I have found pocket calendar and not pad have been best way for me to stay organized during the day.  This allows me to look at what needs done and check off what has been done.

What are some of your biggest obstacles to you managing your time effectively?
Helping others with their projects and not continuing to work on my projects.  This happens at home just like it happens at work.  Need to make my morning routine more consistent, makes me feel more productive when my days start the same. 

What can you do to remove some of these obstacles?
Learn to achieve my daily objectives along with helping others.  Beginning my morning with a consistent routine at work and at home will help me not waste valuable time.  Writing daily plans and goals on a pocket sized not pad would be more beneficial than just writing them on an 8.5x11 note pad.

Brian, I use a small note pad for daily tasks and project lists for rehabbing repair projects. It is satisfying to draw a line thru a completed item. Ron

[klalich]

What strategies do you use to manage your time effectively?
I have struggled with this my whole adult life.  I have tried many ways to curb this without success.  Recently I talked to a mentor about this problem and he gave me some great advice as well as some good ideas to manage my time more effectively.  I have always made lists for myself.  I would create a list of all tasks to be completed.  What I found was it was very cumbersome.  Now what I find useful is to create separate lists comprised of long term, short term and daily goals to be completed.  I write these down in a notebook as well as use a an app on my phone.  I refer to my paper list constantly and cross out task as I complete them.  I use the app as a backup and to give me notifications for deadlines.  This approach has helped me with managing my time.         

What are some of your biggest obstacles to you managing your time effectively?
1)Distractions are a time killer.  Whether its work or home life getting sidetracked takes away from accomplishing my goals.

2)I have issues on prioritizing goals.  I can find myself tackling goals that are the easiest first.   
 
What can you do to remove some of these obstacles?
1)Like the article states taking breaks during work helps with this.  Use those breaks for checking email, texts, TV etc...then go back to work.

2)Sticking to my lists that I have created will help with accomplishing the goals that need to be completed first.   

I like the idea of completing the easier tasks first.  I tend to prioritize my tasks by how urgent they are.  Trying to stick to your lists can also be a challenge when other things come up. 

[klalich]

What strategies do you use to manage your time effectively?
I use a combination of my calendar and a note pad (to do list).  I check the daily requirements for myself and other's calendars and then write on paper any duties needing completed for that day. Once they are completed I can scratch them of my to do list.

What are some of the biggest obstacles to managing your time effectively ?
Having to deal with the unexpected (at work, runs), once a plan in in place.  Flexibility is the key word for time management in the fire service.

What can you do to remove some of theses obstacles?
Delegation is a great tool to use.  This gets the whole team involved and accomplishes the tasks.

Tim I like the idea of using a hand written list.  I have started to carry a notebook to write things in.  I think the further i move up in responsibility the more things I forget and writing it down helps remind me.  Delegation is something I struggle to do.  I find it easier to do the work because I have a hard time explaining what I want and having things not done exactly as I would have done it. I have an opportunity to learn from people at my current station.  Hopefully it will be a skill to master. 

[jprass]

I agree that flexibility is needed to overcome obstacles.  Being flexible to changes in our schedules allow us to be a vital part of a team with the overall goal in mind. 

The flexible approach does require a degree of selflessness as the priorities of the team will collide with a persons desire to pursue personal desires and goals. Take Care of Business, Work for the overall good of the organization and Quit Breaking Things! 

[Kevin Stevens]

What strategies do you use to manage your time effectively?
     I begin the morning by looking at the CCFD Event calendar, Battalion's calendar, my Lieutenant's calendar, and my calendar to see what events and priorities there are for the day.  I then make a list of the items that I need to and want to accomplish for the day.  Another thing that I like to do it take on small but important tasks and get them done first thing in the morning and keep the accomplishment momentum going all day long.  Just like what US Navy Admiral William H. McRaven said, "If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed."

What are some of your biggest obstacles to you managing your time effectively?
     One of the biggest obstacles that I find for myself is the amount of tasks that I take on.  Like Capt. Cox, I do find that the more I have going on the more focused that I am.  One of the other obstacles is the obvious of the pop-up tasks.  It never fails, you get everything set out and ready to get started working and here comes FAR.

What can you do to remove some of these obstacles?
     Instead of taking on task after task, just take on a couple at a time that way as I get them done I can keep the momentum going to get others done.

[Kevin Stevens]

What strategies do you use to manage your time effectively?
     I begin the morning by looking at the CCFD Event calendar, Battalion's calendar, my Lieutenant's calendar, and my calendar to see what events and priorities there are for the day.  I then make a list of the items that I need to and want to accomplish for the day.  Another thing that I like to do it take on small but important tasks and get them done first thing in the morning and keep the accomplishment momentum going all day long.  Just like what US Navy Admiral William H. McRaven said, "If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed."

What are some of your biggest obstacles to you managing your time effectively?
     One of the biggest obstacles that I find for myself is the amount of tasks that I take on.  Like Capt. Cox, I do find that the more I have going on the more focused that I am.  One of the other obstacles is the obvious of the pop-up tasks.  It never fails, you get everything set out and ready to get started working and here comes FAR.

What can you do to remove some of these obstacles?
     Instead of taking on task after task, just take on a couple at a time that way as I get them done I can keep the momentum going to get others done.

Good advice on not taking on to many task at one time. Would seem like you wouldn't get anything accomplished.

[Kevin Stevens]

What strategies do I use to manage my time? When riding up I like to check my Microsoft calendar and email first thing in the morning. I also like to communicate with the Battalion and find out what he wants done for the day. Once I have a list established I then begin to prioritize the tasks by time sensitivity. After the time sensitive tasks are complete I help manage the crews to complete any other tasks needed and then we can work on individuals tasks.

Some of the obstacle I face is trying to stay on task when unexpected items pop up. Keeping up with emails and daily activities is hard to keep track of some days when there is a lot going on. I need to work on staying focused on the important tasks and then keeping a list of items to be done later. Once their is time in the day I could work on the less important tasks. Another distraction is just finding myself getting involved in conversations for long periods of time that are not important.

When working with time management I need to remember to stay on task and keep organized with time frames by using lists and keeping distractions from people and other devices while at work.

Ross, i agree, it's easy to get off track in our line of work. Seems things change by the minute.

[ross.moffitt]

What strategies do you use to manage your time effectively?
     I begin the morning by looking at the CCFD Event calendar, Battalion's calendar, my Lieutenant's calendar, and my calendar to see what events and priorities there are for the day.  I then make a list of the items that I need to and want to accomplish for the day.  Another thing that I like to do it take on small but important tasks and get them done first thing in the morning and keep the accomplishment momentum going all day long.  Just like what US Navy Admiral William H. McRaven said, "If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed."

What are some of your biggest obstacles to you managing your time effectively?
     One of the biggest obstacles that I find for myself is the amount of tasks that I take on.  Like Capt. Cox, I do find that the more I have going on the more focused that I am.  One of the other obstacles is the obvious of the pop-up tasks.  It never fails, you get everything set out and ready to get started working and here comes FAR.

What can you do to remove some of these obstacles?

Nate that's great advice and I am going to start checking those calendars daily as well to ensure I don't miss upcoming events.
     Instead of taking on task after task, just take on a couple at a time that way as I get them done I can keep the momentum going to get others done.

[ross.moffitt]

[b]What strategies do I use to manage my time?[/b]
I like to look at my emails first thing in the morning and also check the calendar to see if there is anything out of the norm for the day. If not, then it’s pretty much spelled out on what needs to be done and when. I also carry a pocket calendar that I write everything down in. Would be lost with out it.
What Obstacles I face with time management?
Are job changes every minute, just as soon as you get everything in the order it needs to be then BAM.. 911 goes crazy, then apparatus repair shows up then a pub-ed someone forgot about, then you have to reprioritize everything again. It will test your sanity.
How can I remove some of these obstacles
You can’t remove some of these, it’s just life. I think that’s why it’s important to stay calm and not stress out. As long as you prioritize at the beginning of the day, it’s easy to take care of unexpected tasks then come back to your list and carry on where you left off.
Kevin Stevens

I agree Kevin we deal with alot of challenges trying to organize our daily schedule. We always deal with changes and I think we are good at handling last minute changes. We just gotta remember to prioritize the tasks at hand.

[slong]

What strategies do you use to manage your time effectively?
     I begin the morning by looking at the CCFD Event calendar, Battalion's calendar, my Lieutenant's calendar, and my calendar to see what events and priorities there are for the day.  I then make a list of the items that I need to and want to accomplish for the day.  Another thing that I like to do it take on small but important tasks and get them done first thing in the morning and keep the accomplishment momentum going all day long.  Just like what US Navy Admiral William H. McRaven said, "If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed."

What are some of your biggest obstacles to you managing your time effectively?
     One of the biggest obstacles that I find for myself is the amount of tasks that I take on.  Like Capt. Cox, I do find that the more I have going on the more focused that I am.  One of the other obstacles is the obvious of the pop-up tasks.  It never fails, you get everything set out and ready to get started working and here comes FAR.

What can you do to remove some of these obstacles?
     Instead of taking on task after task, just take on a couple at a time that way as I get them done I can keep the momentum going to get others done.

That's good advice Nate, I like the idea of starting small and working your way up to the bigger stuff.

[slong]

What strategies do you use to manage your time effectively?
I use a combination of my calendar and a note pad (to do list).  I check the daily requirements for myself and other's calendars and then write on paper any duties needing completed for that day. Once they are completed I can scratch them of my to do list.

What are some of the biggest obstacles to managing your time effectively ?
Having to deal with the unexpected (at work, runs), once a plan in in place.  Flexibility is the key word for time management in the fire service.

What can you do to remove some of theses obstacles?
Delegation is a great tool to use.  This gets the whole team involved and accomplishes the tasks.

I like the idea of using a notepad to keep track of things as well.  I guess I'm old school but I like being able to visualize it throughout the day.

[Haggard]

What strategies do you use to manage your time effectively?
  I always begin my day by looking at my calendar to see what appointments I have scheduled for the day. I deal with a lot of different customers through-out the day and the only way I can stay on task is placing these dates and times on my calendar. I try to answer emails as they come in if not I will answer these the next day. I also will send my self emails reminders so I don't forget things.

What are some of the biggest obstacles to you managing your time effectively?
  I receive a lot of phone calls and emails from customers everyday and they all seem to need something done ASAP. I always try to accommodate these request but sometimes I just have to say sorry not today. Sometimes I let my self  get distracted by all of these request that that I have to remind my self to stay focused and stay on task. 

What can you do to remove some of these obstacles?
 I have to remind my self to stay on task. I'm always looking at me calendar so I don't forget something that I have scheduled.

I agree looking at a calendar is a great idea, but if this calendar is on your phone one constantly has to get their phone out to look, maybe printing the calendar out for that day and placing it in your vehicle would also keep you on track.

[Haggard]

What strategies do you use to manage your time effectively? I use my Microsoft calendar to help keep track of events and items I need to accomplish. I also send myself emails as reminders to do things. Often times, I will have a thought enter my head that reminds me "hey don't forget you need to do this thing". I send my self an email reminder to do it or make a plan for it. This allows me to put it out of my mind and get back to time with he family. I also recently learned about an email management system that helps to sort the things I need to do. This allows me to keep track of things that are ongoing projects.

What are some of your biggest obstacles to you managing your time effectively? One obstacle is email. It just comes in all day and constantly reminds me of other things I need to do. Even though, I have found a better way to manage them, it still interrupts my thought process. I think I need to schedule times to deal with email and not worry about them until it is the appropriate time. 

What can you do to remove some of these obstacles? As I stated above, I think I will need to schedule time for emails rather than dealing with them as they are received. I also think that more daily exercise with help to improve my thought process and energy to deal with them.

Justin,   I like the idea of actually scheduling time to check emails, I think a lot of us just try to get to them in the morning and periodically throughout the day. 

[jlogsdon]

What strategies do you use to manage your time effectively?
I use a combination of my calendar and a note pad (to do list).  I check the daily requirements for myself and other's calendars and then write on paper any duties needing completed for that day. Once they are completed I can scratch them of my to do list.

What are some of the biggest obstacles to managing your time effectively ?
Having to deal with the unexpected (at work, runs), once a plan in in place.  Flexibility is the key word for time management in the fire service.

What can you do to remove some of theses obstacles?
Delegation is a great tool to use.  This gets the whole team involved and accomplishes the tasks.

I like the idea of using a notepad to keep track of things as well.  I guess I'm old school but I like being able to visualize it throughout the day.

I also like an old school notepad which I carry in my pocket all the time.

[jlogsdon]

I agree that flexibility is needed to overcome obstacles.  Being flexible to changes in our schedules allow us to be a vital part of a team with the overall goal in mind. 

The flexible approach does require a degree of selflessness as the priorities of the team will collide with a persons desire to pursue personal desires and goals. Take Care of Business, Work for the overall good of the organization and Quit Breaking Things!

Agreed, flexibility is a key to mission success. This means being flexible, not just saying you're flexible.