Attention Management Is The New Time Management

The way we work has changed however the training we get about how to manage our time looks pretty much the same as it always has. Traditional time management teaches us to “start every week/morning making a list of things to do." Time management teaches “Prioritize A, B, C.” But these days, everything seems urgent and competes for the highest priority. Time management doesn’t address our spinning brains and regardless of a “schedule” we come up with, it is typically irrelevant by 9:00 am.

The truth is, we have to work differently now and we need a new kind of training to be truly effective. By the Horns offers training on productivity skills that empower entrepreneurs to overcome these new challenges. Our training offers attention to three components:

1. Clarity around role priorities rather than specific task priorities.
2. Attention management skills rather than “time management” skills.
3. A comprehensive workflow management system.

Attention management training teaches the ability to control distractions, single-task for higher-quality results, and engage in sustained (focused) attention when necessary, which should be a part of almost every day. 
 

A workflow methodology allows individuals to regain control, feel less scattered, and experience less stress. In addition to the individual productivity benefits, it offers these benefits to the business and is transferable to the entrepreneurs family. 

• Ease in quantifying workloads, which assists in outsourcing.
• Appropriate resource allocation provides insight into turnover problems.
• Objective employee reviews and merit rewards. * Works great for kids too!
• Accurate service descriptions, leading to better clients and contractor relationships.
• Documented institutional knowledge and company history, no matter how small you are.
• Accurate project timelines.
• Ability to clearly track progress, which sustains motivation.

Being our most productive and effective in this information-rich, ever-changing workplace isn’t instinctual, but it can be learned if outdated concepts like time management are tossed aside for more modern ideas on productivity that incorporate attention management, family obligations and help entrepreneurs to regain control.