Basics
What does time management mean?
Using your time wisely so you can get things done when they need to be done.
If your shift starts at 9:00 am, what time should you arrive?
Before 9:00 am, with enough time to be ready to start working.
What does it mean to prioritize something?
Decide what needs to be done first.
You have 30 minutes to finish a task. What could you use to help you keep track of the time?
A timer, clock, or phone reminder (if allowed at work).
Name one tool that can help you manage your time.
Calendar, planner, alarm, timer, checklist, or reminders.
True or False: Time management only matters at work.
False.
True or False: Arriving at work at exactly your start time is always the best plan.
False. It is usually better to arrive with enough time to get ready and be prepared.
What should usually come first: an urgent task or a task that can wait?
The urgent task.
You keep getting distracted while working. What is one thing you could do?
Remove distractions and focus on one task at a time.
What is a to-do list used for?
To keep track of tasks that need to be completed.
What is a deadline?
The time or date when something needs to be finished.
What is something you can use to help you remember when you need to leave for work?
An alarm or reminder.
Your supervisor gives you two tasks. One needs to be finished today, and one can wait until tomorrow. Which should you prioritize?
The task that needs to be finished today.
You have a large project due Friday. What could you do instead of waiting until Thursday?
Break the project into smaller tasks and work on it throughout the week.
True or False: Breaking a large task into smaller steps can make it easier to manage your time.
True.
Why is time management important at work?
It helps you complete tasks, meet deadlines, and be on time.
Your job starts at 8:30 AM. It takes you 20 minutes to get there. Should you leave at 8:10? Why or why not?
No. You should allow extra time for traffic, parking, walking, or unexpected delays.
You have five things to do and don't know which one should come first. What could you do?
Ask your supervisor which task should be prioritized.
You have 10 minutes left in your shift and still have several things to do. What should you do?
Prioritize what needs to be finished, work efficiently, and communicate with your supervisor if you cannot finish everything.
What is one way to avoid forgetting an important deadline?
Write it down or set a reminder.
You might be late, miss deadlines, forget tasks, or not finish your work. This can result in write-ups, suspensions, or even termination.
You realize you are going to be late for work. What should you do?
Follow your workplace's procedure and notify your supervisor as soon as possible.
You are halfway through a task when your supervisor gives you a new task that needs to be done immediately. What should you do?
Ask your supervisor which task should take priority and how to handle the task you were already doing.
Your coworker asks you to help them while you are working on an important task with a deadline. What should you do?
Explain that you need to finish your task and, if necessary, ask your supervisor which task should come first.
Name three strategies that can help you manage your time at work.
Answers may include using a planner, setting reminders, making a to-do list, prioritizing tasks, estimating how long tasks will take, avoiding distractions, and giving yourself extra time.