Many persons fail on the job mostly because they fail to apply time management to their daily tasks, this according to Human Resource Professional, Denise Westcarr, Human Resource Manager for TCA Handling Flights Services Ltd.
Westcarr, who was a guest on ‘Career Connection’, the Thursday Flow in the Morning segment, with host Melanie Smith, said that when applying time management it is easy to meet targets.
“…When you have your day planned out it is easier. What one can do is to make sure that they have a plan and make preparation to execute,” she advised. “You do your ‘to-do’ list, and you list the most pressing (agenda item) that need immediate attention, and then you work your way down.”
She suggested that time management can also relieve stress.
“One thing that I have round is that we put too much on our plate, we will have spillage. Realistically, we cannot get everything done in one day based on the time that we have,” she said.
“So again, it goes back to prioritizing, and select those that you believe is more important, especially when it comes on to your family as well. You must always carve out time to spend with your family.”
Westcarr stated also that it is very important to say no, which she said would stop one from over-extending.
“Sometimes you are putting the things you need to get done on the backburner,” she noted.
The human resource head advised that it is important when hiring persons to give them clear directions so there is clarity and less confusion.
“So when persons have clear direction and clarity they would be able to not waste time,” she argued. “In order for anyone to be productive in their role, they have to have tools, clarity, and what the role is. They need proper direction…it is extremely important, because, as leaders, we are also there to develop them not only professionally but personally as well,” she said.
Smith agreed with Westcarr, noting that when one does not get the tools to carry out their work, they have been set up to fail. So, it is our responsibility to make sure that they have the tools and they have the support because they need that support as well.
Westcarr also agreed with the host that working people have too much to do with too little time.
“Yes, we do. In my profession as HR, my schedule is from 9 (a.m.) to 5 (p.m.). But when I get home, staff are still reaching out to me…they still need assistance, and I can’t turn it off.
“So, I would be there answering and thinking how can I help them. Time is so limited, and precious at the same time. We do have too much work with so little time,” she said, adding that some job descriptions are a little too stretched for one person to do.
She said the working environment does affect one personal life, especially if they genuinely care about people, and for them, it is very difficult to turn it off.
She stated also that persons should encourage and reward themselves for goals achieved.
“You should reward yourself when you accomplish a project. I am the type who high-fives myself,” she quipped.
Confessing that she was among the guilty, Westcarr articulated that many persons often would waltz around the most pressing assignments and would tackle secondary ones, but rush to take it on nearing crunch time.
She said one of the chief reasons persons leave the biggest, most pressing task for last is the consideration that it requires so much time and attention.
“…But we need to try and stop procrastinating, and that is a note to self as well,” she said.