If you are not already using “blocks of time” to schedule your regular work tasks, this is the post to read! It will save your sanity, your energy, and your overall effectiveness as director of your children’s center. If you are a manager anywhere, for any organization, this post is for you! It builds upon my previous blog post, so re-read that one first to provide context for what is to come.
After I had compiled my lengthy list of tasks that needed doing every day, once a week, periodically, quarterly, etc. etc. I was ready for this next step—to schedule my work tasks in blocks of time.
Simply, I created a block of time during the day for phone callbacks, email responses, checking my inbox, my mail. I created another block of time for meetings. Another for working on short and long-term projects (trainings for my team; working on NAEYC accreditation, the budget). Another for thinking and writing. And a block of time when people could just stop by my office for whatever reason. Though I had a massive job, I never wanted something else to get in the way of my interactions with children, teachers, or parents. So, setting aside a block of time for that was as important to me as the myriad of other “to dos.”
I mapped out each week (the Friday afternoon before). I grouped similar tasks together; did things at the optimal time of the day (for the children, teachers, parents, and me!); stuck to my plan; and knew that what I had planned would be accomplished by the end of the week.
Planning in blocks of time made a huge difference in my days! I was at my best—because I could focus on the present moment and give it all my energy. I knew that I had planned to do everything else later—and later would come–and be another present moment. I didn’t worry. I wasn’t overwhelmed; I wasn’t operating in crisis mode. I was organized, calm, and confident that everything would get done on time. And it did!
I got really good at figuring out how long it would take to do certain tasks/projects, so my days just moved along quite nicely. I was really productive without the stress. No hiccups. These were great years for me professionally. I was managing effectively and fully enjoying my work!
I hope I have piqued your interest.
My next blog post will lay out in great detail my weekly plan—and you can absolutely use every part of it in your own work.
Meanwhile, think about your workdays and begin to create your blocks of time—what you need to do and when. And I’ll then provide the nitty gritty details to complete your plan. See you next month!
I learned so much in my forty-year career and it is my pleasure to share it with you. If you are inspired to move forward right away, you can find my first book, Beginning to End: The Life Cycle of a Child Care Center—A Director’s Story, at amazon.com Books.
