What happens when you have all the time in the world bt have a running task list? Do you leisurely approach your work but find that it never gets complete, or do you set a timer so you get things done, leaving the office and able to enjoy your life?
The notion that “tasks expand to the amount of time we give them” is the principle behind what is known as “Parkinson’s Rule”. It’s something that I have practiced as a professional for many years, and what enables me to “Get a lot of things done”. While it’s not for everyone, for those of us that juggle roles, and even with practicing the 4 D Model there is still a lot on our plate, the 4 D model can really help us get on top of things, rather than get buried with things.
Here's what I shared 3 years ago in the 21 for 21 series as part of Teams #2575: https://www.potentialsrealized.com/teams-365-blog/stand-out-virtually-21-for-2021-day-17-of-21-days-boundaries-and-parkinsons-rule-teams365-2575
“To the person who does not know where (S)he wants to go there is no favorable wind” – Seneca
Boundaries are key to success and thriving in the very fluid remote and virtual workspace. Whether we are juggling multiple tasks, or roles (business owner or leader, parent, etc), being clear on boundaries can mean the difference between getting by and thriving.
There’s an old project management adage, known as Parkinson’s Rule, which asserts that tasks expand to the amount of time we give them. In other words, if we set a deadline of getting something done by end of day tomorrow, we’ll get it done. Conversely, we could have fixed another deadline of early next week, and the task might have stretched out to then as well.
Parkinson’s Rule may be something you have seen at play in the 21 for 21 Virtual Co-working series. Day after day I am hearing about how people find they do get what they had set out to do in the 21 minutes complete. For many this is a surprise and several have noted that it would have taken more time to do on their own without the 21 minute time window boundary.
At a macro-business level, considering our start and end dates is critical in juggling multiple projects. From program and product design, to administration and finances, to actually coaching, there are a lot of varied tasks which make up a successful coaching business.
What are the tasks and activities which could benefit from a more fixed start and end date?
Enjoy!
The notion that “tasks expand to the amount of time we give them” is the principle behind what is known as “Parkinson’s Rule”. It’s something that I have practiced as a professional for many years, and what enables me to “Get a lot of things done”. While it’s not for everyone, for those of us that juggle roles, and even with practicing the 4 D Model there is still a lot on our plate, the 4 D model can really help us get on top of things, rather than get buried with things.
Here's what I shared 3 years ago in the 21 for 21 series as part of Teams #2575: https://www.potentialsrealized.com/teams-365-blog/stand-out-virtually-21-for-2021-day-17-of-21-days-boundaries-and-parkinsons-rule-teams365-2575
“To the person who does not know where (S)he wants to go there is no favorable wind” – Seneca
Boundaries are key to success and thriving in the very fluid remote and virtual workspace. Whether we are juggling multiple tasks, or roles (business owner or leader, parent, etc), being clear on boundaries can mean the difference between getting by and thriving.
There’s an old project management adage, known as Parkinson’s Rule, which asserts that tasks expand to the amount of time we give them. In other words, if we set a deadline of getting something done by end of day tomorrow, we’ll get it done. Conversely, we could have fixed another deadline of early next week, and the task might have stretched out to then as well.
Parkinson’s Rule may be something you have seen at play in the 21 for 21 Virtual Co-working series. Day after day I am hearing about how people find they do get what they had set out to do in the 21 minutes complete. For many this is a surprise and several have noted that it would have taken more time to do on their own without the 21 minute time window boundary.
At a macro-business level, considering our start and end dates is critical in juggling multiple projects. From program and product design, to administration and finances, to actually coaching, there are a lot of varied tasks which make up a successful coaching business.
What are the tasks and activities which could benefit from a more fixed start and end date?
Enjoy!
Jennifer Britton, MES, ACTC – PCC, CHRL, CPT
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @ReconnectingWorkspaces, @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/potentials-realized/group-coaching-essentials
As a global business, my working hours may not be your working hours. Please reply at a time which works for your time zone. Note I am in the office weekdays from 6 am – 4 pm ET, and typically respond during these hours.
CEO, Head Coach and Author
Potentials Realized | Group Coaching Essentials
Leadership | Teamwork | Coaching
Contact: 1-416-996-8326
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @ReconnectingWorkspaces, @CoachingBusinessBuilder
Pick up a copy of Reconnecting Workspaces: Pathways to Thrive in the Virtual, Remote and Hybrid World at Amazon – https://bit.ly/reconnectingworkspaces.
Check out my latest TEDx talk – Coaching Teams Through Chaos at https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_britton_coaching_teams_through_chaos
Set up a call with myself or my team to learn more about how we can support you through our award-winning ICF CCE approved Coach Training programs – https://calendly.com/potentials-realized/group-coaching-essentials
As a global business, my working hours may not be your working hours. Please reply at a time which works for your time zone. Note I am in the office weekdays from 6 am – 4 pm ET, and typically respond during these hours.
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