Tip #17 – Set a start & an end date: Parkinson’s Rule
“To the person who does not know where (S)he wants to go there is no favorable wind” – Seneca
There’s an old project management adage, known as Parkinson’s Rule, 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.
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?
Related to this concept is that of time estimation.
Activity
Consider the major activities, tasks and projects which are a priority this month. Where are they scheduled?
Ask yourself:
Conversation Sparkers
Best,
Jennifer
“To the person who does not know where (S)he wants to go there is no favorable wind” – Seneca
There’s an old project management adage, known as Parkinson’s Rule, 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.
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?
Related to this concept is that of time estimation.
Activity
Consider the major activities, tasks and projects which are a priority this month. Where are they scheduled?
Ask yourself:
- What is the start date for this project or task?
- What is the end date I have set?
- Could the end date be a bit more aggressive so that the task could be completed in a more condensed manner? If not, why not?
- What is important to notice about start and end dates? How my tasks are expanding to the time I give them?
- What’s currently not getting done, which I wish it was?
- If it’s not about changing time windows, WHO can help me get it done? WHAT other resources do I need to allocate?
- What changes would I like to make?
Conversation Sparkers
- How do tasks expand to the amount of time I give them?
- Where could I be more aggressive or lenient with my scheduling?
Best,
Jennifer
Jennifer Britton – Potentials Realized
Leadership | Teamwork | Business Success
Author of multiple books including Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), Coaching Business Builder (2018) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013)
Follow along with the #90DaysPlanDoTrack series over at Instagram @CoachingBizBuilder
Now available – PlanDoTrack Workbook and Planner - Order a copy today on Amazon
Leadership | Teamwork | Business Success
Author of multiple books including Effective Virtual Conversations (2017), Coaching Business Builder (2018) and From One to Many: Best Practices for Team and Group Coaching (2013)
Follow along with the #90DaysPlanDoTrack series over at Instagram @CoachingBizBuilder
Now available – PlanDoTrack Workbook and Planner - Order a copy today on Amazon
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