Back in the 21 for 21 I shared the following on Day 17 and a focus on Boundaries and Parkinson’s Rule:
“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?
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
Enjoy your conversations,
Jennifer
(Originally published as: STAND OUT VIRTUALLY 21 FOR 2021: DAY 17 OF 21 DAYS: BOUNDARIES AND PARKINSON’S RULE)
“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?
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?
Enjoy your conversations,
Jennifer
(Originally published as: STAND OUT VIRTUALLY 21 FOR 2021: DAY 17 OF 21 DAYS: BOUNDARIES AND PARKINSON’S RULE)
Jennifer Britton
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326
Check out my TEDx talk
Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.
Potentials Realized |Reconnecting Workspaces | Group Coaching Essentials
Team and Leadership Development | Coaching | Retreats
Follow us on Instagram @ReconnectingWorkspaces
Phone: (416)996-8326
Check out my TEDx talk
Looking to bring your workplaces back together, whether you are remote, hybrid, or face-to-face? Pick up a copy of my new book, Reconnecting Workspaces, at Amazon.
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