Ask an Admin: How Can I Help My Executive with Task and Time Management?

Welcome to the second installment of Career Corner: a monthly blog series from ASAP that offers career advice from seasoned professionals, in response to questions from administrative and executive assistants.

A topic frequently discussed in the ASAP Circle community is how to best support an executive with task management and time management. 

We brought the following "Ask an Admin" question to Suzy Batista, Senior Executive Business Partner at Fabric, who has plentiful experience in this area.

Watch Suzy's video response and read more below!

Question: How can I help my exec with time management and task management skills?

Suzy Batista: Helping your executive with time and task management skills can greatly improve their productivity and effectiveness. Here are a few tips on how you may assist them:

1. Schedule and prioritize tasks

Work closely with your executive to create a structured schedule and prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines. Assist in organizing their calendar, setting reminders, and ensuring they have adequate time allocated for each activity.

2. Set clear goals and deadlines

Help your executive define clear and achievable goals for each project or task. Break down larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks with specific deadlines. Regularly review progress to ensure they stay on track. 

3. Implement effective tools and systems

Introduce your executive to time management and task management tools that can enhance their productivity. Suggest tools like Trello or Motion to help them stay organized and manage their workload effectively.

4. Delegate and prioritize tasks

Encourage your executive to delegate tasks that can be handled by others. Help them identify team members to delegate to, and offer your help with how to prioritize tasks that align with their strengths and expertise. 

5. Minimize distractions

Assist your executive in minimizing distractions and interruptions. This can include managing their email inbox, screening calls, and creating a conducive work environment. Encourage the use of time-blocking techniques, where specific time slots are dedicated to focused work without interruptions.

6. Encourage breaks and self-care

Remind your executive about the importance of taking regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain productivity. Encourage them to prioritize self-care activities, such as exercise, lunch breaks, meditation, and adequate sleep, as these can greatly contribute to their overall well-being and performance.

7. Provide support and accountability

Act as a supportive partner by regularly checking in on their progress, providing gentle reminders, and offering assistance when needed.

Remember, effective time and task management is a collaborative effort. Open communication, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to improvement will contribute to the success of your executive's productivity journey.

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