Stressed out? Who isn’t?! In today’s busy world, and especially for convenience store managers, it’s impossible not to feel like you’re being pulled in a million different directions. The best way to minimize stress in your life is to get a better handle on how time management throughout the day. Here are some tips for how to boost your own productivity… and your operation’s profitability.
Prioritize your “to do” list. Wait, back up. You do have a to-do list, don’t you? A manager really can’t expect to be productive without one. Each day should have a list of tasks, rated by their importance. When you find yourself off-task or off your schedule, ask yourself if the item that’s taking your time is one that is a priority to you. If it’s not, finish it up or delegate it to someone else. And if you don’t like lists, search for an app that accomplishes the same thing.
Spend time planning and organizing. It’s tempting to handle tasks as they’re given to you, but failing to plan ahead and organize your tasks make you much less productive. Instead, organize in a way that makes sense to you. Allocate certain sections of your day for tasks you need to accomplish.
Streamline what you can. The expression “if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got” is very true in the convenience store business. Technology offers many tools to help you automate tasks, such as learning management and inventory control.
Don’t shortcut quality. In our efforts to save time, we often become victims of the greatest time-waster — repeating the same job. Instead of rushing to get things done, do things right the first time. Effectiveness will always result in efficiency.
Be realistic. In this business, you have to allow time for interruptions and distractions. Many time management experts suggest planning for just 50 percent of your time. Then, you’ll have the flexibility you need to handle interruptions while still meeting your goals.
Know yourself. Are you a night owl? A morning person? Whenever you are at your most alert, schedule the majority of your tasks.
Keep an activity log. If you can’t figure out where your day goes, fill out an activity log for a week and record every task you do in 15-minute blocks. Then, analyze that report at the end of the week. You’ll find that there are many tasks you can eliminate to make your day more productive.
Leadership and the Culture of Convenience
Leaders who create a culture of convenience are able to streamline tasks and establish processes that make improve employee performance and increase everyone’s productivity. Get weekly ideas on how to make your job easier through the Culture of Convenience podcast. Listen now!
