We often talk about how taking small steps for good time management and prioritizing with to-do lists will help you have successful workdays. We also talk about how staying organized in the workplace is helpful when trying to get work done. But what happens when you can’t organized, because everything on your list is equally important? Your boss tosses some additional “important projects” on your desk and all need to be done as soon as possible. What do you do?
Here are some positive steps to take when presented with those additional projects:
Organize a time line
Ask your boss the deadlines for each project. Put them into order of which is due first and which is due last. This will give you an idea of how much time for each project is allotted to help you organize and plan better.
Asking your boss additional questions about a project may be an embarrassing moment for you, but managers LOVE when employees ask questions. Asking your manager questions shows them you are willing to get the projects done on time with no mistakes.
Remain Optimistic
You already feel stressed about the additional projects your boss just put on your desk, but think of all the other employees he could have chosen. He chose you! That means he trusts you and knows you can get the work done. Your boss recognizes how you well you perform and you should take it as a compliment.
Cut your allotted time in half
Imagine you have less time to work on tasks than you really do. This will allow you to work effectively to complete tasks in a timely manner. Pretending you have less time than you really do is not an excuse to do sloppy work it is simply a suggestion to help you focus harder one project at a time.
Keep your manager up-to-date
Instead of having your manager to come to you to ask how far along you are with the new projects, take the initiative to approach your manager with the progress you have made on the projects. This is a great conversation starter between you and your manager. With all the negativity that might be floating around your workplace, managers love to hear about positive progress and will definitely appreciate what you have to say.
In conclusion, even though you feel like a slave in the workplace, occasionally, when your boss gives you additional projects, it’s not always a bad thing. Design a functional timeline and take the challenge head on.