Someone scheduling tasks with sticky notes on a prioritization board

5 Tips on Task Prioritization

4 min read | Apr 8, 2024
 Marta Gongos- Ad Culture By Marta Gongos

How do you prioritize your tasks? Do you start with the easiest tasks for a dopamine hit or “eat the frog” and finish the hardest first? Whichever it is, your goal is the same: get the job done as efficiently as possible. 

We’re here to help you figure out how, and, through it, how to be a model employee. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to prioritize tasks with the right techniques so you can dot your I’s and cross your T’s without wasting time!

   1.  List Tasks in a To-Do List 

Do you feel overwhelmed when thinking of work tasks? To ease this anxiety, create a to-do list. This gives you the structure and confidence you need for prioritizing tasks easily.

When listing tasks, sort them into categories, such as daily, weekly, and monthly. This will give you perspective on what requires your energy the most.

   2. Use Prioritization Techniques 

Prioritization methods aim to sort work based on importance and due dates, helping you organize tasks effectively. These techniques identify urgent tasks, allowing you to delegate time effectively.

Every method differs from the next. Find out how these prioritization techniques vary by reviewing the chart below.

Prioritization Technique Definition
Eat the Frog This technique requires you to deal with the hardest tasks first while still having energy and mental capacity before moving on to smaller, easier tasks. 
Eisenhower Matrix Here, tasks are prioritized based on urgency and importance, and delegated into four quadrants: 

  1. Urgent and important tasks (Do) 
  2. Important but not urgent tasks (Schedule) 
  3. Not important but urgent tasks (Delegate)
  4. Not important and not urgent tasks (Delete)
ABCDE Method This technique comes with alphabetical priority levels to organize tasks. A is for the most urgent tasks, B is for high-priority tasks, and so on down the alphabet. 


💡 Pro tip
: Project management software makes planning a breeze. Asana, Monday, and ClickUp are some of the most popular management software companies use today.

   3. Block Your Calendar 

Blocking time teaches effective time management. Here’s how to schedule every important task on your calendar:

  • Schedule the highest-priority tasks in advance, especially when deadlines are close. 
  • Set a time frame for each task to motivate you to finish on time. Leave room for flexibility since something unexpected can happen. 
  • Schedule daily and weekly tasks in advance. 
  • Don’t forget to add “me-time” to your work schedule too. 

→ Read more: New to Agency Life? Here Are Ways to Thrive in It!

A calendar with multiple markings, reminders, and sticky notes

Image Source: Canva

   4. Decline Unimportant Tasks 

Workers of all levels have one response to the “how do you prioritize your tasks effectively” question—say no to new responsibilities. Overcommitting at work will spread you thin, leaving you overwhelmed and incapable of prioritizing tasks correctly. 

Sometimes saying no is needed and it’s okay. To politely decline a request, be honest about why you’re declining the new assignment. Request flexibility on the new task and offer alternatives to ensure the job gets done eventually.

   5. Delegate Tasks When You Can 

Team leaders often get swamped with a ton of work. However, this situation allows you to ask for help from team members and delegate tasks based on skills and workload. It’s worth repeating—delegate when you can!

Communicating with your team about task prioritization engages employees to participate and contribute. Everyone will have their deadlines and priorities to focus on, ensuring all tasks are assigned and completed on time. 

→ Read More: Learn How to Better Manage Your Remote Employees

A group of employees put their hands together while working

Image Source: Canva

Demonstrate Task Prioritization in Your New Job Today 

Now that you’ve learned how to prioritize tasks, it’s time to use these task prioritization tips by applying for a new job. Submit your resume to Ad Culture and we’ll find you the right company to thrive in. 

We’re a recruitment agency based in Toronto helping marketing companies find competitive candidates to fill their ranks. Our responsive team ensures the employee-employer matches we make are a good fit for both sides. 

Apply now to jumpstart your career! If you have any questions, feel free to send us a message.

 

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