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!
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.
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:
|
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.
Blocking time teaches effective time management. Here’s how to schedule every important task on your calendar:
→ Read more: New to Agency Life? Here Are Ways to Thrive in It!
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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.
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
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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.