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Preface
| "Why did I choose a Wizard as my icon for books
on productivity topics?
Definitions of wizard from Webster's Dictionary include a wise man; one skilled
in magic; a very clever or skillful person. To me the wizard indicates one
with a great skill. Whether that skill is to create magic, manage time,
organize workspace, enhance meetings, or complete projects - the skill is the
key to success. "When you get control of your time, it will magically seem
like you have more time to accomplish important tasks. When you organize
your workspace, you accomplish things more quickly by knowing where to find
necessary items. When you have control in meetings, not only do you
accomplish more in less time but you also bring a skill that can be learned by
others through observation. When you properly manage a project, you may
become considered wise and skilled in this area and then be asked to manage
other projects, which increase in importance.
"Each of the planning skills may build upon the others.
Having an organized workspace can help with time management. Knowing time
management basics can help with project management. Recognizing the
importance of personal time and the time of others can help with meeting
management."
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Introduction
This section introduces the books objectives, and 6 principles
related to basic time management concepts. It
introduces the TAPP Steps and provides a chart of the 4 primary components of
Time Management.
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Tasks
This section focuses on
writing down and tracking tasks as the first component to consider in TAPP steps
in Time Management. The principle most closely tied to tasks is “If an
item is important to remember to do, then write it down."
A to-do/task list form is provided for easy reproduction and use
for the reader.
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Appointments
This section focuses on planning and setting appointments
on a calendar as
the second component in the TAPP steps. Appointments tie to the
time management principles of “accomplishments
will not happen unless they fit in the schedule" and "all recorded appointments
are important and keeping them is too." Various examples of daily,
weekly, or monthly planning calendars are provided for reader use.
Priorities
This section focuses on setting priorities as the third
component of the TAPP steps. Setting priorities tie to the time
management principles “accomplishments
will not happen unless they fit in the schedule" and "not
all tasks are necessary." An
example of setting priorities for tasks and appointments is provided.
People
This section focuses on how people can help with
assignments and
accountability as the fourth component of the TAPP steps in Time Management.
People tie to the time management principle “"people
and projects are the most important aspects of time" and "people and projects
can be the highest assets. ” A contact form is provided to start
developing a personal contact database.
Interfering Problems
This section notes potential problems and common
procrastination excuses that may occur to disrupt a perfectly planned time
management plan. Each problem is covered in how to recognize this may be a
problem and options for resolving the
problem before it can cause project failure. A time log example is
provided to help readers determine where their actual time managment problems
may be.
Summary
This section summarizes the 6 principles related to what
makes a good meeting and how using the various components of TAPP
can lead to more efficient planning. A self-evaluation form is provided to allow
reader to determine the effectiveness of their current time management method
and were they may
need the most help. A fill-in-the-blank review of the book is also
provided at the end of the section.
Resources For More Information
This page gives books and websites the reader may want to
check out for more details on time management and/or alternative methods to TAPP.
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