The Impact-Effort Matrix
We have a lot of tasks to done in a period, yes. But do we have the time to do it all in one day? Or should we? Is everything necessary for today or can we classify them?
Time management is a huge topic. Let’s take one step. In this blog, we will talk about the Eisenhower matrix and its details.
Eisenhower matrix is the one of the magic wands for time management.
Our constraint in this problem is time. We have limited time and tasks with varying priorities. So how can we solve this problem?
So, let’s me explain this matrix: Impact-Effort matrix! It is also known as Eisenhower matrix, Urgent-Important Matrix.
Dwight David Eisenhower, he was an American military officer and statesman. He developed the now-famous Eisenhower concept that helps us set priorities based on urgency and importance.
When we spend too much time on urgent tasks, we miss important tasks on our to-do list. Without working ourselves towards our goals, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of constantly putting out fires.
By distinguishing between urgent and important tasks, we can focus more time and attention on the things that really matter most.
Everything is incredibly clear.
You start by taking note of each item on the to do list that you need to do during the period.
- My advice is that you can keep it in a sheet or a kanban table.
Then you ask the following questions for a task you need to do:
- How important is this task low-high?
- How urgent is this task?
The answers you give then fill out this matrix. And your priorities are born.
Do: Do it now.
Decide: Schedule a time to do it.
Delegate: Who can do it for you?
Delete: Eliminate it.
Quarter 1 : Do
This is where we will place tasks that are both urgent and important.
When we see a task on our to-do list that needs to be done immediately, has clear results, and impacts your long-term goals, we place it in this quadrant.
There should be no question about which tasks fall into this quadrant, because these are the tasks that are always on our minds and probably stress us out the most.
Quarter 2 : Decide
This is where we will place tasks that are not urgent but are still important.
Working in this quadrant of the matrix requires being proactive and prioritizing things that will help you develop your talents and energy while also contributing to achieving important goals.
Quarter 3 : Delegate
It is where you place urgent but not important tasks. Activities in this quadrant almost often divert your attention from your intended path.
These tasks need to be completed now, but they won’t impact your long-term goals.
Spending too much time this quarter can ruin your schedule because Q3 work is urgent but often tied to someone else’s goals.
Since you don’t have a personal commitment to these tasks and they likely don’t require your special skills to complete, you can delegate these tasks to other members of your team. Delegating tasks is one of the most effective ways to manage your workload and give your team the opportunity to expand their skills.
Quarter 4 : Delete
After reviewing your to-do list and adding tasks to the first three quadrants, you will find that there are a few tasks left. The remaining tasks are those that are not urgent or important.
These tasks are not urgent and will not help you achieve your long-term goals. It distracts us from what’s really important. Delete these activities of your to-do list.
Of course, this is not something you will do every day and every moment. After a while, it will become a habit and you will be able to automatically ask and fill out these questions in your brain.
🔍Some Tips
- Creating a to-do list helps clear your mind. But we must constantly ask what is the most important thing we need to do in the beginning.
- Finish the most critical tasks before adding new ones. It is important to remember that the important thing is to complete tasks, not accumulate.
- If we keep a list for both our work and personal tasks, at the end of the day we will have done something for both work and ourselves.
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