By Dr. Temitope Akinsemoyin
Principal Partner / Lead Consultant, Stanchion TM Consults
In today’s fast-paced, results-driven work environment, time has become one of our most valuable assets. Professionals constantly juggle deadlines, meetings, emails, family obligations, and personal goals. Yet, despite having the same 24 hours each day, some people consistently achieve more with less stress.
What’s their secret? Effective time management.
At Stanchion TM Consults, we train and coach professionals to take control of their time—because when you manage your time effectively, you take control of your results. Time management isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most—strategically, consistently, and efficiently.
1. Prioritize with Purpose
Start each day with clear priorities.
Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks into four groups:
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Urgent and important
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Important but not urgent
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Urgent but not important
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Neither urgent nor important
Focus your energy on high-value activities that align with your professional and business goals. Avoid the trap of being busy but unproductive.
2. Time Blocking and Scheduling
Successful professionals schedule their tasks the same way they schedule meetings.
Allocate specific time slots for emails, focused work, calls, and breaks—a strategy known as time blocking.
This method minimizes distractions and prevents multitasking, which are two of the biggest productivity killers.
3. Use the Right Tools
Leverage technology to your advantage. Tools like Google Calendar, Trello, Asana, and Pomodoro timers can help you plan, track, and execute tasks efficiently.
The key is to find tools that fit your workflow and stick with them—technology should enhance, not complicate, your productivity.
4. Learn to Say No
Protect your time by setting healthy boundaries. You don’t need to accept every meeting, request, or task that comes your way.
Be strategic about how you invest your time and energy.
Saying no to lesser priorities gives you the freedom to say yes to what truly matters.
5. Review and Reflect
End each week with a quick time audit.
Ask yourself:
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What worked?
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What didn’t?
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Where did my time go?
Regular reflection helps you improve your strategy, build awareness, and fine-tune how you operate.
6. Take Breaks to Boost Performance
Burnout is a hidden time thief.
Schedule short breaks throughout your day and prioritize rest.
A refreshed, energized mind is far more productive and creative than a fatigued one.
Final Thoughts
At Stanchion TM Consults, time management coaching is an integral part of our leadership development and career advancement programmes. We believe that how you manage your time directly shapes how you manage your success.
When professionals master their time, they become more than productive—they become purposeful.
And that’s the true power of effective time management.