Often, when I am catching up with different colleagues across the state, one of the most common similarities is how busy people are at work and at home. Most people know my busy schedule includes a career at IPS, juggling being a student in school, and being a sports mom to a very busy teenager. In today’s fast-paced world, leaders often find themselves juggling numerous responsibilities and tasks. 

Effective leadership requires not only the ability to inspire and guide others but also the skill to manage one’s own time efficiently. A few tips that have helped me along the way include:

• The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that breaks down work into focused 25-minute intervals, known as Pomodoros, followed by short five-minute breaks. After every four Pomodoros, a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes is recommended. This technique aims to improve focus, minimize distractions, prevent burnout and boost productivity.
• Delegation can help manage a busy schedule. Leaders recognize they cannot do everything themselves and trust their team members to handle specific tasks. This not only helps in distributing the workload but also empowers team members, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. If any of you are like me, you may tend to struggle with delegation because you would rather complete the task in your own way. However, the time that has been freed for me to do other critical tasks is much more attractive!
• Technology can be a powerful ally in managing a busy schedule. I rely heavily on my digital calendar which keeps me sorted throughout the week. I take advantage of color coding my meetings based on subject matter and use the reminders feature often. If you ever want to take a peek at my calendar setup, just ask! It may scare you at first, but you will get an idea of what may or may not work for you.