In just about any job, no two days are exactly alike. You likely have many conflicting priorities. How you manage these priorities determines how well you perform. If you master the art of balancing conflicting priorities, you can thrive. On top of that, you may become a key contributor to your organisation’s success.
Here are three tips to help you manage conflicting priorities.
1. Rank Your Priorities
Not all priorities are created equal. With a plan in place to determine which ones are most important, you can balance them accordingly.
As you evaluate your priorities, think about their potential impact. If something has a high value, it may be important. Alternatively, if something makes little to no difference, you may be able to rank it lower than other priorities.
When you rank your priorities, it may help to classify based on their urgency. If something is both important and urgent, you may want to address it right away. On the other hand, someone may claim something needs to get done immediately in spite of the fact that this has minimal impact. Thus, the task may be urgent, but you can move it down your list of priorities.
Update your priority ranking regularly. In a given day, some priorities may change. With regular review and assessment, you’ll be able to handle important tasks first, then less pressing ones.
2. Communicate Clearly and Effectively
Communication is a transferable skill that makes a big difference relative to balancing conflicting priorities. If you communicate well, your peers and superiors will know what to expect from you. There will be no room for gray areas that leaves anyone guessing. And together, you and your team can remain productive.
When you communicate, consider your audience. This will help you tailor your message to the people you want to reach. You can include information that audience members need. Plus, these individuals will understand your message and how to respond to it.
Of course, if someone has a concern or question about something you tell them, respond to it. That way, you can clarify information you have provided. This also minimises the risks of mistakes that could affect you and others down the line.
3. Delegate Tasks
You may be responsible for dozens of tasks. To balance conflicting priorities, it helps to delegate tasks whenever you can. This ensures you can focus on the most important tasks. Meanwhile, a colleague can complete other tasks to ensure your organisation remains on track.
Before you delegate tasks, make a list of what needs to get done. Use this list to separate tasks in terms of importance and urgency. Choose the most important tasks for yourself. Finally, give peers the opportunity to help you out with any tasks you can.
Struggling with Balancing Conflicting Priorities?
If so, now may be the perfect time to explore new career opportunities. At Elby Professional Recruitment, we can help you find a role that meets your expectations. To get started, browse our job board today.