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Management Toolkit along the way. It is your choice whether you read from start to
finish or to dip in to each section as and when it seems most relevant to you.
The main approach used throughout the book is Aim-Plan-Do-Review: a framework
which is simple enough to apply to a short-notice, intense meeting and powerful enough
to support complex projects or programmes.
Another recurring theme will be the ideas of time management as this is a key factor in
getting things done.
1.02 Time management
 86,400 seconds in a day
 10,080 minutes in each week
 4,420 weeks of our lives if we are to live to the age of 85 years old.
Once each is gone, it cannot be brought back. In this respect, time is a finite and
precious resource.
The term ‘time-management’, however, can be a bit misleading. Unlike money, or
goodwill, the units of time cannot be saved up and used at a later date. Time passes at
the same speed whether we use it wisely or not. Our perception of time is another
matter. Time flies when we’re having fun, drags when we are doing things that we don’t
want to or flashes past when there is confusion. Our memory of mere seconds can be
split into great detail when recalling critical events.
Yes, we must use utilise our time well in order to be successful, but it is the things which
take up the time which we must try to do differently if we are to make improvements.
Our ability to ‘manage time’ can vary from one context to another. Each of us is different.
Some are better when there is a crisis; others are better when it is calm. Some prefer it
when there are clear deadlines; other like keeping things open ended. Some prefer
making their own choices; others happier following instruction.
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