Balancing Time Commitments - Page 1 of 3

Balancing Time Commitments

Is Learning to Manage Our Time the Problem?

Within the Western World believe they need to learn how to manage their time so they can efficiently get more done. They have tried many ways. One time observer talks about an evolution of time management techniques in three phases, or "generations."

The first generation is characterized by notes and checklists. Covey views writing about what needs to get done as an "effort to give some semblance of our recognition and inclusiveness to the many demands" that we try to set on our time and energy.

Covey characterized the second generation by calendars and appointment books. This "wave" of time management reflects a new approach to our management of time by attempting to look ahead, to schedule events and activities in the future.

The third generation Covey proposes adds to the preceding generations the important ideas of prioritization, of clarifying values, and of comparing the relative worth of those activities based on their relationship to those values. In addition, it focuses on setting goals toward which "time and energy [may] be directed in harmony with values." This concept of time management emphasizes daily planning and making specific plans to accomplish the goals and activities that we consider to be of greatest value or worth. With all of its benefits, however, Covey points out that this approach to time management may actually turn out to be counterproductive. "The efficiency focus creates expectations that clash with the opportunities to develop rich relationships, to meet human needs, and to enjoy spontaneous moments on a daily basis."

To Covey, a fourth generation approach to time management was necessary: an approach which looks at time differently. This approach is based on the premise that our view of the problem as time management is really a misnomer. The challenge to be faced is not how to manage time, but rather, to figure out how to manage ourselves. This takes the focus away from things and time. Fourth generation goals focus on maintaining and enhancing relationships and on accomplishing the results we want. This approach looks past the labeling of activities and amount of time to what we want to accomplish.