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Yes, No, Wait #SAVMP

As a new administrator I keep wondering, "How can I do all that needs to be done in the hours that I have? Is it possible to get everything done? How do others do it?" Late hours, lack of sleep, and paper work seem to pile up. I am sure that many of you have been in this position at one time or another.

Making lists, scheduling activities, and doing work during non-student hours are great strategies but, in the end I was still unable to achieved all that I set out to do by the end of the day. I then decided to refelct on how I spend my time. I quickly realized that I was becoming a "Yes-How-Can-I-Help-You-Right-Away-Leader". This was the main reason that I was not achieving my daily goals. I needed to come up with a better system that did not require me to do everything, all the time, right away. This means that I would need to look beyond the list to come up with a viable solution. Basically a prioritizing system that is basic enough for me to put into practice on a moment by moment basis. This is what I came uo with:


I think that the concept of waiting is key for me. This instant/fast food society that we live in puts a lot of pressure on people expect everything to happen immerdiately. The decisions and responses given 'on the fly' are not always the best. There is nothing wrong with waiting when the situation allows for time and space. Asking people to wait creates opportunities for us to assess what things should make the list and what order of importance they hold. In the end I find myself able to spend more time on the most important part of this job, which is helping THE STUDENTS.




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  1. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2015 at 7:07 PM

    Interesting read. We're always trying our best to fulfill everybody's needs at there convenience. While this may be convenient for members of the public who are indeed obsessed with an "immediate gratification" culture, it isn't always the healthiest option. The strategy you've outlined above shounds decent, human, and honest - just as long as there is an ecosystem put in place which allows you to remain consistent. Best of luck!

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