There is no better employee than one whose time is one hundred percent chargeable to a project, at least in the project manager’s eyes. Most employees would be surprised at how easy that goal can be attained. Some diligent time tracking is the key.
It is easy to get caught up in a task and tell yourself, “I will log that in when I get back to my desk,” only to get sidetracked and lose the timeline of when one task started and another ended. It is up to you to correct that problem. When you take the time to address it, your job will be better managed and your project manager is sure to be grateful.
One simple way is to carry a small notepad with you at all times and always write down when you start a task and when you stop. Most mobile phones now come with a calendar accessory and a stop watch, for the techno savvy, this may be the answer. You can even upload this to your computer software in many cases.
Your computer software can be a simple as Microsoft Outlook or it can be as extreme as a custom designed application for your specific business. No matter what your choice is, simplify your day by only updating your computer application once a day, either first thing in the morning or last thing in the afternoon. That is not to say you shouldn’t update your notes consistently throughout each day. That is very necessary for filling in the gaps your memory is sure to provide.
Plan your time for the most effectiveness. Know if you work in short bursts or long jaunts and apply the knowledge of your particular habits so that your productivity increases. Overcome your resistance to working on your tasks by listing them in a priority list. Ticking them off as you go will give you momentum and be an accurate way to track your progress and insert information into your timecard.
Rotate your work on your computer calendar to avoid becoming stuck in one spot, spinning your wheels. Assign a set amount of time to each task on your to do list and quit when your allotted time is over. Maintain a set schedule for e-mail replies, retrieving voicemails, and making phone calls. When completed, add them to your timecard as well. Track them through your mobile phone to ensure the time spent on each task matches or is less than the time allotted to it.
If you haven’t been reporting your time accurately in the past, once you start you will be pleasantly surprised at how your hard work is measured.