Busy As A Long-Tailed Cat In A Room Full Of Rocking Chairs: Prioritize!

They express it in as many ways as there are people on the planet, but whenever communicators describe their demanding jobs, they always – and I mean always – tell me they’ve got too much to do. Everything has to be done today, and every communication assignment is equal in the eyes of their

clients. While there’s no magic wand that instantly prioritizes work and allows communication pros to say that magic “no” word, there are some things that can help.

Litmus paper

Aligning with the “boss” on what matters most, can provide the most important tool of the year: a litmus test. Articulating the top 3-5 priorities can give any communicator license to push back in an ever-so-respectful way on the value of doing anything that doesn’t pass the litmus test. It’s a veritable assessment gauge for every new project coming over the transom. Or minimally, it allows us to place any particular activity on the lower end of what needs to get done. Have multiple bosses? Start with your direct (communications) boss and ask for help aligning with others.

“Here’s how” mentality

Generally speaking, saying no to an assignment isn’t the best of career moves. Just doesn’t quite have the ring of “On it, boss.” So the alternative “Here’s how it can get done” language, tone and spirit gives a communicator the ownership of the assignment, but lets him or her offer other ways to get it done. Waiting longer (de-prioritizing), seeking outside resources or getting incremental budget for contractors shows you’re seeking a solution. And when you can articulate other/immediate and higher priorities, it always makes for a better argument.

Let me tell you

Never ask the boss to prioritize your work for you. Show your growth and own leadership by prioritizing the work you have – and the criteria you’ve used – to start the conversation. You tell him/her. There are few things many executives like less than having to prioritize their team members’ work.

Clean House

Part of prioritizing your own work should include getting rid of less “value-added” stuff. Looking at regular meetings, reports, and more transaction-based activities is good place to start. Do some spring cleaning a few times a year and ask, “What would happen if I stopped doing this?” You might be surprised how little the repercussions are for halting some of that stuff.