To manage your priorities, you must begin with a firm understanding of what your priorities are. Follow the directions below to create a picture of your current major responsibilities and of the relationships among them.

On a piece of paper, jot down your current major responsibilities, grouping them in categories.

Here is an example of a mind-map that I did for my work responsibilities related to the creation and marketing of MyMeetingPro, an app that runs on the iPad and iPhone to help run simple effective meetings. http://www.MyMeetingPro.com

By the way, I used an app called MindMeister to create this diagram. Your diagram doesn’t have to look like this one in any way shape or form. Be creative. Write your job title in the center. Group together related tasks. Draw lines and use arrows to show relationships. If you want, use symbols, pictures, and color to add impact. Have fun!

Don’t worry about neatness-think of your picture as a work in progress!

What are some of the criteria you will use to identify your top priorities? Examples may include impact on the work group, impact on customers, financial impact, personal interest in the work, bosses expectations, opportunity of development, etc. List several the criteria that you use in determining priorities.

Now using these criteria, select 3-5 top-priority tasks or responsibilities you included in the picture of your job. Put a circle, star, or number next to these top priorities.

If you have questions, comments, thoughts, or observations, place them in the comments section. I look forward to seeing you on May 15.

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