Your Poor Time Management
Posted on September 24th, 2009 by Cynthia D'Amour
Is not my problem.
I recently agreed to help out an organization.
- I’ve belonged for a while.
- It’s a strategic effort.
- Seemed like a good fit.
The process involves a series of gates.
- Part A must happen before Part B, etc.
- I’m Part B.
- We all committed to a timeline over a month ago.
Haven’t heard from Part A.
- Sent an email.
- Was told they got involved in other work stuff.
- This is now a lower priority.
The crunch is on.
- Part C is a hard deadline.
- It’s a meeting.
- No wiggle room.
I’m frustrated.
- I expected at least two weeks to review materials.
- Instead I might get four days
- In an already busy week.
It’s not fair.
- My work will get a lot of exposure.
- The quality reflects on me professionally.
- I may take the hit for Part A’s crummy time management.
Feeling a tad grumpy.
Makes me think of chapter leaders…how do you manage the flow of volunteer work in your chapter?
Filed under: Savvy Leadership
This is exactly why I used to hate group projects in school! There seemed to be an unwritten rule that there was always someone in the group you had to pick up the slack for. (Did other folks have that experience too?) I’m sorry this is happening to you now!
Thanks Lisa. This situation might have been a touch different if the volunteer leader in charge managed the process more closely. He figured everyone is an adult; therefore, he didn’t need to do anything.
In college, I always offered to present the findings to the class. That way, I could razzle dazzle to fill in any voids. I found a strong presentation can influence how details get judged.
I just hate, hate, hate it when this happens.
I get frustrated with association assignments like these, especially when the leaders want you to go ahead and begin part B & C even though you must have part A done first. It also reminds me of those impatient association leaders who convince you to proceed with part B & C without part A. When you finally get part A, you have to completely redo part B & C. (Sounds like a “Whose On First” banter here.)
I feel your pain!
Hi Jeff!
I soooo agree with you! It’s a drag to have to redo work because it wasn’t set up to succeed on the front end – like have the prereqs done when you need them!
Do you think the problem is laziness? Or inability to think strategically out?
Cyn