An example of a completed Eisenhower matrix. Eisenhower Matrix

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You can easily get confused in the endless stream of everyday affairs, because every day there are more and more of them. Yesterday's unfinished tasks become today's, and what we did not have time to do today is automatically transferred to tomorrow. As a result, so many things can accumulate that you can’t figure out what has been done, what is in progress, and what is still waiting in the wings.

Such or detailed situations often occur among people who do not pay due attention to the process of planning their activities. Naturally, skills are not taught at school, and many parents and other people who act as educators in the process of our development often themselves do not really know how to plan their activities, although this is not at all difficult. It’s just that due attention is not paid to this.

However, today there are many excellent planning techniques that allow you to learn how to rationally use your time resource and extract maximum benefit from this process for yourself. But in this article we will not consider all these techniques, but will give an example of only one, which is distinguished by its simplicity and effectiveness. This technique is called the "Eisenhower Matrix".

The Eisenhower Matrix is ​​one of the most popular time management tools that is used by many people around the world: from ordinary employees and middle managers to executives of large firms and world-famous corporations. The founder of this matrix is ​​the 34th President of the United States, Dwight David Eisenhower. As you might guess, this man was very busy and had to do many different things related to his activities. For this reason, he was optimizing his work schedule and list of tasks to perform. The result of his research was the matrix we are considering.

The meaning of the Eisenhower matrix is ​​mainly to learn how to competently distribute all your tasks, distinguish the important from the urgent, the non-urgent from the least important, and also reduce the time to the maximum for doing any tasks, the implementation of which does not produce any significant results. Let's talk about how all this works in practice.

The essence of the Eisenhower matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix consists of four quadrants, based on two axes - the importance axis (vertical) and the urgency axis (horizontal). As a result, it turns out that each quadrant differs in its quality indicators. All tasks and affairs are recorded in each of the quadrants, thanks to which an extremely clear and objective picture is formed of what should be done first, what should be done second, and what should not be done at all. All this is quite simple, but giving a few explanations will not be superfluous in any case.

Quadrant A: important and urgent matters

In ideal planning, this quadrant of the matrix should remain empty, because the appearance of important and urgent matters is an indicator of disorganization and the possibility of blockage. This part of the schedule fills up for many people due to their inherent laziness and poor prioritization. Naturally, from time to time such things can appear in every person, but if this happens every day, then it’s time to pay attention to it.

So, the occurrence of cases in the A quadrant should be avoided. And to do this, you just need to complete the points of the remaining quadrants in a timely manner. But if there’s something worth including in the first quadrant, it’s:

• Things that, if not completed, will have a negative impact on achieving your goals
• Things that, if not done, can cause difficulties and troubles
• Things related to health

It is also important to remember that there is such a thing as “delegation”. This means that when things appear in your A quadrant that can be delegated to someone else, you should definitely take advantage of this opportunity in order to resolve other important and urgent matters as quickly as possible.

Quadrant B: important but not urgent matters

The second quadrant deserves the most attention, because the matters located precisely in it are the most priority and promising, and it is these that should consist of the daily tasks of any person. It has been noticed that people who are primarily engaged in the activities of this quadrant achieve the greatest success in life, get promoted, earn more money, have enough free time and live a happy and fulfilling life.

Please also note that the lack of urgency allows you to approach the solution of any problems more deliberately and constructively, and this in turn allows a person to reveal his full potential, independently think through all the nuances of his activities and manage the time frame of his affairs. But here, among other things, you need to remember that things that are in the B quadrant, if not done in a timely manner, can easily fall into the A quadrant, becoming even more important and requiring speedy completion.

Experienced time management specialists recommend including in quadrant B all current affairs related to the main activity, planning and analysis of work, training and compliance with the optimal schedule, etc. Those. everything that makes up our everyday life.

Quadrant C: urgent but not important matters

Things that are in this quadrant are, for the most part, distracting and do not bring a person any closer to the intended results. Often they simply interfere with concentration on the truly important tasks and reduce efficiency. The main thing when working with the matrix is ​​not to confuse urgent matters from quadrant C with urgent matters from quadrant A. Otherwise, confusion will form and what should be done first remains in the background. Always remember yours and learn to distinguish the important from the unimportant.

Quadrant C matters include, for example, meetings or negotiations imposed by someone else, birthday celebrations of not very close people, sudden chores around the house, elimination of non-vitally important distractions that require attention (a vase broke, a microwave broke). stove, a light bulb has burned out, etc.), as well as all sorts of other things that do not move you forward, but only slow you down.

Quadrant D: Not urgent or important matters

Tasks in the last quadrant are of no benefit at all. In many cases, it is useful not only to deal with them last, but also not to deal with them at all. Although you definitely need to know about them, because... They are the “time wasters”.

Another interesting feature of the tasks from this group is that they are very attractive to many people - these tasks are easy to do and bring pleasure, allowing you to relax and have a good time. Therefore, resisting the temptation to engage in them can be quite problematic. But this definitely needs to be done.

In quadrant D you can write down such things as talking on the phone with friends about something unimportant, unnecessary correspondence or spending time on social networks, watching TV series and various “stupid” TV shows, computer games, etc. Of course, every person should periodically relax and somehow entertain themselves, but there are more interesting and educational ways to do this: reading, visiting gyms and swimming pools, trips to nature, etc. If you can’t completely rid yourself of doing things from quadrant D or don’t want to, then you need to postpone their implementation at least until the moment when things from quadrants B and C are completed, and the time that will be devoted to things in quadrant D should be reduced to a minimum. The well-known proverb would be appropriate here: “It’s time for business, time for fun.”

As soon as you master the Eisenhower matrix and learn to competently distribute your affairs within it, you will notice that you have a lot of new free time, you manage to do everything in a timely manner and without haste, all your affairs are in order, goals are achieved one after another, and you yourself are almost always in a good mood and good spirits. It's all about organization and composure. You yourself probably notice from time to time that disorganized people are always in a whirlwind of some incomprehensible affairs, they are always busy with something stupid, but “very important”, they look tired and irritated. There are many distinctive features that can be cited. But this is not important, but the fact that if you and I do not want to have similar results, then we must act differently. Namely: we must be organized, clearly understand what and when we need to do, and why we are doing all this. And the Eisenhower matrix is ​​perfect for this.

We wish you good luck and successful mastery of your new skill!

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In this article we will look at what time management is, what its main methods are and describe in detail an example of the Eisenhower matrix. This matrix is ​​the most common way of distributing time in any area of ​​human life.

Eisenhower Matrix - time management method

Time management– a person’s ability to correctly allocate his time to perform specific tasks. There are a huge number of time management methods. One of the most popular and widespread methods of time management is the Eisenhower method.

Dwight David Eisenhower is a famous political and military figure, David was born on October 14, 1890 in Denison (Texas, America). Everyone knows him as the 34th President of America, who stood out for his organizational and mental abilities. This allowed him to achieve great success in life and become an example for many public people. David believed that having and doing valuable things defines a person as a person and contributes to development in all areas and endeavors.

Since I stopped being president, I win much less often at golf. © Dwight David Eisenhower

As president, David was immersed in a huge number of affairs, plans, and tasks. He was thinking about how he could clearly and correctly distribute his precious time in order to get everything done. Having comprehended all his plans for a certain period, he created a table where he outlined his affairs according to their significance and urgency. Later, his method gained particular popularity and became known as the Eisenhower matrix. It looks like this.

• A quadrant Important urgent matters;
• To the quadrant Important non-urgent;
• C quadrant Unimportant urgent;
• D quadrant Unimportant, non-urgent.

The essence of the Eisenhower window is to prioritize activities. A person must divide all his plans according to significance and urgency, and relate them to a certain category. Now let's take a closer look at the main sectors or quadrants of the matrix. We'll look at an example of the Eisenhower matrix a little further in our article.

Quadrant A

This includes important urgent matters that cannot be postponed, as this may lead to negative consequences. In an ideal situation, correct distribution of time, this square should be empty. A person must complete important tasks on time so that they do not become urgent.

Quadrant B

Important non-urgent matters are located here. If the plans of this sector are carried out in a timely manner, a person will gain a huge number of valuable urgent matters. The gradual implementation of plans according to the degree of importance helps to put things in order on time, without psychological and physical exhaustion of the body.

Quadrant C

Unimportant urgent tasks that are not significant at the moment, but they need to be done right now. Perhaps their implementation is valuable for someone, but for you they are ordinary without any value.

Quadrant D

In this sector, Eisenhower included unimportant, non-urgent tasks that need to be done, but they are not super important or urgent. Fulfilling them undoubtedly brings satisfaction to a person, but failure to do them does not threaten negative consequences.

We will look at these sectors in more detail, describing an example of the Eisenhower matrix.

Goals of the Eisenhower Method

The Eisenhower method has several main goals.

1. Development of human self-organization. Having seen everything planned for several days, a person becomes more active, connects all his resources to achieve a result, thereby organizing himself without anyone’s help.
2. Qualitative distribution of tasks of daily life. Having compiled such a matrix, everyone will be able to see significant tasks in a specific period of time and will try to complete them so that there is no rush.
3. Successful Planning Skills. A table with clearly written plans helps to allocate a certain amount of time for each task and calculate this time correctly.

By creating an example of the Eisenhower Matrix, we can more deeply analyze the goals of this planning technique.

Features of highlighting significant tasks with examples

As we have already found out, the Eisenhower matrix consists of four main components, which include our affairs according to the degree of significance and urgency at the moment. Now, with the help of examples, we can figure out what matters may be urgent, and how to determine this ourselves. An example of the Eisenhower matrix will help you fully understand the significant and urgent tasks in everyday life.

Quadrant A (important urgent matters)

As we mentioned, this sector should ideally be empty; a person should have time to do valuable things on time so that they do not become urgent. For example, we can include an unplanned operation or an urgent meeting at work in “sector A”. Significant tasks must be completed on time, because when they become urgent and valuable, sudden obstacles to their implementation may arise (sharp deterioration in health, various force majeure circumstances). Let's take the situation of passing an exam. This is important but not urgent. If a person postpones preparation until the last day, turning it into an urgent task, then he simply will not physically have time to do everything, his body will become physically and psychologically exhausted.

Quadrant B (important non-urgent matters)

The affairs of this sector can wait, but failure to do so will lead to negative consequences. Particularly valuable tasks are highlighted in order to complete them on time. This may include tasks regarding one’s own health and personal development. For example, if you go to the doctor for a consultation on time, the need for surgery will not arise. Another example, if you learn English in time, you will be able to get a new well-paid position soon.

Quadrant S (unimportant urgent matters)

This sector brings together tasks that need to be completed at a specific point in time, but they are not of particular importance to you. To determine the importance of plans yourself, ask yourself the question: “What will happen if I don’t do this task?” If a matter ends up having a negative impact on you, then it is really important. An example of tasks in this sector could be an unimportant conversation with a colleague or friend, or participation in a social survey. These things only distract you from important things. For example, if you are busy with a valuable project at work, you may be distracted by some other instructions from your superiors, or a call from a friend just to chat. You should definitely put these tasks aside and focus on more important things so that they don’t become urgent.

Quadrant D (unimportant non-urgent tasks)

A person can implement these plans in his free time, when there are no important tasks assigned. They bring a feeling of satisfaction with oneself and the work done. For example, you decided to clean your library and put things in your closet. This also includes computer games and hanging out on social networks. These things help you calm down, but you shouldn’t put them first, thereby ignoring important tasks.

Eisenhower Matrix: Example

Let's try to use an example to figure out how to identify important urgent tasks for yourself using the Eisenhower matrix. Let's look at the example of the Eisenhower matrix.

Let’s say you have the following tasks for the first time:

• fix the stool so it doesn’t wobble;
• go to the dentist with tooth pain;
• preparing for tomorrow's work project;
• a call from a colleague asking him to send a report;
• unscheduled meeting with the boss;
• spend time on social networks;
• mastering English language skills for advanced training.

Now let's try to structure the named tasks according to their importance and urgency. Let's create our own example of the Eisenhower matrix.

Quadrant A (important urgent):

• Preparation for a working project;
• Unscheduled meeting with the boss.

Quadrant B (important non-urgent):

• Seeing a dentist with a toothache;
• Mastering English language skills for advanced training.

Quadrant C (unimportant urgent):

• A colleague calls with a request to send a report.

Quadrant D (unimportant non-urgent):

• Fix the stool so it doesn’t wobble;
• Spend time on social networks.

Thus, having understood the value of your upcoming tasks, you can easily understand the distribution of priorities at a given time. Take the time to work on yourself, to rethink your plans and endeavors, this will help you do more than you think.

One hour of self-improvement will teach you more than one day of explanations. © Jean-Jacques Rousseau

It is worth noting that the time allocation technique we described is designed for short-term goals that need to be achieved in the near future. It helps to structure the affairs of everyday life and is very useful in all areas of work and life. This technique can be used by both presidents and schoolchildren, since it is understandable to everyone and easy to use.

In an endless stream of things to do, you can get lost, forget something, or simply not have time to do it. Unfulfilled tasks thus accumulate and weigh down the next new day with new opportunities. And again the same problem: I didn’t have time, forgot, put it off until tomorrow.

Such situations often happen to those who do not know how to plan, and this is not surprising, because the planning process requires certain time management skills and special attention.

There are many planning techniques that allow you to derive maximum benefit from the correct use of a temporary resource. Let us give an example of the most effective and uncomplicated technique, which is called "Eisenhower matrix" or "Eisenhower square".

- This is the principle of prioritization, which allows you to solve the largest number of tasks during the day.

This principle is one of the most popular in time management. It is used all over the world: from ordinary workers to managers of large organizations of world-famous corporations.

The founder of this principle is Dwight David Eisenhower (34th President of the United States). Given his busy schedule, he optimized his work schedule by systematizing tasks depending on their importance, which led to the creation of his own equipment, which was distinguished by its simplicity and uniqueness.

The Eisenhower Matrix as a Priority Setting Tool

Eisenhower divided things into 4 categories and entered them into a table in which he clearly highlighted squares that made it possible to distribute planned tasks according to their urgency and importance (a, b, c, d).

Each square has its own purpose:

• “a” - urgent ones of special significance;
• “b” - important ones that can be delayed;
• “s” - not of the first importance, but urgent;
• “d” - not urgent and unimportant.

By prioritizing in this way, you can learn to manage time, which will help in achieving your goals, increase your performance in completing planned tasks and affect success in a particular activity.

To set priorities according to the principle of D. D. Eisenhower, it is necessary to study in detail the categories (squares) in his table.

Important and urgent matters (category a)

The square of this category contains planned tasks that are the most significant and very urgent. According to Eisenhower’s principle, this square should be empty, free for a new daily entry, which for a person with time management skills will not give the opportunity to trigger the urgency of things and allow a critical situation in case of non-fulfillment.

It often happens that things from square “b” are moved to square “a” due to ordinary human laziness, which is one of the reasons for its filling. At times this can happen to anyone, but in the case of daily throwing things from square to square, it is worth practicing self-discipline.

In order to avoid the appearance of unfulfilled tasks in square “a”, it is necessary to complete tasks in other categories in a timely manner and strictly adhere to the to-do list for this square. You can also use the delegation method (delegating tasks to someone), which will make it possible to resolve tasks and not leave behind unfinished work.

To-do list for square “a”:

• negatively affecting the achievement of the goal;
• problematic ones that can cause trouble;
• health related.

Important, non-urgent matters (category b)

The most promising and priority cases often fall into this category. Eisenhower assigns them a significant role, since their implementation is the key to success. Experience shows that if you use time responsibly when doing things included in the “b” square, then good results will make themselves felt very soon.

The advantage of this square is that you have the right amount of time for important things, which allows you to solve problems constructively and thoughtfully, fully reveal your potential and think through (analyze) your activities. But it is important to know that these matters should not be shelved, as there is a risk of moving them to the first square, which is unacceptable according to the Eisenhower principle.

Examples of cases and tasks of square “b”:

• project planning;
• partnership (search, cooperation);
• results of completed projects (evaluation of work done);
• search for prospects for development.

As for everyday life, experts recommend that this square include matters related to planning, studying, sports, diet, etc.

Urgent, unimportant matters (category c)

This category includes secondary tasks that cannot be delayed. What often happens is that a person rushes to complete the least important tasks and thus becomes distracted from the goal. The Eisenhower Matrix requires precise use of technology, so you should not make mistakes in classifying tasks.

When setting priorities, there is no need to confuse tasks related to the “c” square with the tasks of the “a” square. Here's an example of possible confusion:

The boss gives an order that requires urgent execution, and this order has nothing to do with the work. This task should be entered in square “c” and considered important, but not urgent, since you cannot deviate from your intended goals, thereby wasting your time on something that distracts from the main thing.

Examples of cases and tasks of the square “c”:

• unexpected guests demanding attention;
• unscheduled urgent meetings;
• getting rid of troubles caused by your own negligence.

Non-urgent and unimportant matters (category d)

These are tasks that are ready to wait for their temporary resource as long as necessary or may even remain impossible to complete. Rather, this category includes things that are simple and interesting, but you shouldn’t grab them, they only slow down the work process and move you away from the goal.

Examples of cases and tasks of the square “d”:

• empty telephone conversations;
• entertainment activities;
• any events that distract from work.

By setting priorities according to the principle of the Eisenhower matrix, you can undoubtedly manage to do a lot and get closer to your goal, but do not forget that work is the main source of success with proper time management.

The Eisenhower Matrix is ​​a useful program for executives and time managers. Read more in the article.

If you are a leader, manager, or even a simple worker, you may need Eisenhower matrix. This is a special table that helps you plan your day correctly. Read more below.

Matrix of time, business planning and Eisenhower prioritization by criteria, elements: definition from Wikipedia, essence, exercise, tools

Matrix of time, task planning and prioritization Eisenhower– a table that helps you spend your time profitably. After all, sometimes time simply disappears and there is not enough time for urgent matters. Such a matrix works according to criteria, elements that are important or not so important. This helps a person distribute his tasks correctly in order to get everything done. There is no definition of such a matrix on Wikipedia, but there is an explanation of what time management is:

Eisenhower's Time Matrix, Scheduling, and Prioritization

The essence of this program’s tools is for a person to understand what matters are important and to set priorities correctly. Such exercises seem difficult at first, but then a person gets used to it and it is already difficult for him to work without this matrix.

The matrix looks like four quadrants. It also has two axes:

• Urgency axis (horizontal)
• Importance axis (vertical)

Each quadrant has a different level of importance and urgency. You need to write down your tasks in them, distributing them by importance and urgency. This creates a clear idea of ​​what needs to be done first. What needs to be done, but can be postponed. And there is no need to do anything better. All this is simple and clear.

Eisenhower Matrix, the best program for a manager, the main task of the day - template, picture: an example of the distribution of important, urgent matters, which quadrant should we pay the most attention to?

As stated above, Eisenhower matrix– this is the best method of effective time management, which helps to carry out and achieve quick and necessary results. It consists of 4 quadrants, each of which is designated by different tasks for a specific day. Such a program is simply irreplaceable for a manager. With its help, he can highlight the main task of the day and pay more attention to it, without postponing or forgetting about the important. Here is an example picture of such a matrix:

Worth knowing: The most important thing when compiling a matrix is ​​the division into urgent and important tasks.

Which quadrant should you pay the most attention to? Here is the characteristic 4 squares:

Quadrant A (urgent and important)

• Unfulfilled urgent matters that can lead to deterioration of health.
• Ignoring these tasks can lead to troubles, depression and crisis.
• If things from this quadrant are postponed until later, then there is a possibility that it will be impossible to achieve the final goals.

Quadrant B (not urgent and important)

• Important matters that do not require urgent completion must be entered into this quadrant.
• If things in the quadrant are completed faster than in quadrant A, this means that the person is on the path to financial stability and success.
• Things need to be dealt with every day.

Quadrant C (urgent and not important)

• The emergence of urgent but unimportant matters must be predicted.
• When drawing up a quadrant, there is no need to rush into the distribution of cases.

Quadrant D (not important or urgent)

• It is necessary to include things that bring pleasure and comfort when doing them.
• Don’t ignore the to-do list, but complete them as they come.

Here is a template, an example of the distribution of important, urgent tasks for a manager:

• Type A cases. Things that must be completed by the manager himself during the day.
• Type B cases. This includes self-development and employee training. For example, holding meetings at the beginning of the working day.
• Type C cases. Cases are distributed among subordinates. The manager controls the execution.
• Type D cases. Completion is not mandatory, but if the tasks from this quadrant are completed, the manager and team will be happy to complete all remaining tasks.

Tips for the manager on drawing up cases using the matrix Eisenhower:

• It is necessary to teach your team to work according to this matrix.
• Establish control over the implementation of all assigned tasks.
• Do not overload your subordinates with a large list of tasks. It is better to distribute them throughout the week.
• Important tasks should be done in the first half of the day, when activity predominates.
• When doing things, you need to approach them with all seriousness.
• When completing tasks, you need to focus on one area. Multitasking will lead to an inability to succeed.

Managers should use the matrix in their workplace, as this is one of the best ways to achieve the desired result and success.

Eisenhower Matrix as a priority setting tool for students: tasks, excel

Lack of time - this situation is familiar to most students. Sessions, diplomas - I really don’t want to do all this and students simply drown in procrastination. But the Eisenhower matrix, as a tool for setting priorities, will help you control your time and not get paid. Here are the tips and tasks:

• To the first quadrant you need to add things that simply cannot be postponed. Something very urgent. And if this “something” is not done, there will be a complete failure (expulsion). Examples: preparing for exams, homework.
• To the second quadrant you can add things that are not very urgent, but definitely need to be done. Examples: thesis defense, essay.
• Third quadrant completely devoted to unimportant but urgent matters. These affairs are usually imposed by relatives or friends. Examples: going to the birthday party of friends, parents (distant relatives), helping a friend with some minor work.
• Last quadrant. You should add things to it that are generally not advisable to do; they only take up time and reduce productivity. Examples: watching videos on YouTube (this activity can last the whole day and interferes with studies), computer games (also waste a student’s valuable time) and constantly checking social networks.

You should always do things in the Urgent Quadrant first. And then, things from the important, but not urgent quadrant. Lastly, you need to do things from the urgent, but not important quadrant. It is better not to do things from the last quadrant at all (especially until the things from the first two quadrants have been completed). It is convenient to distribute tasks in an Excel document, creating a regular table with four squares for recording.

Eisenhower Matrix: an application that allows you to do it online

By its nature a matrix Eisenhower is a two-dimensional type of organizer that allows you to maximally visualize the planning process. It is based on two axes - the horizontal axis of urgency and the vertical axis of importance, each of which has two divisions: urgent, not urgent and important, not important. Thus, cases are divided into four categories (the matrix consists of four squares). It should be noted that the qualities decrease along the axes and the direction of the vertical axis is downward.

An application with algorithms was created to plan cases Eisenhower matrices. It perfectly implements the above method. Available to download from this link. Detailed description of the application:

• Square A blue- important and urgent. Ideal work implies that there are no entries in it.
• Square B red- important, not urgent. It includes the most promising areas of activity. To achieve the maximum, these matters are prioritized.
• Square C green- not important and urgent. This includes a variety of routines that distract from the intended goal. If possible, these matters should be delegated to other employees.
• Square D yellow- not urgent and not important. This contains things that are very pleasant, but do not bring tangible results.

Download the application that allows you to plan things online - conveniently and simply.

Eisenhower Matrix is a time management tool that is very popular in the modern world and is used by many people. Who founded the matrix? Its creator is Dwight David Eisenhower. This man himself was businesslike and quite busy. That is why he optimized his schedule, all his affairs. The essence of this mechanism is to intelligently distribute your tasks as needed, and reduce time for completely unnecessary activities. To better understand the essence of the matrix, you need to imagine four squares. The axis of importance will be vertical, and the axis of urgency will naturally be horizontal.

Eisenhower Matrix Method helps you categorize your tasks according to importance and complete them urgently or, conversely, relax and get distracted by conversations. Here is some more useful information about this matrix, which will be useful for time managers:

• Concerning square A, then things from it need to be done first.
• Square B cannot be ignored. It contains important and promising matters. Usually this square occupies a special position in everyday life. Thanks to square B, people achieve success and climb the career ladder. As a rule, life moves for the better with the help of this square. But if you don’t do things on time square B, you can easily get into square A.
• The main thing to remember is that it is undesirable to confuse things from square A with square C. This square usually includes negotiations, meetings, and birthdays.

Square D does not have much significance for a person’s life, since the activities in it do not bring any benefit or income.

What is the difference between the Covey quadrant and the Eisenhower matrix?

Covey Quadrant, like Eisenhower matrix– these are tables for distributing tasks and thinking through personal time. But they still have differences:

• The Covey Quadrant looks like a table with four divisions.
• Each division has its own name.

Here are the names of the sections of the quadrant table:

• "Quadrant of Necessity"
• "Quality Quadrant"
• "Quadrant of Imaginary Urgency"
• "Wasted Time Quadrant"

Urgent, important tasks that need to be completed in any case are added to the first square. The second adds unimportant things that you don’t need to do

IN Eisenhower matrix similar situation, but the appearance of the table is slightly different:

• "Urgent Matters"
• "Not urgent matters"

In the matrix, the importance of departments is written on the left side of the table. The top blocks are “important”. And the lower ones are “not important”, just like in the quadrant Covey. In the matrix, unlike the previous program, there are no table labels. Roman numerals only.

There are no differences between these tables for structuring time. Only a few, and only in external features. What Covey quadrant, which is the Eisenhower matrix– accomplish the same goal, in the same ways. To distribute time, you can use both a matrix and a quadrant - there will be no difference in use.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Eisenhower matrix: basic, brief

People spend a lot of their time solving other people's problems and often do not have time to solve their own. And making any decisions is inextricably linked with emotions. Matrix Eisenhower helps not only to deal with everyday affairs, but also to reduce emotional stress. Like any other personal time management technique, the Eisenhower Matrix has advantages and disadvantages.

Here are the main advantages in brief:

• Easy to use, all cases are distributed according to 4 groups, and then a decision is made on them.
• Reducing the number of unimportant tasks. You can identify things in advance that should not be done at all.
• Help in planning important and complex tasks, prioritizing them first.
• Optimization of time costs. You can do everything on time.

Minuses:

• Suitable only for medium- and short-term planning, for solving current problems. You can’t make long-term plans with her.
• There is no need for a matrix if there are few daily tasks.
• Training is needed to correctly determine which tasks are important and urgent and which are not, which to do first, and which can be put off until “tomorrow.”
• It’s easy to make a wrong choice without preparation.

Despite these minor drawbacks, which with experience will be generally minimal, the matrix helps you cope with matters and do the job perfectly.

Eisenhower Matrix for Housewives: To-Do List

When a housewife needs to clearly and correctly distribute her free time, then you can also use the matrix Eisenhower. You learn to choose priority tasks and successfully cope with your own problems. After allocating your time in this way, you get quality and productivity. If you do not yet know how to correctly select priority and secondary tasks, then this matrix will help you:

• Constant employment, depression, and problems often baffle us.
• We don’t know which decision will be correct, so the table will allow us to quickly abstract ourselves and feel the difference between important and less important matters.
• The matrix is ​​ideal for use with urgent and important matters.
• Now you can properly filter the options and do the necessary things around the house.
• Once all tasks are divided into important and urgent ones, the process of distributing working and free time is simplified.

Using the above template, distribute your tasks and plan your time successfully. A matrix is ​​an ideal way to evaluate and distribute your workload. Now you won't feel nervous when you have to make an important decision or where to start.

Franklin's Pyramid: achieving your goals, unlike the Eisenhower Matrix

One of the oldest, most popular and effective time management techniques is the pyramid, named after the American politician Benjamin Franklin. Its essence lies in breaking the main task into several small tasks, which in turn are divided into subtasks.

Main differences Franklin's pyramids from the Eisenhower matrix upon achieving the set goals:

• Aimed at planning not only your time, but also your employment, which will help you achieve your main goal.
• It is used for long-term planning, rather than solving urgent problems. It should be followed throughout your life.

Comprises 6 steps, representing a ready-made action plan:

1. Main life values– the most powerful step, the foundation. Values ​​determine plans and guide a person towards a dream.
2. Global goal- a goal that a person wants to achieve in his life related to profession, success or wealth.
3. General plan– here it is important to highlight small steps towards achieving the goal, and the most significant ones.
4. Long-term plans for 1, 3 and 5 years. Here it is necessary to set exact deadlines.
5. Short-term plan for a month, week- This is a precise schedule that must be followed. Requires deep analysis.
6. Plan for the day– the top of the pyramid, the things that need to be done to get one step closer to your dream.

What exactly to choose for planning matters is up to each person to choose individually. But in any case, such tables will help you plan your day, week or even years. Good luck!

Video: Eisenhower Matrix: time management for women

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What is Dwight David's Eisenhower Matrix? How did the 34th President of the United States plan his time? What organizational principle allowed you to cope with a huge number of cases? I will tell you about all this now.

Time management is based on the principle of planning. And the main thing in planning is setting priorities - which things should be started first, and which ones should be completed later.

A very simple and incredibly effective technique was used by the 34th President of the United States, later it was named after his name - the Eisenhower Dwight David principle. Everyone understands that the president has a lot to do and the fate of millions of people depends on the correct planning of one person’s time.

What did President Eisenhower do?

That's how - he divided all tasks into important and urgent. To better understand the method, let's draw the Eisenhower Dwight David matrix by dividing the square into 4 equal parts. As a result, we will get 4 squares. Now let's sign each with the following names: Important, unimportant, urgent, not urgent.

The essence of the Eisenhower principle is that when setting priorities, you must complete all important and urgent tasks first. Then important and non-urgent. Next, unimportant urgent ones. And if there is time, then the last ones are unimportant and non-urgent.

For what?

What does the application of the Eisenhower principle give? Why draw a matrix? Why can’t you do everything without any problems?

Probably everyone has faced a lack of time - when you want to do everything you planned, but it doesn’t work out, every day brings you surprises and you have to adjust your plans, giving up planned rest, new work opportunities, etc.

It is impossible to predict the unplanned, which means that, whether we like it or not, some plans have to be cancelled. But... What if we do the main tasks first, and leave the less important ones for later. Which ones wouldn’t be such a shame to give up? For example, let's spend time with family instead of meeting with a client who is unlikely to agree to cooperate.

This is the answer to the question: “why sort things.” We simply do the main thing, put aside the unimportant and become more successful and productive in life. After all, urgent does not mean important and vice versa.

1 square: Important and urgent

This includes urgent matters, failure to complete which may lead to negative consequences. We start all tasks from this section because these are the most significant tasks for us, and also urgent. This section includes: “Emergency operation”, “Unscheduled meetings”, “deadline for project delivery”.

The main thing is that this square should ideally be empty because most important tasks are not urgent at first and with proper planning they can be done before they become urgent. All tasks in this square appear for 2 reasons:

- depending on us (internal reasons), what we can influence and this is the largest share in most cases. For example: lack of professionalism, motivation, strength, etc. In general, we can remove this reason on our own;

- beyond our control (external reasons): When we cannot influence them, for example, force majeure, sudden pain, urgent request for help, etc. Ideally, with proper planning, only these reasons should fall into the important and urgent square.

In addition, we all understand that it is not always possible to allocate as much time as necessary for urgent matters. An example from life is passing exams; if you prepare on the last day, then there may simply not be enough time to prepare physically. In addition, working in emergency mode is exhausting and worsens your mental and physical condition. Therefore, all important tasks should be completed before they become urgent, i.e. working with the square is important and not urgent.

Square 2: Important and not urgent

Regular completion of all tasks from this square is an indicator of your success and productivity.

This square includes things that can wait, but failure to do them will have serious negative consequences. An important task differs from an unimportant one in that the consequences for failure to complete them are different.

. The more important the task, the greater the negative consequences of failure to complete it. Therefore, we give preference to completing important tasks first and only then urgent ones. Ideally, all important tasks, both urgent and non-urgent, should be completed in full. Among the cases in this area, the following can be noted: tasks for personal development, health care, for example: consult a doctor in a timely manner and prevent illness, master basic English language skills for a promotion at work, etc., as a rule,.

These are key tasks that can make a big difference in your life.

We all understand that in most cases it is impossible to manage everything planned. If only because unforeseen circumstances arise that make serious adjustments to plans. Considering this fact, it is better to do important tasks on which your life greatly depends than unimportant tasks.

This is why it is so important to sort tasks according to the Eisenhower Rule.

Urgent does not mean important; it is better not to do many urgent things if they cause you to miss important things. To correctly understand which task is more important, simply ask the question: “What will happen if this is not done.” If the negative consequences are minimal, then the matter is unimportant and should be started after completing more significant tasks; if not completed, there will be more serious negative consequences. Unimportant tasks include the following: a colleague called and asked for help with an unimportant task, you are offered participation in social networks. survey or just an acquaintance came in to chat about life.

Minus of urgent matters is that they interfere with working effectively, because you:

Forced to be interrupted from important tasks;

Against the backdrop of urgency, you begin to worry, and emotions prevent you from making the right decisions.

For example, you are working on a large project on which your career growth and the company’s income depend, and at that moment your colleagues call you and ask you to urgently call, print, send a document by mail, etc. Of course, you need to help your colleagues, but everything has its time. Important things need to be done first, and unimportant things later, even if they are urgent. Just tell your colleagues that you are busy now, and when you finish working on an important matter, call them back.

If you try to keep up with all the urgent matters, then life can turn into constant time pressure, and because of the turmoil, you will worry more and will be able to devote less time to important tasks that greatly affect your life.

4 square is unimportant and not urgent

This is the very last to-do list that you should start with, because it includes the most unnecessary tasks.

But even the most unnecessary things can also be divided into 2 parts:

1. Little things in life, such things still have value, but only if you have completed all the other more important tasks from the 3 squares. What is the value? For example, dismantling a blockage on the mezzanine seems like a small thing, but it’s nice, or changing a leaking faucet in the kitchen, strengthening the table so it doesn’t wobble. In general, this kind of task creates your comfort and improves your mood, so you should try to get to square 4 in order to live more harmoniously and fully.

But if you deal with these little things before the more important tasks from the past 3 squares are done, then this will not bring proper satisfaction.

2. Bullshit classes. Computer games, social networks, watching TV, alcohol - all this only takes up precious time. Many will say, but it helps to relax, doesn’t it? Yes, undoubtedly, any bullshit activity relaxes, but not as well as a healthy rest. A computer or TV cannot convey such strong emotions, tactile feelings, smells and other sensations as in real life. Since the computer and TV use fewer senses, the rate of recovery, i.e., rest, is reduced. Alcohol is also an ineffective way to relax, because in addition to the negative impact on health, after such a rest, in quotation marks, you will feel tired, headaches and other troubles.

In general, all bad habits are a waste of time and should be abandoned completely, but this is an ideal case. In reality, every person will have bad habits, because fighting them takes time, so we put all this bullshit like computer games, TV, alcohol, etc. in the unimportant and not urgent square at the very bottom of the to-do list.

Practice of using the Eisenhower matrix by Dwight David

Let's draw 4 squares of Eisenhower, label each square with letters:

A. Important and urgent (red);

B. Important and not urgent (green);

IN. Unimportant and urgent (blue);

G. Not important and not urgent (white).

We begin to complete all tasks in alphabetical order, i.e. first the tasks of point “A”, then “B”, “C” and at the end “D”. Until we complete the tasks of square “A”, we will not proceed to “B”. Then, until we complete point “B”, we don’t start tasks from “C”, etc. In general, we work sequentially step by step, without changing the order.

Now let’s get practical, let’s say we have the following list of incoming cases:

Now let's sort the list of incoming tasks, put next to each item the letter of the square to which this task can be attributed.

Now you know where to start in order to get the most important things done. Just do things from square “A” first, then “B”, then “C” and “D”, if there is time.

It is important to assess the degree of importance not in the mind, but on a piece of paper, because when there are more than 7+-2 things to do, the prioritization may be wrong, since our brain is not designed for such operations in the mind. We can store about 7+-2 things in memory, the rest is forgotten.

Tasks written on a piece of paper are much easier and faster, and most importantly, can be sorted more accurately, so don’t waste time on notes.

As you already understand, the essence of working with the Eisenhower principle: division of tasks and concentration on the first two squares.

Working in accordance with the Eisenhower principle will help reduce the number of rush jobs at work and you will become more accomplished.

P.S. If you have difficulties or questions about the article you read, as well as about the topics: Psychology (bad habits, experiences, etc.), sales, business, time management, etc. ask them to me, I will try to help. Consultation via Skype is also possible.

P.P.S. You can also take the online training “How to get 1 hour of extra time.” Write comments and your additions;)

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