Chapter 1: Introduction to Workload Management

In today's fast-paced professional landscape, it often feels like time is slipping away. We are constantly faced with an endless array of tasks that require our attention. Reflecting on my early experiences in a corporate job, I distinctly recall being overwhelmed by a seemingly infinite list of responsibilities.

During one particularly challenging weekly meeting with my manager, I opened up about my struggles with the workload. She responded by asking to see my to-do list, to which I could only stare blankly, realizing I didn't even have one. This pivotal moment led her to explain that my sense of overwhelm stemmed from a lack of visibility, preventing me from prioritizing effectively.

In hindsight, this is a crucial lesson that should be taught in schools, as I had never encountered it before. Now, after more than a decade in the professional realm, I have honed my skills in time and workload management. Still, my passion for self-improvement drives me to seek more effective methods of organizing my tasks beyond a simple to-do list.

How can I enhance my workload management to avoid feelings of overwhelm and prevent the downward spiral I once experienced? The answer is straightforward!

Each morning, I begin by outlining my daily objectives, categorizing them into three distinct sections:

1. To Do - These are new tasks that require immediate attention, such as scheduling a call with a product owner or responding to an important email.
2. Follow-Up - This category includes tasks from the previous day that I am awaiting responses for, such as checking in with a stakeholder regarding their commitments from a recent meeting.
3. Escalate - Here, I note issues that fall outside my direct control but need to be elevated, like addressing performance concerns with a developer, which may require discussion with their manager.

By organizing my tasks into these "buckets," I gain clarity on where to direct my efforts and what can be delegated to someone at a higher level, transferring responsibilities from my to-do list to theirs.

It's important to remember that even the most organized to-do list can become overwhelming over time. When you reach that threshold, it's useful to ask yourself, "What will happen if I don't complete this task today?" If the answer is minimal or insignificant, consider removing it from your list or postponing it.

I hope these insights assist you in managing your workload and refining your to-do lists. If you found this article helpful, feel free to follow me for more tips!