The Eisenhower Matrix: Making better decisions in a busy world

We've all felt it before. Fighting fire after fire in the workplace while knowing all that you need is more time to streamline your work. If you're in the corporate world, you might've heard of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. One of my favorite parts of this book was learning about the Eisenhower matrix and how to use it to manage my time more effectively. It has become an absolute game-changer in my work and the systems and process I've helped businesses implement. But Covey wrote this over thirty years ago. Is it still really relevant in the technologically advanced modern world?

It is. In fact, I'd argue that it's easier than ever to implement the time management strategies that Stephen Covey simplifies in his popular book. But it's also easier than ever to get distracted and overwhelmed. Here's how you can use the Eisenhower decision matrix to your advantage today.

The Eisenhower matrix

You've got four decisions to make about your workload based on the four quadrants. But first, ask yourself two questions about the task in front of you.

• Is it urgent? (Will a key stakeholder be immediately affected if you don't do this?)

• Is it important (Is it aligned with your values, purpose, and long-term strategy?)