Originally published May 2020. Updated November 4, 2025.
Modern managers spend their days juggling priorities, meetings and messages. The result is that time – our most valuable asset – is often hijacked by urgency rather than importance.
Why time management matters more than ever
Constant connectivity has blurred the boundaries between work and life. Without conscious attention, every hour becomes reactive. Managers who master their time build calmer, more effective teams because they model what balance looks like in action.
Reclaiming your rhythm
- Audit your energy. Notice when you work best and align your most strategic tasks with your peak focus hours.
- Prioritise by value, not volume. Identify the 20 percent of tasks that deliver 80 percent of results.
- Create visible boundaries. Block reflection time in your calendar and honour it like a client meeting.
- Delegate with trust. Time management is also people management, give others the chance to own outcomes.
Why it matters
Research from Microsoft and Gallup shows that the average knowledge worker spends nearly 60 percent of their week in meetings and communication tools. Without boundaries, deep focus becomes impossible.
Managers who model intentional time use don’t just increase productivity; they reduce burnout and signal to their teams that rest and reflection are part of performance.
