Strategies for Managing a Large Workload

Managing a large workload can be exhausting for educators. Just when you think you completed a task, a handful more are added to your plate. Some days, you’re just not sure how you will get it all done. The reality is that the workload will not stop coming each day.

This post will share a productivity method to make your large workload more manageable. Learning how to manage it effectively is key to keeping your sanity while also producing quality work.

The Technique

Best-selling author, Oliver Burkeman developed a 3-3-3 model to prioritize tasks and manage his time better. He says you can actually do less every day in efforts to accomplish more in the long run. Workloads become larger because of unexpected tasks that arise as well as delays in deliverables from collaborative projects. Both of which you have little control over. However, if you learn how to manage what is coming in, you can continue to operate at high levels.

In a single day, the 3-3-3 method looks like this:

• 3 hours on important tasks
• 3 urgent tasks
• 3 daily maintenance activities

Applying the Technique

Utilizing time management techniques while also setting realistic expectations ensures you are productive in the areas that matter most. If there are tasks that can be streamlined, then make them more efficient. Or if there are tasks on your workload that are not aligned, they can be delegated to someone else.

If you are a teacher, your 3-3-3 method could look like:

• 3 hours grading students work, analyzing data, or lesson planning
• urgent tasks like replying to reviewing a student’s IEP goals or lesson plan copies for tomorrow’s lesson
• maintenance activities like taking attendance, preparing the front board with objectives and homework or responding to parent emails

If you are a teacher leader, your 3-3-3 method could look like:

• 3 hours developing PD aligned to school goals
• urgent tasks like delivering textbooks to teachers with new students or getting teachers logged in to online portals to review data
• maintenance activities like drafting staff newsletters and responding to teacher emails

Next Steps

The following next steps will help you get organized so that you can begin using the 3-3-3 method. It will get easier with time. Just know, you rarely will get through an entire to-do list. However, you will have made headway on what matters most.

• Make a list of all the tasks you need to complete
• Place them in 3 columns- important, urgent, and daily maintenance
• Use a timer to keep you on task for completing 3 hours in the important column
• Once you’ve completed all 3 columns, begin the cycle all over again until your workday is over

Working on prioritizing your large workload and being intentional with your time will decrease overwhelm and increase productivity. To read more about about the 3-3-3 method, click here. I also offer one-on-one coaching if you want to work on bettering your practice.

If you need more resources to help you become an even stronger teacher or coach, browse these printable and digital options. Check out other helpful blog posts here. Be sure to also check out my latest book, Always A Lesson: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success.

GO BE GREAT!

 

 

 

How do you plan to utilize the 3-3-3 method?