Increased Productivity using Eisenhower's Matrix
History buffs often list Dwight D. Eisenhower as one of the most successful US presidents of all time, as his list of life and presedential achievements are vast.
Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States, serving two terms from 1953 to 1961. During his time in office, he launched programs that directly led to the development of:
the Interstate Highway System in the United States;
ARPA which later developed to become the Internet;
started exploration of space (NASA);
Set up the peaceful use of alternative energy sources (Atomic Energy Act)
He also signed a number of Civil Rights acts into law including setting up a permanent Civil Right's commission
He orchestrated the armistice which brought the Korean War to an end
But before becoming President, Eisenhower was a five-star general in the United States Army, served as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe during World War II who led Operation Overlord which liberated Western Europe and invaded Germany and he was the first NATO Supreme Commander.
Eisenhower had an amazing capacity to continue his productivity not just for weeks, but for years. This has led to his methods for time management, task management, and productivity being studied by many people.
What Eisenhower used to achieve all of the above throughout his life is what is now called the Eisenhower Matrix or box (below:)
This tool is something everyone can put into use immediately. To do so you will separate your actions based on four possibilities:
Urgent and important (tasks you will do immediately).
Important, but not urgent (tasks you will schedule to do later).
Urgent, but not important (tasks you will delegate to someone else).
Neither urgent nor important (tasks that are a waste of time and that you will eliminate).
The great thing about this matrix is that it can be used for broad productivity plans (“How should I spend my time each week?”) and for smaller, daily plans (“What should I do today?”).
It can be used for both work and for personal planning. What it does force you to ask is "Do I need to be doing this?" If the answer is no then you can probably stick it in the "Delete quadrant" and move on to something that will actually help you move towards your personal or business goals.
Whilst it isn't a perfect strategy you may find some use in it and if you wish to try it out for daily for a week then I have put it as a downloadable spreadsheet here: Eisenhower Matrix and let us know how you get on in the comments below.
