June 28, 2011

The Stanley Marcus Jr. System Of Time Management

Thestoremarcus
Every single one of us could use some time management advice. 

If only we could find a few more working hours in the week.  If only we could become more efficient with our precious time, squeezing in our work between meetings and phone calls.  Countless books have been written about it, and likely you've read a few - or even taken time management courses. 

I bet you've never heard about how Stanley Marcus Jr. managed his.  Back in 1999, he shared his Secret over a mentoring lunch with me in Dallas.  He was blowing a few hours, mentoring me about customer relationship management and retail store marketing.  I needed the advice, as I was at broadcast.com, developing interactive events for companies like Neiman Marcus. 

"When I need to take time back, I give it away to help young people like you," he said between bites. The point of his message was lost on me.  "When you invest time in teaching and sharing, in many cases you'll see profound results quickly.  That'll motivate you to find more time to invest." 

In my case, a few lunches had exponentially improved my ability to apply internet broadcast technology to retail, leading to innovations and a growing book of business for me.  Mr. Marcus observed that, took pride in what he accomplished, and as a result - became jealous of his time, so he could do it again for others. 

He continued: "When I give someone an hour or two, and I see the difference that it makes in their lives, I go back to the office and clear my calendar of the fluff.  Ill advised meetings, trips, conference calls or busy-work projects of no value."  In other words, mentoring gave him motivation to find time to mentor more. 

"Too many people rely on time management tips and techniques to get it right," he concluded. "What they really need is a fundamental respect of their time.  Giving it away can achieve that."  

It's true.  We know what we shouldn't be doing, but we still succumb to the silly meeting request or the non-productive day trip.  We don't respect ourself or our time enough to say no.  

If you are guilty of time wasting, always wishing you had a little bit more each day - take on a mentee and give away two hours a week.  Have an agenda, be profusely generous in showing her the ropes, and observe the difference your investment is making.  Then fill yourself with the desire to do more of it, and apply that to your calendar.  You'll find HOURS to be taken back, now that you are jealous of your time. 

 

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