TEN TIMELY TIPS FOR SAVVY ARTS ADMINISTRATORS!

Timely Tip #1 Schedule the time it takes to prepare for an appointment, as well as the appointment, as well as time to follow-up on the appointment.

Timely Tip #2 Authorize, empower, and delegate partners to facilitate your time management. Don't complain, don't blame, don't shame--simply explain the importance of your time to your friends, your coworkers, and/or your family. Make it personal and let them know you will respect their time and their thoughts on how to maximize productivity. Enlist their support, understanding and help--and use it.

Timely Tip #3 Be proactive and maintain control over your schedule. Publish your goals, objectives, meetings, and remarkably tight schedule and put your goals on your calendar. Schedule 10-20, 15-minute blocks of time each week when you are accessible to visit staff in their office or a neutral spot (longer blocks of time may be scheduled if absolutely necessary). Make appointments with yourself! Schedule 1 1/2 hours of "do not disturb" time each day to tackle PRIORITY GOALS. "Punch a hole" in tough projects by committing to a ten-minute outline that will get you started.

Timely Tip #4 Hall Walk. By increasing visibility, you oftentimes serve as the Director of Crisis Intervention vs. the Crisis Manager!

Timely Tip #5 Instruct your assistant to schedule appointments during previously agreed to "Meeting Times" only.

Timely Tip #6 Screen all texts, calls and emails and delegate or return calls/texts/emails en masse at specified times each day at times that are convenient for YOU!

Timely Tip #7 Write it down! Don't rely on your memory.

Time Tip #8 Clarify and disseminate your expectations in regards to agendas and meetings that you run and that you are required to attend. Suggestions: Don't waste people's time; Meetings begin on time; Put important agenda items first to encourage promptness; Agendas should be delivered to participants 24-hours in advance of meetings.

Timely Tip #9: Get to know yourself. Goethe says, "He who seizes the right moment, is the right man." When are you at your best? When are you at your best when writing? When are your analytical skills most sharp? When are you most creative? When are you most stressed or least stressed?

Timely Tip #10: The future is now. Choose to spend time doing what you will remember 10 years from now and what you want other people to remember you doing. Learn to “JUST SAY NO” based on your own priorities and the priorities of the institution you represent.