- Recently, I found myself using the very word I've cautioned others against using many times. I noticed something was wrong on my website, so I reached out to my project manager, John. John's reliable, and I knew he could help. I was in a hurry, and I made my mistake when I typed John, I need you to fix this ASAP. As soon as I hit send, it was like the needle scratching across the grooves of an LP record. ASAP is a word, really an acronym, that means nothing and everything at the same time, especially from a time management perspective. It isn't clear communication. Consider this. When you say you need something as soon as possible, what does that really mean, in an hour, by the end of the day, the end of the week, after I complete the other project you delegated to me or right now? There are many ways in which a coworker can interpret your words. So choose them a bit more carefully. Instead of hitting this vague panic button when an urgent matter pops up, reframe things. Use clear communication. In most cases, a task simply needs a deadline and isn't an emergency. Even if the deadline is very soon, such as the end of the day, saying so is easier to understand and helps the people around you understand how to plan their day, and if something truly is an emergency, make it clear that it should be worked on immediately. This clearly conveys what you need from your coworkers. Let's end ASAP ASAP.
Author
Updated
4/15/2019Released
4/11/2016Productivity expert Dave Crenshaw provides techniques on a wide variety of topics, designed to help people better manage their time and ultimately become more productive. Tune in to learn about everything from managing emails and calendars to setting priorities, collaborating with coworkers, reducing interruptions, crafting a "productivity mindset," and creating a more comfortable and effective work environment.
Have an idea for a future video from Dave? Submit it using our course feedback form. If you want more time management strategies now, we recommend watching Dave's Time Management Fundamentals course.
- Reducing interruptions
- Dealing with feeling overwhelmed
- Responding to quick questions
- Making the most of meetings
- Following up
- Implementing a closed door, open calendar policy
Skill Level Intermediate
Duration
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Introduction
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Welcome43s
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1. Time Management Tips
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Power tips for sending email3m 14s
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Positive procrastination3m 15s
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Remove the "busy" tag2m 58s
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Manage digital interruptions4m 19s
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Make the most of meetings2m 52s
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Follow up on delegated items2m 58s
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Become tech savvy4m 33s
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Focus on the person2m 37s
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Time management for students2m 59s
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Ending meetings with action1m 44s
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Building a not-to-do list2m 46s
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Avoiding the crowd mindset2m 58s
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Placing a value on your time3m 30s
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How to schedule a meeting3m 35s
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How to develop flexibility4m 19s
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The trouble with texting3m 48s
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Create a perhaps list4m 58s
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Reduce attention switches4m 46s
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Adapt your favorite app4m 33s
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Make time to get more time3m 49s
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Read vs. unread email3m 52s
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Make time to have fun3m 57s
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Create a morning ritual3m 23s
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When to create new homes3m 26s
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How to reduce spam3m 48s
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Why repetition saves time2m 48s
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Productive passwords2m 3s
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Productive web browser tips1m 51s
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Writing a productive email1m 55s
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Commit to your calendar1m 54s
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What to say instead of ASAP1m 46s
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Set voicemail expectations1m 43s
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Set email expectations1m 46s
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How to use an inbox1m 41s
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How to use an outbox1m 53s
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Video: What to say instead of ASAP