Page 10 - Mini-Module 10

Aware

Before you can improve your time management skills it is essential
that you are aware of a number of things about yourself. First, you
need to consciously clarify your own personal and professional
goals - where you are going and where you want to be. Normally
you would have done this when you became a principal. Secondly,
you also need to be aware of your habits, behaviours, personality,
personal and professional responsibilities, values and patterns of
communication. An awareness of these should help you realize
why and when you do things and what factors influence your
behaviour. Common wisdom suggests that effective time
management stems from two forms of control: self-control and job
control. Self-control arises from knowledge of yourself: your
strengths, weaknesses, personality type, and whether you see
things as a whole or as smaller details. Job control requires
knowledge of your job: that is, of the school and your role within it.
You must be aware of the school’s major purpose since your values
as a principal will be measured in terms of this. Knowledge of the
primary purpose helps you define and clarify your role and areas of
responsibility.

During the blue skies Programme you will constantly be setting
goals and discussing what is important for you in terms of vision.
The exercise in the dialogue box may help you consider some of
those other factors which influence your time.

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