Supervisor's Survival Kit: Your First Step into Management, Ninth Edition

KEEPING PRIORITY LISTS FLEXIBLE

The first thing you learn about setting priorities is that the order may not last long. All it takes is a call from your manager, an emergency situation, an unexpected human relations problem, or a mechanical breakdown to force you to make up a new list. A priority list is not a static thing and may need revision many times a day. In fact, many supervisors automatically reevaluate their priorities every time they move from one completed task to another. Then, you may ask, why make a list in the first place? The primary reason is to keep all responsibilities, tasks, and problems in view. A priority list should include all tasks that need to be done to reach your goals as soon as possible. Obviously, a cardinal mistake ...