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Stephanie Harbin -- The inability to manage time effectively will not only cost you your job—it will hinder your success.

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All in all, time is money and employers expect you to spend the time they pay you being productive. The inability to manage time effectively will not only cost you your job—it will hinder your success. Read on to uncover five strategies to maximize time. They will help you save your job and boost your career.

5 Tips

Get organized

For every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned (Benjamin Franklin). With that said, begin arranging your day. Use a planner to record scheduled meetings, training, and time off. At the same time, jot down due dates for special projects. If you serve in a leadership role, schedule time to connect with members of your team.

Maintain your focus.

Starve your distractions—feed your focus (Timewiser.com). The things you give your undivided attention to grow. Therefore, approach all assignments with enthusiasm. Putting all your heart into your work will help you retain your job and standout.

Plan your work.

Success is not accidental. Therefore, you must plan your day, week, and month. For example, if you have a large project, break it down into parts. Outline daily activities. Cross them off as you complete them.

Equally important, develop an action plan for professional goals. Review them at the beginning of each week.

Prioritize assignments.

Even though I do not punch a time clock, prioritizing my day is vital. The primary goal is to be productive. So, I focus on one thing. What is your priority? Think carefully before responding. Everything is not equally important or urgent.

The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan revolutionized my thinking and behavior. Since reading this bestseller, my productivity has soared; I discovered the one thing that I can do that makes everything else easier or unnecessary.

Be resourceful.

While landing my first professional job as a junior in college was a dream come true, I lacked experience. Nevertheless, I hit the ground running (after hiding in my office for a week or two and praying that no one asked me any questions).

Aside from reaching out to others in the community and developing a network of experienced contacts, I gained ideas and confidence to do my job. You would have never known I was a rookie.

Have you ever been in a similar situation? Refuse to waste time mulling over the situation. Be resourceful—keep your job and galvanize your career.

Source: Ezinearticles

Stephanie Harbin is President and Founder of Everything Leadership, which provides information, inspiration, and resources for change agents. A passionate trainer, consultant, and motivational speaker, she launched Harbin Training Group over 15 years ago. In 2002, the Back to Basics Leadership Program for Youth was born. With a background in psychology. Stephanie has worked in various settings including adult & continuing education, criminal justice (serving as a psychiatric social worker in the county jail), and social services. She received a Master's degree in Social Science Administration (MSSA) from Case Western Reserve University. Most of the time she struggles to remember what the letters stands for. Fascinated with writing about various topics like leadership, teaching, personal development, reading, strategy, the Bible, and more, Stephanie is an avid reader, devouring books the way some people devour food. At the same time, she loves bringing ideas to life, simplifying the complex, and helping others maximize their potential. When others ask why, she says why not. Click here for your FREE Guide Increase Your Focus For Better Productivity.

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