Feeling overwhelmed with the constant juggle of tasks and deadlines in your project management role? We get it. Navigating the complexities of time management can be a challenge, but fear not – we’ve got your back.
In this article, we’ve curated a list of the top ten time management books, carefully selected to provide you with practical insights and strategies.
Whether you’re struggling to prioritise tasks, looking to cultivate good habits, or aiming for a more proactive approach, these books are your roadmap to effective time management and success in project management.
In the bestseller “Getting Things Done”, productivity guru David Allen introduces project management professionals to his renowned GTD methodology.
This must-read book outlines practical techniques to clear mental clutter, prioritise tasks and efficiently manage time.
By incorporating Allen’s strategies, professionals can elevate their time management skills, ensuring that important tasks are prioritised and completed without the burden of stress.
The GTD method is especially beneficial for those aiming to enhance their project management workflows and stop procrastinating while implementing stress-free productivity techniques.
Brian Tracy’s “Eat That Frog!” stands as a beacon for individuals seeking to overcome procrastination and improve time management.
Tracy’s approach, centred around tackling the most challenging tasks first, resonates with project management professionals juggling numerous responsibilities.
By applying Tracy’s insights, project managers and entrepreneurs alike can boost their productivity, conquer procrastination and make significant strides in project completion.
“Eat That Frog!” is a valuable resource for those looking to prioritise effectively and achieve remarkable results in their project management endeavours.
Stephen R. Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” has become a cornerstone in personal and professional development.
Covey’s seven habits, including proactive behaviour, prioritisation and synergistic collaboration, offer project management professionals a roadmap to success.
By incorporating Covey’s principles, individuals can refine their time management skills, navigate complex projects and foster personal change that positively impacts their professional lives.
This timeless classic is a must-read for those aspiring to become highly successful people.
Cal Newport’s “Deep Work” is a transformative guide for project management professionals navigating the challenges of a digitally distracted world.
Newport’s exploration of deep, focused work, and strategies to minimise distractions, provides valuable insights.
By embracing Newport’s principles, individuals can create an environment conducive to concentrated, distraction-free work, leading to heightened productivity and successful project outcomes.
“Deep Work” is an essential read for those seeking to master time management techniques in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven work landscape.
Timothy Ferriss’s “The 4-Hour Workweek” revolutionises traditional notions of work-life balance.
Ferriss advocates for lifestyle design, introducing unconventional yet effective approaches to time management.
Project management professionals can leverage Ferriss’s strategies to optimise workflows, outsource non-essential tasks and achieve extraordinary results with minimal time investment.
This book is a game-changer for those looking to redefine their approach to work and time, making it a must-read in the realm of project management.
Oliver Burkeman’s “Four Thousand Weeks” challenges readers to re-evaluate their relationship with time.
Burkeman’s insights prompt project management professionals to prioritise meaningful activities, aligning daily tasks with overarching goals.
By adopting Burkeman’s perspective, individuals can make intentional choices that lead to a more fulfilling work-life balance.
“Four Thousand Weeks” serves as a thought-provoking guide for project managers seeking to maximise the impact of their time and achieve lasting success.
In “Essentialism”, Greg McKeown advocates for focusing on the essential and eliminating non-essential tasks.
Project management professionals can apply McKeown’s disciplined approach to streamline workloads, reduce decision fatigue and achieve more with less effort and in less time.
By incorporating essentialist principles, individuals can enhance their time management skills and make strategic choices that align with project priorities.
“Essentialism” is a must-read for those aiming to elevate their project management efficiency and effectiveness.
Gary Keller and Jay Papasan’s “The One Thing” provides project management professionals with a powerful framework for prioritisation.
The authors advocate for focusing on the most critical task at any given moment, leveraging the “domino effect” for optimal results.
By implementing Keller and Papasan’s strategies, individuals can maximise their impact, achieve extraordinary outcomes, and master the art of efficient time management.
“The One Thing” is an indispensable resource for those seeking to excel in the world of project management.
Richard Koch’s “The 80/20 Principle” introduces project management professionals to a powerful concept that can transform the way they approach their work.
Also known as the Pareto Principle, Koch explains how 80% of results come from 20% of efforts.
By identifying and focusing on the most impactful tasks, project managers can achieve more with less effort.
Koch’s book provides practical strategies for applying the 80/20 Principle to time management, allowing professionals to prioritise tasks effectively and increase productivity.
This book is an essential read for project management professionals seeking to streamline their workflows and achieve remarkable results in an efficient manner.
“Make Time” by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky offers practical advice for creating time in a busy schedule.
Project management professionals can benefit from the book’s framework, designed to enhance productivity and well-being. Knapp and Zeratsky’s methodology introduces daily practices that empower individuals to make time for strategic thinking, reflection and self-care.
“Make Time” is an actionable resource for those looking to optimise their daily routines and achieve long-term success in both professional and personal realms.
For additional resources, explore podcasts, case studies and business books by thought leaders like Laura Vanderkam, author of “168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think,” and Charles Duhigg, author of “The Power of Habit.”
Don’t forget to leverage planners and project management tools, such as BestOutcome’s Time Management Software PM3Time and our PPM software PM3, to streamline workflows and enhance overall project efficiency.
These advanced tools not only follow most of the time management principles discussed in this list of bestsellers but they also take those principles to a whole new level in the field of project management.
Here’s how PM3Time can help you manage your time effectively as a project manager:
Entering time in PM3Time is simple and quick whether you are using the mobile app or the main application.
Generate quick job costing reports thanks to PM3Time’s ability to manage multiple rates per person and per role.
Utilise out-of-the-box reports and download them in a variety of file formats such as Excel.
Our time management tool has a built-in integration to Xero so you can automatically generate invoices using PM3Time costing data.
Set utilisation targets by role and person and specify your utilisation calculation simply and quickly .
Streamline timesheet and expenses approvals with in-email approval functionlity, so you don’t need to login to the app each time.
Elevate your time management game with BestOutcome’s PM3Time. Seamlessly integrating time-tested principles from these books, PM3 empowers you to stay proactive, cultivate good habits and achieve unparalleled success in project management.
Time to unlock efficiency – try PM3Time today!
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