As I scour today’s management literature, I’m struck by how much of it relates to personal productivity. We’re seeking secrets to working smarter. Getting more done. Becoming more effective. Learning when and how to say “no.”

當(dāng)我搜索今天的時(shí)間管理類文獻(xiàn)，我陷入思考：時(shí)間管理和個(gè)人的生產(chǎn)力水平有多大關(guān)系。我們一直在尋找那些秘訣---如何更巧妙地的工作、完成更多的任務(wù)、變得更有效率，如何在適當(dāng)?shù)臅r(shí)機(jī)說'不'。

Here’s the problem: We’re searching for a perfect answer in an imperfect world. I’m convinced there is absolutely no one-size-fits-all solution for gaining greater control of our time, output, stress and success.

問題在于：我們一直試圖在一個(gè)不完美的世界中尋找到一個(gè)完美的答案。我深信絕對(duì)不存在這樣一個(gè)全能的方法，能同時(shí)適用于管理好我們的時(shí)間、產(chǎn)出、壓力和成功。

Our time management strategies need to take into account our formal and informal responsibilities, workplace cultures, bosses, technology, training and our personal strengths, styles and quirks — not to mention the vast array of skills and needs of people who report to us.

我們的時(shí)間管理策略需要考慮到我們的法律和道德責(zé)任、工作地點(diǎn)的文化、老板、技術(shù)、培訓(xùn)以及我們自身能力、風(fēng)格和癖好；而不要羅列一堆別人告訴我們的技巧和需要做的事。

That’s why I spend a lot of time coaching people in our seminars and workshops, so I can ask them targeted questions about their individual situations and help them discover solutions.

因此我花很多時(shí)間訓(xùn)練參加我們專題討論會(huì)的人，這樣就可以對(duì)他們的個(gè)人情況提出針對(duì)性的問題，然后幫助他們找到解決方法。

What I offer now is a bit more impersonal, but it’s a quick series of questions for you, just like the ones I’d ask face-to-face. You’re busy, so I’ve kept the list short.

我現(xiàn)在要向你提出的是更具客觀性但很簡(jiǎn)短的一系列問題，就如同我當(dāng)面提問一樣。你很忙，所以我使問題很簡(jiǎn)短。

Consider this a two-minute drill. Read the questions, jot an answer — then decide what your next steps will be.

當(dāng)做一次兩分鐘的操練。閱讀下面的問題，快速寫下你的答案。然后決定你下一步要做什么。

Six Questions to Help You Get Control of Your Time

六個(gè)問題幫助你管理你的時(shí)間

1. Which of my many tasks can or should be done by only me?

1.什么任務(wù)是可以或者應(yīng)該由我一個(gè)人完成？

2. What do my bosses and my best people need most from me?

2我的上司和我最愛的人最需要我的什么？

3. What duties, if I delay doing them, will cause significant problems for others?

3.什么任務(wù)會(huì)因?yàn)槲业牡⒄`而對(duì)他人造成很大的麻煩？

4. What are my worst time-wasting temptations?

4.最誘惑我浪費(fèi)時(shí)間的事是什么？

5. What skill have I put off learning that is holding me back?

5.我推遲學(xué)習(xí)哪些技能會(huì)阻礙我前進(jìn)？

6. Is there something I should keep doing, even if it isn’t the most efficient, because it gives me pure joy?

6.有什么事雖然不是很有效率，但我應(yīng)該繼續(xù)做，只因?yàn)樗芙o我?guī)砑兇獾目鞓罚?/div>

Since I’m not able to go over your responses with you, try this: Identify a colleague whose judgment you respect and trust. Invest another 15 minutes in a conversation with that person. Share your answers and your next steps. Invite that person to ask you a few more good questions and then to keep an eye on your progress.

我不能和你一起檢查你的答案，所以你可以：找這樣一個(gè)同事，他的評(píng)判能得到你的尊重和信任。和他進(jìn)行一次15分鐘的對(duì)話。分享你的答案和你的下一步目標(biāo)。請(qǐng)他多問你幾個(gè)有用的問題，希望他能監(jiān)督你的進(jìn)程。