Basically, you often face the same dilemma as soon as the tasks pile up. It is not difficult to actually get things done, but rather to decide where to start. The Eisenhower matrix helps in a very simple and pragmatic way. Behind this is a relatively famous principle that helps to break down the mountain of work ahead into priorities.
Sorting according to two criteria
According to the Eisenhower principle, two categories are sufficient to create a basic order for the daily workload or a project plan: importance and urgency. A task is important when it serves to achieve the respective goal. If it does not help to get closer to the goal, it is to be classified as unimportant. A task becomes urgent when it is tied to a certain deadline. If it doesn’t matter when the task is done, then it is not urgent.
Four possible combinations as an overview
It is up to you whether you build a digital matrix as an auxiliary construct for the assignment or simply shovel four fields free on your desk. The main thing is that the tasks can be divided into four quadrants.
- Important and urgent
The highest priority level is given to tasks that fall into this category. They will be dealt with immediately and, if possible, by hand.
- Important, but not urgent
This task is also important for achieving the goal – but it can be postponed. So put the task at the top of the to-do list and set an exact date for it.
- Urgent, but not important
Prompt completion is the motto here, but its importance, which can be assessed less, allows the task to be delegated, for example.
- Neither important nor urgent
Such tasks take the lowest position in the division and can be postponed for later, in case of doubt they remain completely unfinished. A typical case for filing P. such as wastepaper basket.
The legend behind the principle
While it may sound good to use the standards of a great man in world history, it has not really been proven that US President and Allied General Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) actually used this method . Rather, the classification is based on a quote that he used in one of his speeches in 1954: “I have two kinds of problems, the urgent and the important. The urgent are not important, and the important are never urgent.” by an unnamed university president.
Benefits and criticism
The Eisenhower matrix is a classic in time management. Especially in phases of greatest stress, it forms a simple but effective basis not to lose your head. Critics counter this, however, by saying that good time management – or good management at all – must not allow it to get to the point where urgent tasks come to the fore, but rather the importance should always be the decisive criterion for processing.
