You're juggling urgent tasks from multiple supervisors. How do you decide which one to tackle first?

1 Assess Urgency

When multiple supervisors send you urgent tasks, the first step is to assess the actual urgency of each request. Look for deadlines and consider the consequences of not completing the task on time. If a task is tied to a time-sensitive project or event, it might take precedence. Communicate with your supervisors to clarify deadlines and express your current workload. This helps set realistic expectations and allows you to create a manageable schedule for addressing each task.

2 Evaluate Impact

After determining the urgency, evaluate the potential impact of each task. Consider which tasks will have the most significant effect on the business or team if completed first. Sometimes, a task that seems less urgent may carry more weight because it's critical to a high-priority project or goal. Understanding the broader context of your work helps you make informed decisions about prioritizing tasks. This approach ensures that your efforts are aligned with the overall objectives of the organization.

3 Consult Team

Don't hesitate to consult with your team or other administrative staff. They can offer insights into which tasks are most pressing based on their understanding of the company's operations and ongoing projects. Collaboration can also lead to more efficient task handling, as delegating or sharing workload might be possible. Open communication with your colleagues can help you navigate conflicting priorities and ensure that all supervisors' needs are met effectively.

4 Set Boundaries

It's essential to set boundaries and manage expectations. Clearly communicate your capacity and the time you'll need to accomplish each task. If a task is beyond your current scope due to time constraints or skill set, it's important to address this with the supervisor who assigned it. Being upfront about what you can realistically achieve helps prevent overcommitment and ensures that you deliver quality work without burning out.

5 Prioritize Tasks

Once you've assessed urgency, evaluated impact, consulted your team, and set boundaries, it's time to prioritize tasks. Create a list that ranks tasks based on these factors. Start with the most urgent and impactful tasks, then work your way down the list. Remember to be flexible; sometimes, priorities can shift quickly, and you'll need to adjust your plan accordingly. Regularly updating your supervisors on your progress can help keep everyone informed and allow for adjustments as needed.