Customer Reviews

Time Management is an Oxymoron

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you know nothing about time management and have absolutely no control over your life, then this book is a great start. However, if you've been in the working world and had to make deadlines, you already know everything here.

I didn't find anything new in the book. These are the same techniques presented in virtually every beginner time-management book or course. The only thing clever here is the book's name. There's nothing wrong with the techniques (other than it is extremely basic), I just found the title misleading. It and the associated reviews imply that the author has found some sort of amazing new solution to time management. Nothing is new -- it's simply recycled.

The flow of the book is a "conversation" between the author and a hypothetical client. Personally, I found this annoying. What could be said in one paragraph spans an entire chapter as the author and his client read their respective dialog. This format has the advantage of increasing the number of pages, but doesn't add content.

I would suggest reading "The 7-Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey. Instead of spending time on how to set up a 31-day filing cabinet, Covey focuses on what consumes time, how to prioritize it and what to forgo.

Another route is to attend a local Time Management class. It might cost a few dollars more, but it will likely cover much a greater span of material (including the Covey's 7-Habits) and you'll benefit from the interaction with a live instructor.

Fantastic book! This author helped my employees become much more efficient and gave us more time to spend on more important issues. If you detest paperwork this is a must read title.

This book provides very clear, easy-to-implement directions on how you can be tons more productive without working extra hours. Since reading this book, I can now walk into someone's office and immediately know how I should manage them! I dislike reading management books, and found this book to be easy-to-read (like the One-Minute Manager) but much more actionable.

This book is a Job Aid, i.e., a set of proven, practical methods to improve managing time. Because the author attacks time-eaters such as handling paper, e-mail, the telephone, follow-up, etc., the system's approach outlined is applicable to Executives and managers in any business. The "professional" part is that Maynard does the basics very well! He identifies the problems to mismanagement of the above, and quickly and concisely outlines the solution.

If you are looking for the latest fad or sophisitcated ideas on how to get organized and stay organized this is not the book for you. However, if you like good old fashion common sense and ideas that are clearly explained, easy to learn and simple to implement...this is the book for you.

I teach people to get organized for a living. In the process of learning how to teach this course, I read every book I could get my hands on about the topic...and listened to audio tape...and watched videos...and called people doing this kind of work. I learned a few things from a few of the books, tapes and videos. But when I encountered Maynard I "hit the motherload" in a manner of speaking. In a nutshell, many people have written better looking books about the topic of getting organized. The covers may be slicker, the illustrations may be fancier or the words may sound more sophisticated...but Maynard's book has one overriding quality that impressed me more than the covers, illlustrations and words of the other books...he knows what he is talking about and his system works. Most unorganized people do not think they have time to read books. If you can only find time for one book...read Maynard's book. Maynard has mastered the topic of getting organized and he shares his mastery with others throughout this book.

Here is just one example of what you can learn in this book...if you use Maynard's system, you will never again struggle with prioritizing your work. As a matter fo fact, you will be able to prioritize your work (and know that you got it right) in 60 seconds or less. The true definition of being organized is being able to find things when you need them. Find this book as soon as you can...you'll understand after you read it how much you needed it!

Mr. Rolston has provided a clear, concise plan for dealing with the onlaught of paper, corespondence, and Email that enters all our lives. His five action decisions are clear and to the point and with practice, easy to follow. As his book expains, "The beauty of this system is that it will reduce anxiety caused by clutter and disorganizaion enabling you to get more done with fewer distractions. Discipline yourself to use it, profit from it, and you will enjoy peace of mind and a life of greater significance." Work from a completely clean desk - yes, it is possible!

Written from a new slant, this book is interesting and entertaining enough to get you through the steps it takes to truly get organized and make more time for yourself and your family! It has already changed my work habits, and I'm still learning from it. Highly recommend this quick read to anyone who is sitting overwhelmed behind a desk that is piled high with paper.

Perhaps one of the things that is missing the most in business today is just good old common-sense. The author begins with the basics and where the ability to manage time and be productive must start. Wasted time has a impact on any organizations bottom line, and often the executives are the biggest abusers. Those are the people who call meetings to plan meetings, and every one of those people need to read this book.

It is a fast and enjoyable read. I think everyone who works in an office or even at home with all the paperwork we deal with could benefit from this book. There are tricks to impliment for those without supervisor responsibility and at every level of management. Well worth the time and money.

What I liked best about Maynard Rolston's approach is the simple and straightforward methods he advocates. Rather than long and lengthly chapters about why we need to get better organized, he cuts right to the chase. I was able to start implementing these techniques in less than 24 hours! Many of the other programs in other books I considered would have taken me weeks to implement. Within the first week of using this program, I started going home two hours earlier than usual. I even got to eat dinner with my family again. Now I need to get my secretary her own copy.