Bangalore: Corporate trainers, authors of self-help books and stressed-out executives all agree that the secret to better time management is to be better organised.

"Easier said than done for many of us in this age of multiple cell phones , e-mails and walk-in clientele,'' says corporate trainer and consultant K. Panduranga. At least one hour of a harried mid-level executive's 12-hour day goes dealing with unwanted and most likely, unproductive, interruptions.

Second mobile phone

There is one secret that successful executives may reluctantly part with - having a second or even third mobile phone, whose number is known only to your top management, senior colleagues and very important business partners. Under no circumstances should this number appear on your business card and it would be better if the office receptionist does not know the number either.

"The next important time saver is to incorporate your most important outside appointments into your mobile phone... the newest ones can ring an alarm to remind you thirty minutes or more earlier,'' says Mr. Panduranga. Of course, even a simple memo pad will do; tear the sheet away at the end of the day. You will also feel a sense of accomplishment.

Making a list

In his book on time management, Y.C. Halan, member of the governing board of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, New Delhi, suggests preparing a TDL — a "to day list."

You can even do this last thing the previous day and refer to it while driving to work the next day. Allot a time limit for each task and tick them off when each is completed.

Dr. Halan suggests drafting this list on a priority basis and allotting more time to the more important ones. For example, 15 minutes can be given to a client meeting and five for a colleague, unless it is to discuss a new business strategy.

A list of priorities lets you plan your working time more effectively and wasted time is almost done away with.

Spam

Screening phone calls can be left to receptionists unless you are senior enough to have a secretary answer calls. Dealing with e-mail can take up much time but many can be deleted after a quick look.

Today's computers even allow you to filter away all the "spam' on the internet so that you can access needed information faster and with no distractions.

Dealing with sudden visitors may call for a lot of tact on your part. In most cases, listening for a minute or two and then politely suggesting a later appointment may be made, can save the situation many experienced executives recommend. Always remember that time is among the most precious things in today's business world.

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