Four-frame model of successful time management

It seems that many of us are capable of sorting our time and our staff's time properly and sensibly. If that's the case, then why do we often face a shortage of this prominent, valuable and unfortunately limited resource? At first, it seems we're doing everything right: jotting down plans in our notebooks, cutting down distractions, and sticking to our goals. Perhaps the root cause of our losses and time deficit lies in not following effective time management rules? Let's try to figure out what causes this and learn how to manage our time effectively and logically.

To do this, we need to discuss the four-frame model of time management. To comprehend its principles, we must first define what time management actually means. Effective time management is a science, a tool or teaching about properly managing, distributing, organising, recording, and using time.

Why do we need the time management process?

• It's a tool that allows us to complete the biggest number of set tasks in the shortest time possible;

• The time management process helps us set our work priorities straight;

• It gives us a chance to focus on the most important tasks first and only tackle less critical responsibilities after handling high-priority assignments;

• By following proper time management models, you'll make time for leisure, family, and a lively life outside work.

Of course, bear in mind that effective time management will lead you to master new important skills and methods used to achieve specific goals and complete significant projects. Time management is a big mechanism that includes a wide range of actions, skills, and abilities like any other discipline. These include proper goal planning, delegating responsibility, making lists and plans, monitoring, analysing time costs, evaluating the value of various actions, setting priorities, etc.

What exactly is a four-frame model?

Classic time management emerged a while ago when there was a solitary approach to management. The world is constantly evolving, and the same goes for the study of effective time distribution. After the 2012 release of the book “Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice and Leadership” by Lee Bolman and Terry Deal, the time management process was seen as a complex, layered apparatus. That’s when the concept of the “four-frame model” first appeared. It's a system for managing your time, as well as the system, process, yourself, and other people.

The main difference between monostatic and four-frame management is that traditional time management is more oriented towards controlling time based on a single component — its priority. More specifically, it was about doing your tasks depending on their importance. The four-frame model is a more detailed, accurate, and multifaceted tool that uncovers patterns and different time management models.

In simpler terms, to make your work and your employee’s work effective and successful, you have to stop viewing time management as a one-sided issue. When doing your job, you need to pay attention to all four factors mentioned below. Each will help you achieve goals and keep up with deadlines.

• You need to learn how to use each minute of your time properly and have complete control over it;

• A good company director must develop a system to carry out specific tasks, whether it concerns his duties or work done by employees;

• You need to be in complete control of how employees work on certain tasks and projects. This doesn't mean you should constantly control every work process aspect. It should be noted that a company CEO has to inspect and oversee the most valuable or problematic work areas;

• The final but not least important four-frame time management factor: a good manager must have self-discipline, the ability to control subordinates, be self-possessed, and make rational and consistent decisions.

Of course, one should not forget about self-discipline as it's important for employees of any rank: from top to bottom. When both you and your employees are orderly and courteous, planning effective time management is a breeze. If you lack self-organisation skills and aren't good at setting priorities, you'll struggle to systematise and structure your own time.

Using this model among all time management models, you'll begin to control your time, your employees' time, and the work process as a whole. It's as if this tool was specially tailored for your perception of time, your attitude to life and work. It will consider the peculiarities of your system and your work process and will be oriented towards the people around you.