What is the Eisenhower Matrix?
The Eisenhower Matrix is a well known framework for prioritisation and time management. It was popularised by former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. We take it one step further to help managers delegate for their direct reports’ growth.
The matrix uses 2 axis
- Urgent: how much time do you have to get this completed?
- Important: does it push your team towards its goals this year?
Depending on where the task sits on the axis, it categorises tasks into four quadrants
- Not urgent and not important: try and avoid these tasks completely or put them in a freeze box as they aren’t essential
- Urgent but not important: reconsider whether these tasks needs to exist, and avoid delegating to your own team members
- Not urgent but important: these are great tasks to delegate to your direct reports and help them grow
- Urgent and important: these are stretch goals for high performing and motivated team members.
If you're at a fast-growing company, the top left quadrant is where you might often be forced to delegate in. When we work together as a team during these demanding times, we can be more creative, and grow as a result of stepping outside of our comfort zone.
Understanding the importance and urgency of tasks is important as a leader who is able to effectively lead teams and manage upwards.
