The Christmas Tree
Claus Møller pioneered the time management and results philosophy, which is integrated into the Practical Manager, focusing on desired results and what it takes to actually achieve them, thus moving from idea to action. To create results, you need three things:
- Know your goals
You can only reach your goals if they are absolutely clear to you and you are constantly reminded of them. - Determine your tasks
To reach your goals, you need to determine which tasks to complete. You need your decision base for how to use your time. - Spend your time on these tasks
You need to create a bridge between what you decided to spend your time on and the time available for implementing your decision; that is, perform your tasks.
Use your available time to do "the right things", the things that lead to results.
Know your goals
Most people have more goals and wishes than they can fulfil. It is necessary to set priorities and decide which goals are most important and which can wait. Refer to the description of the Goals section here.
Determine your tasks
Every person needs an overview, structure, and a sense of being in control. This is necessary for maintaining personal efficiency, achievement drive, and high energy, as well as for avoiding stress and frustration. Overview and control of the tasks enable you to use your brain capacity fully.
Use Claus Møller's Christmas Tree concept for achieving an overview and control of the tasks in your decision base. Attach all the small pine needles (small activities to be done) onto twigs (bigger tasks and "elephant tasks"), which grow on the branches (your main areas of responsibility).
We introduced four levels to help create an overview:
Trunk: The overall goals for your life at work and at home. | |
Branches: Your key areas. The main areas in which you should focus your efforts to reach your goals – the areas in which you want to achieve results. | |
Twigs: The major tasks to be executed within each of the key areas. These are the details of each key area. | |
Pine needles: The practical activities, to-dos, minor items, and the details that are necessary to complete your major tasks. |
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