Why Project Managers Need to Master Timeboxing

Timeboxing, a dynamic practice at the intersection of efficient time management and project oversight, emerges as an invaluable tool for project managers in today’s ever-evolving business landscape. In an era where AI is on the brink of revolutionizing project management, professionals in this role must adapt to remain effective. Timeboxing, a technique that involves setting specific timeframes for focused task completion, offers project managers the potential to enhance their efficacy and adaptability. As managers navigate the challenges presented by advanced technology, understanding the principles of timeboxing becomes a powerful skill set, aligning their practices with modern project management methodologies. This Harvard Business Review article highlights how timeboxing can effectively help project managers.

According to the article, a project manager plays a versatile role that balances technical and interpersonal skills. As the impact of AI on project management becomes increasingly evident, the article suggests that managers must identify and acquire relevant future-ready skills. “Timeboxing,” the practice of dedicating focused effort to tasks within predefined timeframes, emerges as a pivotal skill for a project manager. Timeboxing, with its roots in software development and personal productivity, reflects core project management principles. It involves estimation, forecasting, and the management of scope, time, and cost, as well as prioritization and effective collaboration. The article encourages professionals to integrate timeboxing into their routines for enhanced personal productivity and structured skill development. By mastering timeboxing, individuals, including a project manager, can improve productivity, bridge the gap between intention and execution, and realize transformative impacts on projects and personal growth, the article concludes.

As the line between traditional project oversight and AI integration continues to blur, mastering the art of timeboxing emerges as a strategic advantage. The preceding texts highlight some tips for project managers to effectively do so.