Prioritizing for Community Workers: The Eisenhower Matrix

Community workers often face a heavy workload. To navigate it effectively, they need a strategy for prioritizing tasks. One powerful tool is the Eisenhower Matrix, which helps sort tasks into four categories based on urgency and importance.

🔥 1. Important + Urgent → Do First

• Critical tasks that directly impact client outcomes
• Examples: client meetings, referrals, case notes

📅 2. Important + Not Urgent → Schedule

• Key for long-term success and professional growth
• Examples: supervision meetings, training sessions, strategic planning
• Add these to your calendar to ensure they’re not overlooked

📤 3. Not Important + Urgent → Delegate

• Tasks that require action but aren’t central to your role
• Examples: office admin (e.g., stationery orders), certain meetings
• Consider assigning to others or rescheduling

🚫 4. Not Important + Not Urgent → Eliminate or Postpone

• Distractions that don’t serve your role’s purpose
• Examples: social media, irrelevant meetings, excessive emails
• Declutter your schedule by unsubscribing or saying no when needed