What are the 4 Ds of time management?
The 4 Ds of time management is a framework to help you down-prioritize doing tasks that come your way, based on 4 different tactics. It is sometimes also known as the 5 Ds, but the last D is not really a tactic. The Ds are: Delete, Delegate, Defer, Diminish, Do.
- Delete: learning to say “no” and to extract yourself from non-vital tasks and/ or meetings.
- Delegate: examine the resources available and reassign tasks where possible.
- Defer: postpone tasks that are not time-critical and to consider if a deadline can be extended.
- Diminish: reduce the size and scope of the task, so that it will take less effort to complete.
- Do: high priority tasks that deliver value that require immediate action.
Time management is a critical product management skill, and is related to the Leadership part of the product management process.
Often bombarded with tasks and requests which demand time and attention, the 4 Ds help product managers to stay focused on what is important. Also known as the 4Ds of productivity, it helps product managers discern whether something, put simply, is worth your time.
