I’ve been in the Executive Officer Position since the end of January. I have thoroughly enjoyed the position so far and it’s been an exciting challenge. However, I have begun to notice I am starting to struggle with time management and prioritizing my work. I am one of the only Lieutenants in the organization and usually am the one tasked with the additional duties. I currently am juggling 10 additional duties along with my normal duties as an XO. What have been some good ways to help manage your time in the past? How can I maximize my time at work so I am not worrying and taking my work home every night?

Kirsten,

First let me hit you with the bad news. I have never been inundated with as many tasks as when I was an XO. I spent 18 months between two companies and even month 18 was still taking work home. The XO is one of those folks who is the embodiment of keeping the Army “rolling along”. The good news is, it is hands down the most developmental position I’ve ever had and doesn’t need to be a walking nightmare. Here are some things I did later in my XO time that were really helpful.

1. Request to the  commander about delegating some of those additional duties to some senior NCOs or other junior officers in your organization, especially as arms room and supply room officers. Most billets an O-2 can fill can also be filled by an E-7. The commander will appreciate the time you save from having to do things like environmental inspections and can focus instead on supervising those programs.

2. Commodity shop meeting. Every morning at 0900 I met with the Supply, Arms Room, CBRN, Commo and HQ NCOs. I put out a list of tasks I needed them to achieve every single day and let them tell me anything that has come up in their own channels. This 15 minute meeting was essential to me staying on top of all the stuff that was coming from the firehose. It also helped me gather my thoughts every day about what was truly important to achieve, it forced me to prioritize my work daily. If you don’t have commodity shops, you should still meet with your 4-5 heavy hitters every morning. I’m not a fan of daily meetings, but as an XO your life exists in the 24-48 hour window.

3. When in doubt for priority, here’s my recommended list.

a. Stuff my Company Commander told me to do or stuff that will directly make my Commander liable if it fails (Like an inspection).

b. Stuff the Bn XO/S-3 told me to do, or a staff member is asking me to do on behalf of the Bn XO (Like S-4/AS-3).

c. Stuff Subordinate Leaders want me to do (Always ask yourself – can they do it themselves? Can you teach them to do it? Can you get them to start briefing you how they have made requests for resources and are making you aware? Do only the things you MUST do.)

d. Stuff I have identified as a future problem (Rarely did I have time to attack this priority).

That’s my 10 cents – hope it helps.