Method Alpen

Trying to do a huge number of things in a day, we are literally torn to pieces. As a result, by the evening we realize that most of them are not finished or done in the wrong way. Because of this there is a feeling of irritation and despair. There is a reasonable question: how to plan the day to keep up with everything and less tired? For this purpose, time management uses various techniques. One of the ways of effective time management is the Alpa method, developed by the German economist and psychologist Lothar Seivert.

What is the essence of the Alpen method

The system of daily planning with the poetic name “Alps” has nothing to do with the famous mountain range located in Europe. It got its name thanks to five elements, the first letters of which form the German word: “Alpen”:

• A (Aufgaben) – task lists;
• L (Länge schätzen) – the time required to perform them;
• P (Pufferzeiten einplanen) – planning “stockpile”;
• E (Entscheidungen treffen) – proper prioritization of tasks by importance and priority;
• N (Nachkontrolle) – summarizing and analyzing.

The principle of the method is based on the proper prioritization of tasks. For this purpose, tasks that need to be performed in the first place are selected, and minor tasks that do not require urgent fulfillment are separated from them. They are postponed “for later”. In the planning process, special attention is paid to the rational allocation of time so that there is enough time for all tasks.

The methodology is not something new or exceptional. It combines the tools Eisenhower matrix, the technologies classical time management and the basics of B. Franklin’s goal setting.

By adhering to a simple algorithm, every person can organize his day in such a way that he or she will have enough time for all serious business and full-fledged rest. By spending only 15-20 minutes in the morning to draw up a plan, you can spend the rest of the day with greater benefit for yourself and your business.

Advantages and disadvantages

By using the Alpa method of time management, personal efficiency can be improved. The advantages of this tool are:

• Ability to free up up to 20% of your free time.
• Structuring of tasks, prevention of emergency situations.
• Improved relationships in your work team and in your personal life. By managing to finish important tasks, you will gain inner peace and self-confidence. You will be able to pay more attention to your family and loved ones.
• Prevention of stressful situations. In the constant race for results, a person experiences tremendous stress due to overload and chronic fatigue. Learning to handle time correctly, correctly prioritizing, you can avoid unnecessary haste and nervousness. This will favorably affect the psychological state.

There are disadvantages to this method of planning as well. Among them it is worth noting:

• Dependence on the character, personal qualities of a person. In order to perform all the necessary steps of the Alpa method, it is necessary to have discipline and the ability to self-control.
• Lack of explicit motivation. To achieve effectiveness using this methodology, it is important to clearly follow all the steps without receiving any reward. This is not easy, especially in the initial stages.

How the Alpa method works

The Alpa method planning technology is designed for self-managers and business executives who want to bring order within the company. It helps to improve productivity without additional time and stress. You just need to follow all its steps step by step.

1. Compilation of task lists

Daily planning starts with making lists of tasks for the day. It is best to do this in the evening. On a piece of paper or in an electronic application, make lists of the things that need to be done during the day. You can use the Eisenhower method to categorize them by importance and priority. Divide the sheet of paper into three columns:

• In the first one we put the most urgent, important, urgent tasks that need to be solved first.
• In the second column write down the tasks that must be done during the day.
• In the third should be small, non-urgent tasks that can be put off “for later”.

The lists should also include unforeseen cases, force majeure tasks that may appear during the day. But small, unimportant tasks that take no more than a few minutes to complete should not be added to the list.

These nightly exercises will help you to concentrate on your main tasks. They can be highlighted in different colors for clarity. It is not advisable to plan in your mind. It is difficult for the average person to keep in memory more than four tasks at the same time. There is always a risk of forgetting or missing something. That is why you should write down all your daily goals.

2. Time analysis

Probably everyone has noticed at least once that the same task can be completed in different amounts of time. You can spend several hours or no more than 30 minutes on identical processes if you concentrate on the task at hand and don’t get distracted by extraneous factors.

Therefore, when planning tasks for the day, it is important to set yourself time limits. Then they will be completed quickly and promptly.

3. Creating a time reserve

According to the rules of the Alpa methodology, all tasks planned for the day should be solved in 60% of the time. The rest of it should be left for unforeseen matters. If you work for 8 hours, you should meet the 5-hour deadline. To do this, you can use different ways: accelerate the pace of work, delegate tasks to subordinates or colleagues. In order to quickly cope with any tasks, they need to be properly prioritized on your to-do list. If some tasks do not fit at all into a tight schedule, they are postponed to the next day.

4. Completion of conceived cases within the established time frame

The schedule of tasks should be adjusted to the time defined in the previous step. If you allocated 5 hours out of an 8-hour workday, you need to make sure you meet that time. Shorten the deadlines for each task so that they can all fit into a tight schedule. Delegate some errands to coworkers. Postpone the rest of the tasks to the next day as well.

Small tasks that don’t require concentration and focus can be done in between major tasks. On the way to a meeting, check email, call a client, or make a schedule for the next day. First of all, you should do the things from the third column on the list. Perhaps some tasks can be done during these breaks.

5. Evaluation and summarization

When reviewing your lists, pay attention to the things you didn’t manage to accomplish during the day. Perhaps there are tasks that you keep postponing. In this case, you should think about their expediency and importance. If the case is important, you need to fulfill it immediately. And if the task is unimportant, it is canceled and crossed off the list.

LeaderTask app for time planning

The ability to manage one’s time competently is an important trait of any manager. A good manager should always have time for everything and manage the time of his subordinates effectively. Planning is used for this purpose. It gets rid of chaos, fuss, and helps to put things in order.

Efficient, quality work is not always hard work. Any process can be organized rationally and competently, with the help of modern management methods. To remember a large amount of information related to the implementation of a particular project, you can use the help of an electronic assistant – a special application for time management LeaderTask.

The program, designed in the style of a business organizer, is equipped with all the necessary tools for the manager. Its functionality includes checklists, to-do lists, reminders about future events. There is a convenient diary for scheduling, color labels for highlighting tasks.

LeaderTask app works in online and offline mode. It is compatible with all digital platforms and other popular services. It has a free test period.

Conclusion

One of the main advantages of the Alpa methodology is its simplicity and efficiency. Using this technology to organize personal and working time, you will get rid of the feeling of dissatisfaction due to the fact that you did not have time to complete important tasks.

Having a clear view of your current tasks in front of you will make it easier for you to control their fulfillment. You will always know exactly what you can do and when you can do it. This will facilitate team planning, improving productivity and performance.