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Time Wasters

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Time Wasters

Time Management Activity: Time Wasters Strategy Game

This energizing activity helps participants reflect on and creatively address common time wasters in the workplace. Use it to reinforce prior learning and encourage collaborative problem‑solving.

Core Activity: Envelope Swap

Instructions

  1. Select four major time wasters covered in your session (examples: drop‑in visitors, travel time, lengthy phone calls, unproductive meetings).
  2. Write one time waster on the back of each envelope and place four blank index cards inside.
  3. Divide participants into four teams and give each team one envelope.
  4. Each team writes one solution for managing that time waster on an index card, returns it to the envelope, and passes it to the next team.
  5. Each round lasts 3 minutes. Continue for 2–3 rounds so every team tackles every time waster.
  6. End by reviewing and voting on the most practical strategies.

Debrief & Discussion

  • Which time waster generated the most ideas?
  • Which solutions are easiest to implement tomorrow?
  • How can your team keep each other accountable for reducing these time wasters?

Alternative Activity 1 – Time Audit Swap

Estimated Time: 15 minutes

  1. Have participants quickly list five routine tasks that take up their day.
  2. In pairs, swap lists and challenge each other to categorize each task as Essential, Automate, Delegate, or Eliminate.
  3. Partners give one actionable suggestion for each task that isn’t essential.
  4. Reconvene and share the most surprising “delegate” or “eliminate” discoveries.

Alternative Activity 2 – Time Waster Charades

Estimated Time: 10 minutes

  1. Write various time wasters on slips of paper (e.g., checking email constantly, multitasking, social media scrolling).
  2. Participants act out the time waster silently while teams guess.
  3. After each correct guess, discuss one quick fix to reduce that specific time waster.

Training Tip

Mix and match these activities based on available time. Use the Envelope Swap for deeper brainstorming, the Time Audit for personal reflection, and Charades for a quick energizer.

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