Eisenhower Matrix Template
Decide which tasks you should do first, which you can delegate, and which are optional by using the Eisenhower Matrix. Prioritize tasks based on urgency or delegate like a pro (or like a President).
About the Eisenhower Matrix Template
We’ve all been there: you sit down to start your day, and you’re so overwhelmed by the tasks you need to complete that you don’t know where to start. Emails pile up, you have errands to run... How do you sort through the chaos? Meet, the Eisenhower matrix, a decision-making framework designed by former American president Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The Eisenhower decision matrix template helps you prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Instead of struggling to figure out in what order you should complete your tasks, decide which ones are urgent, which can be delegated, and which are optional.
How to use the Eisenhower matrix template
Making your own Eisenhower matrix is easy with Miro's template. You can easily visualize tasks in each quadrant of the matrix, adding images, videos, or documents to keep track of everything in one place. For a dynamic overview, you can even integrate Jira cards as action items to keep track of the current status of any task.
Here's a step-by-step guide to using the Eisenhower matrix template effectively:
Step 1: Fill in the "Do First" quadrant
The tasks in the upper left quadrant are the most important. They need to be done today. For example, answer an urgent email from your boss, or make a doctor’s appointment.
Step 2: Fill in the "Schedule" quadrant
Tasks in the upper right quadrant are important, but not pressing. These are things you can schedule for the future and that you need to put in your calendar. Catching up with a friend or meeting with your coworker about a non-urgent topic can fall into this category. The bulk of your tasks should fall into this quadrant.
Step 3: Fill in the "Delegate" quadrant
The lower left quadrant is for tasks that are not as important as the urgent tasks, but should still get done promptly. Make sure to follow up on delegated tasks, to ensure they were executed properly. If someone calls you into a meeting, for example, you could delegate the task by asking a teammate to take the meeting instead.
Step 4: Complete the "Don’t Do" quadrant
The lower right quadrant is for tasks you don’t need to do at all. Think about the tasks that allow you to procrastinate and keep you from getting things done. Things like scrolling through social media might fall into this category.
Step 5: Reassess your matrix and keep it up-to-date
Iterate on your matrix as needed. Your priorities might change during the day or as other tasks come up, so use the template to quickly add, move, or change tasks as your schedule evolves.
Why should you use the Eisenhower Matrix template?
An Eisenhower decision matrix template can be particularly useful for various reasons:
1. Prioritization: It helps sharpen your focus on the most important tasks, thereby increasing productivity by keeping the vital tasks in the foreground.
2. Delegation: The template clearly identifies the tasks that can be delegated, promoting efficient teamwork and time management.
3. Stress Reduction: By categorizing tasks, the matrix reduces the overwhelm of long to-do lists, which eases anxiety and provides a clear path for action.
4. Time Management: It allows you to identify tasks that should not consume valuable time, making it easier to use your work hours more efficiently.
5. Strategic Planning: The matrix supports long-term planning by distinguishing between tasks that require immediate attention and those that contribute to long-term goals.
Can the Eisenhower Matrix be used for team projects?
Absolutely. The matrix is not limited to individual task management. It is a powerful tool for teams to align on priorities and ensure that everyone is focused on the right tasks.
Is the matrix suitable for personal and professional use?
Yes, the Eisenhower Matrix is versatile and can be used in both personal and professional contexts to manage any type of task effectively.
How often should the matrix be updated?
It is recommended to review and update the matrix regularly, ideally at the start of each day or week, to reflect the evolving priorities and tasks.
Is there a preferred format for presenting the information within the template?
It's essential to keep your Eisenhower Matrix organized, clear, and easy to read. Miro enables you to add visual assets and color-code stickies for better visibility.
Get started with this template right now.
Project Proposal Template
Works best for:
Project Management, Documentation, Project Planning
For any type of project, the Project Proposal template can be a crucial step toward clarifying the context, goals, and scope of a project to get stakeholder buy-in. A project proposal outlines what you want to accomplish, your goals, and how you plan to achieve them. Generally, a project proposal gives the reader some context on the project, explains why it is important, and lists the actions that you will take to complete it. Project proposals have myriad uses. Often, businesses use project proposals to get external buy-in from a donor or outside stakeholder. But many companies draw up project proposals for internal buy-in too.
Work Plan Template
Works best for:
Mapping, Project Planning
A work plan is essentially a roadmap for a project. It articulates the steps you must take to achieve the desired goal, sets demonstrable objectives, and establishes measurable deliverables. An effective work plan guides you throughout the project lifecycle, allowing you to realize an outcome by collaborating with your team. Although work plans vary, they generally contain four core components: goals, strategy, tactics, and deliverables.
Opportunity Canvas Template
Works best for:
Leadership, Decision Making, Strategic Planning
Features and capabilities — they make or break a product, which is why companies spend so much time and effort focusing on them. Sound like you? Try it with an Opportunity Canvas. This streamlined one-pager gives you and your team the power to improve your product by exploring the use cases, potential setbacks, strategies, challenges, and metrics. An Opportunity Canvas is ideal if you’ve already built a product, because you don’t need to consider the operational or revenue model.
Working Backwards Template
Works best for:
Desk Research, Strategic Planning, Product Management
Find out how to use the Working Backwards template to plan, structure, and execute the launch of a new product. Using the template, you’ll figure out if the product is worth launching in the first place.
Agile Product Roadmap by HatchWorks
Works best for:
Product Management, Roadmap
Enhance your agile workflow with the Agile Product Roadmap by HatchWorks. This template helps you plan and track product development in agile sprints, ensuring continuous delivery and improvement. Use it to align teams, prioritize features, and adapt quickly to changes. Ideal for agile teams aiming to maintain flexibility and efficiency in their product development process, ensuring timely and iterative delivery of enhancements.
Social Media Calendar Template
Works best for:
Project Planning, Marketing
Most businesses have a social media presence, but many of them aren’t using social media as a competitive differentiator. The Social Media Calendar template allows you to plan, schedule, and craft posts for LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, so you can leverage social media as a strategic tool to promote your brand. Use the Social Media Calendar template to plan out your social content a week, month, or quarter in advance. Collaborate with the marketing team, prepare for product launches and major initiatives, and share draft social posts.