Work Organization - ALPEN method


5 steps of the ALPEN method

 

A – To-do list of all planned Activities, tasks and meetings

L – Estimating Length of time

P – Planning buffer time

E – Establishing prioritized decisions

N – Noting down level of success

 

Welcome to another topic in work organization. Today we would like to introduce the ALPEN method.

Plan in writing and methodically with the ALPEN method:

  • 5 steps of the ALPEN method
    • A – To-do list of all planned Activities, tasks and meetings
    • L – Estimating Length of time
    • P – Planning buffer time
    • E – Establishing prioritized decisions
    • N – Noting down level of success

 

Explanation of the letters:

A - Compile tasks and differentiate them if necessary (to-do list)
Write down all upcoming activities, from meetings to urgent e-mails and customer appointments.

L- Estimate length of activities
In the next step, you assign an estimated duration to all upcoming tasks. 30 minutes for meetings, 15 minutes for e-mails, for example. In this way, you use your time efficiently and productivity noticeably increases.

P - Reserve buffer time for the unexpected (enter in appointment book: schedule only 50/60% of time)
There is always the chance of interruption, be it a colleague off sick or longer phone calls. 20% is buffer time, and some time is planned in for social activities such as coffee breaks and conversations with colleagues.

E - Make decisions about priorities, cutbacks, and delegation
Take a good look at your plan again. Is it at all possible to manage with 60% of your time? Which tasks are urgent, and what could be postponed until tomorrow? What could be delegated?

N - Follow-up - transfer unfinished business
After work, check if your estimates worked out. This method lives off experience values; make any adjustments that are required. And while you’re at it, you can already create the plan for the next working day.

 

This method is relatively simple and, after some practice, requires no more than 10 minutes of daily planning time. Since initial letters symbolize a representational concept, it is also easy to remember.

 

Use your time!