Running a successful company is no easy feat, and for many CEOs, keeping a to-do list in check can feel as daunting as scaling a mountain. In an article titled A CEO’s Guide to To-Do Lists: How to Organize and Prioritize Your Tasks published by Inc. on October 29, 2024, Steve Taplin, CEO and co-founder of Sonatafy Technology, shares his insights into the art of task management amidst the challenges of leading a company.
The Overwhelming To-Do List
Being at the helm of a tech company often comes with a never-ending list of responsibilities. From strategic business development to team management, a CEO’s workload can feel as endless as a CVS receipt. Inc.’s article cites data from Startup Snapshot, revealing that over half of startup founders experience disrupted sleep, and more than a third report burnout due to the relentless demands of their roles. This stress underscores the importance of mastering task prioritization and organization to drive effectiveness and growth.
The “Highest and Best” Use of Time
For Steve Taplin, prioritizing tasks boils down to focusing on what matters most: the clients. With economic pressures impacting the technology sector, including rising interest rates, client satisfaction and acquisition have become paramount.
“Being a technology services company, nothing else works if you don’t have… new clients and keep your existing clients happy,” Taplin explains.
This principle serves as a guiding force for Taplin’s day-to-day decision-making. Internal matters may be important, but they only take precedence when they directly impact the company’s ability to meet client needs or address pressing issues.
Evaluating Personal Return on Investment (PROI)
Taplin’s approach aligns with advice from productivity experts cited in the article, such as Laura Stack, who emphasizes the concept of “personal return on investment” (PROI). The idea is to assess each task’s value by how much it contributes to the company’s success, whether through revenue generation, brand enhancement, or operational efficiency.
Delegation: The Power of Letting Go
A critical part of a CEO’s to-do list is delegation—a skill that may not come naturally to every leader. Yet, as productivity expert Maura Thomas points out, delegating tasks allows CEOs to focus on their most impactful work. Taplin exemplifies this approach by distinguishing between tasks that require his attention and those that can be managed by his team, ensuring that his own efforts remain focused on client-centric activities.
Digital Tools for Enhanced Productivity
In today’s digital world, finding the right tools can make or break a CEO’s productivity. Taplin shares that at Sonatafy Technology, he relies on Google Tasks, which integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace and Calendar. This digital ecosystem enables him to manage a heavy workload efficiently and prioritize tasks for the day, week, and month.
“That really helps me…. It’s not uncommon for me to have over 100 to-do items per day on different topics,” Taplin says.
With an effective system in place, CEOs can reduce decision fatigue and maintain a structured approach to their daily responsibilities.
The Discipline to Stick to a System
Implementing a system is one thing; adhering to it is another. As Laura Stack notes, discipline is key to moving down the to-do list systematically, even when motivation wanes. For Taplin and many other CEOs, staying committed to their task management process ensures they continue to lead with clarity and purpose.
Conclusion: Leading with Focus
Steve Taplin’s insight into task management isn’t just about ticking off items on a list—it’s about aligning actions with the company’s mission and ensuring that each day’s work moves Sonatafy Technology forward. As CEOs juggle multiple demands, Taplin’s advice is a reminder that prioritization, delegation, and leveraging the right tools are essential to effective leadership.
To learn more about how CEOs manage their time and prioritize their tasks, read the full article on Inc.com and stay tuned for more insights from Sonatafy Technology’s leadership.
About Inc.com
Inc.com is a leading source of practical advice, insights, and resources for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Known for its coverage of startups, innovation, and business strategies, Inc. empowers readers with expert content to navigate the complexities of running and growing a successful company. Whether you’re a seasoned CEO or an aspiring entrepreneur, Inc.com provides the tools and information needed to stay competitive and thrive in today’s fast-paced business environment.
