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.
Communication Roadmap
Works best for:
Roadmap, Mapping, Planning
The Communication Roadmap template enables teams to plan and execute effective communication strategies. By outlining key messages, channels, and stakeholders, teams can ensure consistent and targeted communication throughout a project lifecycle. This template fosters alignment and transparency, enabling teams to engage stakeholders effectively and mitigate risks associated with miscommunication.
Technology Product Canvas Template
Works best for:
Product Management, Meetings
Originally created by Prem Sundaram, the Technology Product Canvas allows product and engineering teams to achieve alignment about their shared roadmap. The canvas combines agile methodologies with UX principles to help validate product solutions. Each team states and visualizes both product and technology goals, then discusses each stage of the roadmap explicitly. This exercise ensures the teams are in sync and everyone leaves with clear expectations and direction. By going through the process of creating a Technology Product Canvas, you can start managing alignment between the teams -- in under an hour.
BPM
Works best for:
Diagramming
The BPM (Business Process Management) template is a visual tool for modeling, analyzing, and optimizing business processes. It provides a structured framework for documenting process flows, identifying bottlenecks, and improving efficiency. This template enables organizations to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and drive business performance. By promoting process transparency and agility, the BPM template empowers teams to achieve operational excellence and deliver value to stakeholders.
Idea Funnel Backlog
Works best for:
Design, Brainstorming, Agile Workflows
An Idea Funnel Backlog enables you to visualize your backlog and restrict the number of backlogged items at the top. In doing sos, you can prioritize items on your list without having to engage in unnecessary meetings or create too much operational overhead. To use the Idea Funnel Backlog, break up the funnel into different phases or treat it like a roadmap. Use the Idea Funnel Backlog as a hybrid model that combines your roadmap and backlog into one easily digestible format.
Product Market Fit Board
Works best for:
Product Management, Planning
The Product Market Fit Board template helps product teams assess and validate product-market fit. By capturing user feedback, analyzing market trends, and tracking key metrics, this template enables teams to evaluate product-market alignment objectively. With sections for defining target segments, identifying pain points, and prioritizing features, it guides teams through the process of optimizing product-market fit. This template serves as a tool for iteratively refining products to meet customer needs and drive market success.
Executive Summary Template
Works best for:
Leadership, Project Management, Documentation
Pique their curiosity. Get them excited. Inspire them to keep reading, diving further into your proposal details. That’s what a good executive summary has the power to do—and why it’s a crucial opening statement for business plans, project plans, investment proposals, and more. Use this template to create an executive summary that starts building belief, by answering high-level questions that include: What is your project? What are the goals? How will you bring your skills and resources to the project? And who can expect to benefit?