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.
Work Breakdown Structure Template
Works best for:
Project Management, Mapping, Workflows
A work breakdown is a project management tool that lays out everything you must accomplish to complete a project. It organizes these tasks into multiple levels and displays each element graphically. Creating a work breakdown is a deliverable-based approach, meaning you’ll end up with a detailed project plan of the deliverables you must create to finish the job. Create a Work Breakdown Structure when you need to deconstruct your team's work into smaller, well-defined elements to make it more manageable.
UML Sequence E-commerce Checkout Template
Works best for:
UML
The UML Sequence E-commerce Checkout Template in Miro is a versatile tool for visualizing and analyzing e-commerce checkout processes. It provides a step-by-step visual representation of system interactions, is highly customizable, supports real-time collaboration, and is suitable for various e-commerce platforms. It serves as an efficient documentation tool, fosters team collaboration, and contributes to a more streamlined checkout experience for customers.
2x2 Prioritization Matrix Template
Works best for:
Operations, Strategic Planning, Prioritization
Ready to set boundaries, prioritize your to-dos, and determine just what features, fixes, and upgrades to tackle next? The 2x2 prioritization matrix is a great place to start. Based on the lean prioritization approach, this template empowers teams with a quick, efficient way to know what's realistic to accomplish and what’s crucial to separate for success (versus what’s simply nice to have). And guess what—making your own 2x2 prioritization matrix is easy.
Brainwriting Template
Works best for:
Education, Ideation, Brainstorming
Brainstorming is such a big part of ideation. But not everyone does their best work out loud and on the spot, yelling out thoughts and building on others’ ideas. Brainwriting is a brilliant solution for them—creative thinkers who happen to be more introverted. This approach and template invites participants to reflect quietly and write out their ideas, and then pass them to someone else who will read the idea and add to it. So you’ll get creative ideas from everyone—not just the loudest few.
Fishbone Diagram for Process Improvement
Works best for:
Planning, Strategy
Process improvement is key to enhancing efficiency and productivity. The Fishbone Diagram for Process Improvement template helps you identify the root causes of process inefficiencies. Categorize potential causes into areas such as workflow, resources, technology, and personnel. This structured analysis enables your team to systematically explore and address issues, streamlining processes and boosting overall productivity.
Product Ops Canvas
Works best for:
Product Management, Planning
The Product Ops Canvas template helps product managers align product strategies with operational capabilities. By mapping out key operational processes, tools, and metrics, this template fosters alignment between product and operational teams. With sections for identifying bottlenecks and optimizing workflows, it supports continuous improvement in product operations. This template serves as a guide for driving efficiency and scalability in product management processes, enabling teams to deliver high-quality products at scale.