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.
T-Chart Template
Works best for:
Ideation, Operations, Strategic Planning
T-Charts can help you compare and contrast two different ideas, group information into different categories, and prove a change through “before” and “after” analysis. T-Charts are visual organizational tools that enable you to compare ideas, so you can evaluate pros and cons, facts and opinions, strengths and weaknesses, or big-picture views versus specific details. Designers and content creators can use T-Charts to turn possibilities into actionable ideas. T-Charts are useful for discussing differences and similarities with your team or clients and can help you to reach a decision together.
Bull's Eye Diagram Template
Works best for:
Diagrams, Project Management, Prioritization
When you’re a growing organization, every decision can feel like it has make-or-break consequences—which can lead to decision paralysis, an inability to prioritize, inefficient meetings, and even low morale. If that sounds like you, put a Bull’s Eye Diagram to work. True to its name, a Bull’s Eye Diagram uses a model of concentric circles to help companies establish priorities, make critical decisions, or discuss how to remove or overcome obstacles.
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.
Weekly Planner Template
Works best for:
Business Management, Project Planning
A weekly planner is a schedule that outlines your plans and activities for the week ahead. It helps you manage your time, keep track of your tasks, and organize your team on a day-to-day basis. Unlike traditional planners, which are often non-customizable, this weekly planner can be modified to suit your specific needs.
Market Segmentation Matrix Template
Works best for:
Marketing, Strategic Planning, Product Management
Successful, compelling marketing begins and ends with knowing your audience — who they are, where they are, and what they want and expect. A market segmentation matrix will help you understand them on a deeper level. This business tool divides your target market into subsets based on demographics, geography, needs, interests, psychographics, or behavioral characteristics. You can then use these insights and data to hit it out of the park, by building better product, sales, and marketing strategies. Our template lets you set up and populate a Market Segmentation Matrix with ease.
Product Strategy - Understand the "Why"
Works best for:
Product Management, Planning
The Product Strategy Understand the Why template emphasizes the importance of aligning product strategies with business objectives. By defining the "why" behind product initiatives, setting clear goals, and prioritizing initiatives, this template ensures strategic alignment and focus. With sections for articulating vision, setting objectives, and defining success criteria, it provides clarity and direction for product teams. This template serves as a strategic guide for product managers to develop and execute product strategies that drive business growth and customer value.