Strategy

Importance/urgency Chart

Use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize ideas. Sort items by importance and urgency. This helps decide what to do now and where to focus resources.

Duration
35 mins
Group Size
3-12
Category
Strategy
Difficulty
Easy
Participants will distinguish between urgent and important tasks. They'll create clear action priorities. They'll learn to optimize resource allocation.

  • An importance/urgency chart.

  • Ideas prioritized by both dimensions.

  • Clear action categories.

Make sure everyone understands 'important' (advances strategic goals) vs. 'urgent' (time-sensitive). The 'Schedule' quadrant often holds the most valuable long-term work. Revisit the matrix regularly, as urgency changes.

  1. Plot ideas/tasks on a 2x2 matrix. Use Urgency (x-axis) and Importance (y-axis).

  2. This creates four quadrants: Do First (urgent & important), Schedule (important, not urgent), Delegate (urgent, not important), and Don't Do (neither).

  3. Teams discuss placement. Then create action plans based on quadrant distribution.

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For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

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  • 2x2 matrix template in an online whiteboard.

  • Virtual sticky notes for ideas.

  • Clear definitions of 'importance' and 'urgency'.

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  • Facilitator Guide (PDF)
  • Participant Workbook Template
  • Presentation Slides
  • Printable Materials

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