I used this session as part of a Basic Time Management training session. Although I didn't used the ABC matrix, the delegates found the urgent/important matrix very useful indeed and it really helped them to self-reflect about how much time they focus in each quadrant. Very useful.

This has been something I’m often asked for at the moment.

I found the ABC system was far better received than the matrix system. Some people were used to categorising the importance of their tasks, but forcing them to re-categorise some activities rather than sit on the fence, was new to most of the people I’ve work with and it did get them thinking much more critically. Virtually, everyone I’ve used this with has found the matrix system to be overkill and it nearly put one group ‘right off’.

I’ve stopped using the matrix part but focused on the ABC and blended it with Stephen Covey’s work. Personally, I’m much happier delivering that way.

I recently used this exercise within a 'Managing Your Time' workshop I ran for administrative staff and managers. I found the trainer notes extremely easy to understand and it fitted perfectly with the course aims. The delegates fed-back that they appreciated how the exercise offered different tools for prioritising tasks and that this gave them some alternative options to the normal 'to-do list'.