7. Using People Skills To Focus Time.(A)(IBD'S 10 SECRETS TO SUCCESS)

Byline: Amy Alexander

Improve your interpersonal skills and you'll make betteruse of your time, says Eugene Griessman, executive coach, professional speakerand author of "Time Tactics of Very Successful People" (McGraw-Hill, 1994).

In his book, Griessman reveals time-focusing tactics he's gleaned from successful people such as Stanley Marcus, Oscar de la Renta and Mary Kay Ash.

Life doesn't happen in a vacuum, Griessman says. Getting from point A to point B can mean face time with employees, sales representatives, flight attendants or neighbors. How you deal with people -- and how much time you spend dealing with them -- can speed you up or slow you down.

To get a handle on your time when interacting with others, Griessman suggests the following strategies:

Learn to deal with -- or avoid -- those who aren't punctual. Marcus told Griessman, "I am always punctual because my time is important and the other guy's time is important. If I find that people aren't going to reciprocate, then I find a way of doing business with somebody else."

Sometimes you have no choice but to wait for those who are late, though. In that case, Griessman says, bring work along to take back the clock. But be proactive if you can, he advises. Stuck at the doctor's office past the time ofyour appointment? Tell the receptionist you've got to reschedule because you've got pending appointments of your own. Often, the receptionist will be able to squeeze you in.