Build a shared understanding and make collective decisions
A prioritization matrix is a tool used to evaluate and prioritize options. It typically includes four quadrants, with each quadrant representing different criteria. For example, one quadrant may represent how important a task is, while another may represent how urgent it is. By evaluating each option against each criterion, you can more easily see which tasks should be given priority.
Prioritization matrices can be helpful in a variety of situations. For example, if you're trying to decide which projects to work on at your job, you could use a prioritization matrix to help you choose. Or, if you're trying to figure out which items on your to-do list are most important, a prioritization matrix can again be helpful. In general, prioritization matrices can be useful anytime you have multiple options and need to prioritize them.
1. Difficult and impactful
The first level of task prioritization is difficult and impactful tasks. These are tasks that must be completed as soon as possible and have a significant impact on your goals, and require the most attention because of how difficult they are to accomplish. Difficult and important tasks should be given the highest priority, as they can often make or break your success.
2. Impactful, but not difficult
The second level of task prioritization is impactful, but not difficult tasks. These are tasks that can be completed quickly, and have a significant impact on your goals — like the idea of 'quick wins.' While these tasks should not be ignored, they can be given a lower priority than difficult and important tasks.
3. Not difficult and not impactful
The third level of task prioritization is not difficult and not impactful tasks. These are tasks that neither need to be completed quickly nor have a significant impact on your goals. Not difficult, but not important tasks should be given a lower priority than important tasks.
4. Difficult, but not impactful
The fourth level of task prioritization is difficult, but not impactful tasks. Not only are these not driving goal completion in an important way, they're also hard to achieve. Difficult and not important tasks can be given the lowest priority or even ignored altogether.
Mural is the only platform that offers both a shared workspace and training on the LUMA System™, a practical way to collaborate that anyone can learn and apply.