What is the Eisenhower Matrix?
Named after US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the matrix sorts tasks on two questions: Is it urgent? Is it important? The answers place every task in one of four quadrants, each with a clear action.
The four quadrants
- Urgent and important — DO it now (a key customer escalation).
- Important, not urgent — SCHEDULE it (planning, hiring, improvement work).
- Urgent, not important — DELEGATE it (routine requests, most interruptions).
- Neither — DELETE it (low-value reports, unnecessary meetings).
Tips for using it daily
- Spend more time in “schedule” — it prevents future emergencies.
- Delegate with clear limits (see Delegation of Authority).
- Review your list each morning in five minutes.
How DOOfy helps
Much of a manager's “urgent” work is chasing information. AIMOS One and NIMMI take over that chasing — summarising what needs attention and following up routine items — leaving more time for the important, non-urgent work.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between urgent and important?
Urgent tasks demand immediate attention; important tasks contribute to long-term goals. Many urgent tasks aren't important, and many important tasks aren't urgent.
Which quadrant should you focus on?
Quadrant 2 — important but not urgent. Time spent there reduces future crises.