This can be achieved by several methods I will list below and which I will describe in detail on separate pages
1. ABCDE Method: This method involves assigning each task to one of five categories: A (Must Do), B (Should Do), C (Could Do), D (Delegate or Defer), and E (Eliminate).
2. MoSCoW Method: This method involves assigning each task to one of four categories: Must, Should, Could, and Won't.
3. Eisenhower Matrix: This method involves classifying tasks based on their urgency and importance. Tasks are placed in one of four quadrants: Urgent and Important, Important but Not Urgent, Urgent but Not Important, and Not Urgent and Not Important.
4. RICE Prioritization Formula: This method involves assigning each task a score based on its Reach (number of people affected), Impact (potential impact), Confidence (certainty of success), and Effort (resources required). Tasks are then prioritized based on their RICE score.
5. Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF): This method is a complex algorithm that considers multiple factors, including the cost of delay, the cost of effort, and the value of the outcome. WSJF is often used for prioritizing projects or tasks with significant financial implications.
6. Kano Model: This method is used to classify product features based on their impact on customer satisfaction. Features are categorized into three groups: Must-be features, One-dimensional features, and Excitement features.
7. Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule): This principle states that 20% of the input typically produces 80% of the output. It can be applied to prioritize tasks by focusing on the 20% that have the greatest impact.
8. Goal-Oriented Prioritization: This method involves aligning tasks with specific goals. Tasks are prioritized based on their contribution to achieving those goals.
9. Deadline-Driven Prioritization: This method involves prioritizing tasks based on their deadlines. Tasks with imminent deadlines are given priority.
10. Kanban System: This visual system uses a series of columns to represent different stages of work. Tasks are moved from column to column as they progress through the workflow. This can help to visualize progress and identify potential bottlenecks. Task order on the board might also help to pick always the most important tasks first, instead of the ones we find the most attractive.
Side note: If we struggle to decide as all priorities seem close to each other we might use cartesian questions.
What would happen if you did X?
What would happen if you didn't do X?
What won't happen if you did X?
What won't happen if you didn't do X?