The Eisenhower urgent/important matrix

Prioritization of actions and obligations is an inseperable part of effective project management. Defining a prioritization framework supports building an impactful project roadmap. The Eisenhower matrix, also known under the name of Eisenhower Decision Matrix, Eisenhower Box, or Urgent-Important Matrix is one of task and actions' prioritization methods designed to enhance productivity and time-management efficiency. The tool’s concept was developed by a former president of the United States Dwight Eisenhower. Eisenhower based the idea on categorizing certain items by taking into account their urgency and importance.

This article looks further into the Eisenhower Matrix as a Project, Program and Portfolio management method from the perspective of people and their self-management performance. Following chapters discuss historical background of the matrix, next moving to the characterization of the template itself split into 4 specific quadrants. Subsequently, application of the tool both in daily life and in project management cases is presented, followed by examples. The article also examines possible effects of merging the Eisenhower Matrix with other used prioritization methods, resulting in enhanced deliverables. Lastly, drawbacks and limitations of the Eisenhower box are examined, considering the fact of the method’s simplicity.