The Eisenhower matrix, also known as the Eisenhower box, is a tool for prioritizing tasks and responsibilities based on their level of importance and urgency. The matrix is named after President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who is said to have used it as a way to organize his tasks and responsibilities.

The Eisenhower matrix is a simple grid that consists of four quadrants:

• Urgent and important tasks: These are tasks that need to be done immediately, they are considered high priority and should be done first.
• Important but not urgent tasks: These are tasks that are important but can be scheduled for later. They are considered medium priority.
• Urgent but not important tasks: These are tasks that are urgent but not essential, they are considered low priority.
• Not urgent and not important tasks: These are tasks that are neither urgent nor important, they are considered least priority.

The Eisenhower matrix can help a business leader to prioritize their tasks and responsibilities, by allowing them to focus on the most important and urgent tasks first, and then move on to the less important and less urgent tasks. This can help to ensure that they are making the most effective use of their time and resources.

The first written reference to the matrix as the “Eisenhower matrix” appears to be in a 1981 book “Getting Things Done” by David Allen, where he refers to the matrix as “the Eisenhower Decision Principle” But the origins of the matrix and the name are not clear.