Answer: You need to find an organizational system that works for you and then stick with it. Here are a few tips for getting organized that work for everyone:
Use a tickler file. Get the paper off your desk – if you don’t need it today, put the right date on it and file it in your tickler. First thing each morning, drink your coffee and review the items in your tickler for that day. For each item, either act on it or redate it and return it to the tickler.
Prioritize items for each day.
Don’t schedule back-to-back meetings all day. Leave time between meetings to check email, make calls, think, recharge.
Batch routine tasks. Update your calendar, return phone calls, read mail and email 2-3 times per day in blocks of time set aside for these purposes.
Block out time on your calendar every day for meeting preparation, catching up, following up, and thinking – and then honor the blocked time. Consider it as important as any other scheduled meeting and don’t schedule over it.
Write things down. Free your brain and reduce anxiety by leaving nothing to memory. Keep a running projects list and, if you need it, a daily to-do list. Carry these and your calendar with you always and use them to help you focus on what matters most.
Click here for more organizational tips and here for some time management basics.
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Posted by: dung.pham | August 07, 2008 at 01:45 AM