|
Volumes of articles, books and manuals have been written on time
management and organization in the workplace. We read all with good
intentions, but seldom follow through with any real commitment. And yet we
feel overwhelmed and stressed at work. A little organization will relieve
that stress in your work day. It will result in having more confidence in
yourself when dealing with customers, competitors and supervisors. Let's
touch on a few easy ways to begin the process.
(article continued below ...)
A messy, cluttered office can result in incomplete work, missed
deadlines and lost information. Your desk is not a storage locker, it's a
work surface. It is time to remove those piles of paper occupying your
desktop, floor and shelves.
The worst decision you can make is not making a decision about those
piles, because no paperwork decision = greater paper buildup. All documents
need to have a home, just as your silverware, pots and pans and dishes have
their specific homes in your kitchen.
There really aren't very many choices for processing paper. Tossing into
the circular file is a very good option for some. Others to files for future
reference, or your follow up system for papers you need at some later time,
plus an ongoing project system, or passing some on to staff if you can.
Remember, the time spent searching through your office for a piece of
paper, phone number or customer's address is unproductive time and only
increases stress. Allowing a few minutes each day to process paperwork pays
off in time saved. As your business and responsibilities grow, so does the
amount of paper. Don't let it pile up, as this is when opportunities are
lost and stress and chaos set in.
Control how others affect your productivity.
Where is it written that
every time the phone rings you MUST answer it? If the constant intrusions
cut your productivity, decide when you will answer it and when you will let
others (staff, voice mail or a message recorder) answer the phone for you.
Occasionally you will need quiet time to work on a project or report, to
prepare a speech or presentation, or work up an estimate. That's one time to
let the phone be answered for you.
If your business is home based, establish clear rules for how and when,
if ever, you may be distracted by family members. Let them know a closed
door always means "do not disturb," or "knock first."
This may be hard to enforce at times. Explain that by working uninterrupted,
tasks are accomplished expeditiously, and in the long run you will have more
time to spend with family. In a business office with several people working
in a restricted area, the tendency is to chitchat and gossip during the day.
This is a great waste of productive time. By tactfully removing yourself and
discouraging socializing, you have gained that time back.
Being organized requires commitment - your commitment - to try something
new and to break old bad habits. The methods and techniques I offer are
simple, easy to learn, and I guarantee they will work and your job will be a
whole lot easier. You will also notice that you are less stressed.
About the Author:
Carol Halsey is Founder and President of Business Organizing Solutions.
She is a professional organizer, consultant, speaker, and author of "93
Organizing Tips to Simplify Your Business Life." You can get this
booklet and articles, ideas and a free time saving Idea Kit, simply by
visiting her web site: http://www.PilestoFiles.com.
| 
