| • | Schedule 50% of your day and leave the other 50% for interruptions and unexpected events.
|
 |
| • | Do
your thinking on paper. You will make better and quicker decisions by
writing down the pros and cons for a plan of action. This doesn't take
time, it saves time! |
|
| • | Take
notes for future reference whenever you've completed a difficult task
which may recur. You will benefit more from an experience if you've
made a written record of your mistakes and of the lessons learned.
|
|
| • | If
you are always "putting out fires," ask yourself after each crisis: (a)
Why did it occur? (b) What can be done to prevent its recurrence? and
(c) If it does recur, how can I handle it better next time?
|
|
| • | Ask yourself Townsend's question 100 times a day: "Is what I am doing, or about to do, moving me toward my objectives?"
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| • | Do one task each day that you don't like to do. It's good discipline, and it will help you to get through the tough times.
|
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| • | Be consistent and use one planner/calendar that suits your personal and professional lifestyle.
|
|
| • | Make
a "worry list." These events seldom materialize, and you won*t spend so
much time worrying in the future if you write it down.
|
|
| • | Set up a suspense file or tickler file to provide an automatic method of bringing papers to your attention on specific dates.
|
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| • | Answer routine letters and memos on the original, keeping the original for your records, and returning the copy to the sender.
|
|
| • | Carry
"sticky notes" with you and bring your magazines, letters, etc. to read
when you're waiting at the doctor's office to make notes, so you can
take action when you return to your home or office.
|
|
| • | If long periods of sitting makes you lethargic, arrange two working levels so you can do some of your work standing up.
|
|
| • | Except
for file cabinets and your desk, remove from your office any item on
which you accumulate paperwork. It will force you to make decisions on
a timely basis.
|
|
| • | Always
delegate slightly more than what you feel subordinates are capable of
handling. You will love the pleasant surprises, and the failures will
be few in number.
|
|
| • | By providing written instructions to your subordinates, you will help prevent numerous interruptions by both of you.
|
|
| • | At
least semiannually, record and analyze how you are using your time.
This will differ from how you think you are using your time.
|
|
| • | Establish
your lowest productivity hour as an "interruptions" hour. Encourage
your subordinates to see you then for any questions.
|
|
| • | Consider
moving closer to your place of work. If the move saves 15 minutes on
commuting each way, you would gain an additional 3 weeks of working (or
playing) time per year!
|
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| • | Always tidy up your desk and work area before leaving the office.
|
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| • | Set a date to purge your files twice a year. You will be able to find needed items quicker and it will save on storage costs.
|
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| • | Stand up while on the telephone. Your conversations will be shorter.
|
|
| • | Listen
to cassette tapes on time management, self-motivation and similar
subjects in your field whenever you are traveling in your car, plane
and waiting in the doctor's office.
|
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| • | Plan to return calls and e-mails at certain times of day and stick to it as much as possible. |
