INSTRUCTION BOOKLETS

INSTRUCTION BOOKLETS

People usually refer to instruction booklets as a last resort - and then waste time trying to decipher the instructions. Have someone write brief, step-by-step instructions for all office machines. Test them out on someone who knows nothing about the equipment, and then post them near the machines in vinyl sleeves.

OFFICE DESIGN

Office layout can have a positive impact on productivity and employee morale, according to design experts. A Milwaukee insurance company claims productivity jumped 15 percent after moving to a more creatively designed building. (According to an article in the Toronto Star, Office of Future, Smarter, More Cozier, More Efficient, by Alison Cunlife.)

THE HIGH COST OF SPEED

Robert J. Krugel, author of If It Ain't Broke, Break It, (Warner Books, 1992) refutes the conventional wisdom that tell us to speed up in order to keep ahead. He refers, as an example, to a major Japanese bank that estimated careless mistakes due to rushing added 25 percent to its expense budget.

MEETINGS ON THE RUN

If you want to have a brief meeting with someone, but have difficulty freeing yourself from constant interruptions, try going for a walk with the person. Assuming the weather permits, you will both get a whiff of fresh air, a little exercise, and a lot of quiet. If you need to make notes, carry a tiny digital recorder with you.

 

 

THE POWER OF GOALS

Charles J. Givens, in his book Super Self (Simon & Schuster, 1993) relates a study of business school graduates who had been out of school for ten years. When asked how they were progressing toward their goals, it was found that an overwhelming 83 percent had set no goals. They were working hard and staying busy but had no specific future plans. Another 14 percent had goals, but their goals were mental, not written. However, this 14 percent was earning on the average three times the income of those who had no goals at all. Only 3 percent of the entire graduate group had written goals. The 3 percent was earning a whopping ten times what those with no goals were earning.

FOOLPROOF DIRECTIONS

Here's an idea from an old book (1001 Great Housekeeping Hints published in 1980 by Good Housekeeping Magazine) that is probably even more relevant today: To ensure that friends or business associates don't get lost and lose time (and their tempers) getting to your home or office, go to the outskirts of the city and dictate the directions into a cassette player as you drive. Include landmarks and signs to watch for, when to change lanes, etc. Mail them the tape, which they can return to you when they arrive.

PRIMETIME FOR STUDYING

Research indicates that each hour used for studying during the day is equal to one and a half hours at night. (Source: Time management article, Hamline University, http://www.hamline.edu/cla/advising/skills/time.html )

ARE YOU WORKING TOO HARD

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans are averaging only two to two and a half weeks of vacation, while Europeans take five. (Source: Just Enough by Laura Nash & Howard Stevenson, Wiley, 2004)

KEEP MEETINGS ON TARGET

Laura Stack, author of Leave the Office Behind (Broadway Books, 2004) suggests that any items that come up that are not on the agenda be placed on an easel pad labeled "Parking Lot". If there's not enough time to discuss them near the end of the meeting they can be placed on next month's meeting agenda.