SAYING NO

SAYING NO

Giving a reason for saying no leaves the issue wide open for discussion. The less you say the better.

AVOID USING MEETING TIME TO READ

Keep meetings free of as much paperwork as possible. Issue reports and other information to the attendees at least two days in advance.

 

DISORGANIZATION vs. GOAL-SETTING

Author Jeff Davidson (The 60-Second Organizer) claims those who have not identified their priorities and set supporting goals are most likely to be unorganized.

CONTROL THE PAPER FLOW

50 to 70 percent of your working time is spent dealing with paper, according to the book Fastread Time Management by Lesley Bolton.

ORGANIZING YOUR DESK

To organize your desk, get out of sight those things you use infrequently like letter openers, rulers, stamps, scissors etc. and give space to those items you use often, such as staples, paperclips and business cards. Make sure these latter things are within reach - even if it means getting a smaller desk.

ADDING TO THE PAPER BURDEN

U.S. Postal Services figures indicated that in 2003 more than 20 billion catalogs were mailed in the U.S. - the equivalent of 70 catalogs for every man, woman and child. (Source: The 60-Second Organizer by Jeff Davidson, Adams Media, 2004)

TIMELY QUOTE

"I'm going to finish on time no matter how long it takes."