TIDY DOES NOT MEAN IMMACULATE

TIDY DOES NOT MEAN IMMACULATE

The purpose of keeping a tidy desk is not to promote neatness, but to provide ample working space, reduce distractions and ensure items are easily accessible. Don't carry organization too far.

KEEP YOUR PLANNER OPEN

An open planner on your desk makes it easy to enter meetings, appointments, things to do and future activities as you read your e-mail, dispense with paperwork or carry on telephone conversations.

 

RETRIEVING INFORMATION FROM BOOKS

To retrieve information from books, it is time effective to do two things as you read. Highlight the relevant passage and mark the page. 3M are marketing a highlighter with a built-in supply of flags for that purpose. Available in office supply stores, it is called Post-it® Flag Highlighter.

A WARNING TO NIGHT OWLS

Don't sacrifice sleep to get more done. Most serious accidents occur between midnight and 6 a.m. For example, trucking fatalities increase up to forty times during that time period. (Source: The Body Clock Advantage by Matthew Edlund. Adams Media, 2003)

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Never schedule priority tasks late in the day or week or they may be the victim of accumulated problems that occur during the morning and early afternoon.

SCHEDULE TIME FOR YOU

The airlines tell you to put your own oxygen mask on before attempting to help others. Similarly, you should make sure you schedule enough time for your own needs before responding to the time needs of others.