1. Stop the clutter. Everything in your office, from your pencils and stapler to your coffee cup and cell phone, should have its own place.
Having a place for everything (and having everything in its place) not only keeps your work area neat and tidy but also saves you time when you need to find something in a hurry. Make sure you file things away once you're finished using them and stop the clutter from building up this very moment.
2. Use a daily planner. Instead of keeping track of emails, to-do lists, deadlines, meetings, contact details etc., rather just keep track of your daily planner.
By using a daily planner you eliminate the need to search for information - because anything important should already be in you planner. It also allows you to reduce the amount of paper and notes lying around your desk (refer to step 1) which helps you focus on what's really important.
3. Learn to delegate. Don't have enough time? Then share your workload. Whether it's getting the kids to help with the dishes or enlisting Sue from accounting to take over part of your latest project, delegating is one of your most powerful tools when you're pressed for time.
Be sure that the person you ask for help has the skills required for the job and that they are not themselves too busy to take on extra work. Likewise asking someone who is not assertive enough to say no may eventually lead to you both producing less than stellar work.
Want to know more? Check out the Stress and Time Management page or get in touch with us at info@stafftraining.co.za