How to Work Efficiently

We'll keep this short so you can get back to work.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Business Card Holders
• Electronic Personal Organizers
• File Cabinets
• Wall Clocks
• Post-it Notes
• Calendars
• Hanging Files
• Manila File Folders
• Personal Organizers

1. Keep your desk and your files organized to avoid wasting time shuffling through piles of paper.

2. Go through your inbox at the beginning of each work day. Either throw away, file or follow up on each item.

3. Prioritize a list of the tasks you need to accomplish that day.

4. Delegate tasks to co-workers and assistants if possible.

5. Finish one task before you go on to the next.

6. Reduce paperwork by storing important information on your computer or electronic organizer.

7. Communicate effectively and plan carefully to make sure a job is done properly the first time around.

8. Schedule time when you'll be available, and let colleagues know, to avoid constant interruptions. Close the door if you need to.

9. Take breaks. A short walk or quick lunch away from the office will increase your overall productivity.

10. Before leaving for the day, tidy up your desk and make a short list of projects you will need to do the next day.

11. Try not to take work home. You need the break.

Tips & Warnings

• Recognize when you have the most energy in a day and do the important or harder tasks then.
• Note that certain days (usually Monday or Friday) are more hectic than others, and schedule accordingly.
• Have someone else answer your phone if possible. Give instructions about calls you wish to take and those that can be returned later.
• Avoid regularly going out for long business lunches - big meals make for unproductive afternoons.
• Avoid procrastination (see "How to Break the Procrastination Habit").

[capx197]

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[theperfectfit]

on 1/14/2009 I keep a list of what orders I need to work on to go out tomorrow. When I complete something on the list, I cross through it with a black Sharpie pen. At a glance at my list I can see that I am making process. We all have days where it seems like we are accomplishing nothing. Just accept it and know that tomorrow is another day. Good article.

[rwhite-writer]

on 12/20/2008 Great tips! I'm all about doing more in less time.

on 11/22/2005 If your office is like mine, you're barraged with e-mails all day long from fellow workers. It's easy to get distracted by the message constantly popping up on your screen that announces "You've got a new message!" I've found that the only way I can keep myself from getting sucked into wasting alot of time reading/responding to messages is by only starting the e-mail program three times a day-- first thing in the morning, right after lunch, and a half hour before it's time to leave. Restrict yourself to no more than 5-10 minutes (tops!) to deal with the e-mail, then quit the program. You'd be surprised at how easy it is to keep your mailbox empty, and your time focused on what's important.

on 11/22/2005 Start our work day before most of your co-workers arrive. By the time the socializers get to work you would already be on a roll.