The British are European leaders in working long hours but how can we avoid it? There are many factors but here are some ways to improve.
Administration
- be decisive
- never open junk main just put it in the bin now
- write a “bin by” date on every publication you must keep
- don’t hold on to a publication for an article tear it out
- keep an envelope and put your expense receipts in it now so you can find them
- avoid re-doing the same task by taking decisive action at the time e.g. if you read a piece of correspondence get rid of it or reply now or put it on your plan
Organisation
- keep filing simple and use as few files as you can
- dedicate your desk to current work not memorabilia
- get your files sorted to save you time later but plan it on paper first to save you time now
Planning and prioritisation
- don’t get buried in the details
- get more done by taking a break it will keep you fresh and alert
- start every meeting by telling everybody what time it will end
- give every job a priority
- run your own life by preplanning your work regularly and reviewing your priorities
- update your plan for tomorrow before you leave work
- always leave yourself time every day for the unexpected
- make an appointment with yourself every day for 30 minutes
- keep a list of what you must get round to doing. Every day allow one time slot for an item on this list. Draw lots at the start of the time slot and start that job – no excuses
Working practices
- commit your time and your resources to your job
- actions from phone calls must be completed or recorded before you start another job
- big jobs are just lists of little jobs. Make a list and make a start
- use a highlighter pen when you read anything you might want to refer to later
- use a highlighter pen on your action points at meetings
- organize your work into batches e.g. read emails all together at planned intervals
- do not disturb. Work on whatever must be done
- learn when to say NO and then say NO. It will save you more time than everything else
