by Jack Pittis

PLAN YOUR WEEK & DAY Use a calendar. Keep track with TO-DO list. Schedule important in most productive time. Prioritize – don’t just do easy ones. Minimize interruptions. Delegate tasks. Everything takes longer than you think, plan on it. Control your .

PROJECTS & TASKS Don’t leave a task incomplete. Group like tasks together. Control procrastination – break large projects into parts. Reward yourself when a job is done. Make a list of steps to complete job. Do the unpleasant first. Learn to say “no,” but “yes” is commitment.

PAPERWORK Eliminate unnecessary paperwork. Handle only once (throw, file, act). Jot notes in a planner, avoid scraps of paper. Don’t work in clutter. Fill out planner at end of each day – to be ready for next day.

TELEPHONE Use answer machine or voice mail. Return all calls before end of day. Plan what you will say before calling. Take control by asking first question. Use headset, if you need hands free. Phone before a letter or personal contact. or fax, but focus on customer service. Use LOG to track messages.

ACTION LOG TIMEIN/OUTFROM/TONUMBERCOMMENTSFOLLOW-UPDONE ACTION LOG - SAMPLE

EQUIPMENT & WORK AREA Keep equipment in good repair. Use latest technology. Use good ergonomics. Prepare work area at end of day. Keep often used items at reach. Arrange so conversation is comfortable.

ERRANDS Do many errands at one time. Make list of stops and what you will need to take. Determine route before you start.

DELEGATION “Good management consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people.” – John D. Rockefeller Assign duties to the right people. Grant people authority to do job. Minimize “Yo-Yo” delegation. Make assignment and due date specific. Don’t delegate the critical thing you do.