Desktop Management Boosts Productivity

Many of us spend long hours at our desk. To assist make the most of every day we need to focus on creating an environment condusive to work. By establishing a good desk environment you are guaranteed to improve your efficiency and achieve more in your day.

The paperless desk. Remove all paperwork from your desk: establish files for your projects; reference folders for information you need to access regularly; a reading file for articles, reports, journals and FYI documents; and a daily-file for administrative, miscellaneous and day-specific tasks, and keep these on shelves or in drawers.

The only thing on your desk at any point in time should be information relating to the task or project you are currently working on. Before you move on to the next task or project, file your paperwork and ensure you only have items relating to the new task on your desk.

Out of sight, out of mind. Remove your in-tray from your desk or get rid of it all together if you can! Keep it out of sight so the contents don't distract you and so that people don't drop new items into it without you noticing.

Having an overflowing in-tray in front of you can make you feel guilty and tempt you to get distracted from the task at hand. Educate your colleagues to leave documents for you on your desk, where you will see and either action or file them as they arrive, rather than having them get lost in your in-tray.

Avoid double-handling. Many people believe you should only handle paper once. This may not always be practical however if you get into the habit of making 'action notes' on each piece of paper your time will be well spent. Either write directly onto the paper or use a post it note to remind yourself of what action needs to be taken on that paper. This way you will avoid handling the paper multiple times.

Stationery drawer. Keep stationary in cupboards or drawers rather than on your desk. Get rid of all the clutter and keep your desk clear for essential items relating to the current piece of work you are doing.

Set up a comfort zone. Take the time to set up your PC, monitor, phone, chair and other vital tools properly. Make sure they are within easy reach and positioned for comfortable use.

Inspire yourself. Surround yourself with positive images. Keep a photo or phrase that motivates you in view to remind you of, and motivate you toward continually striving for your goals: it could be a holiday destination you want to visit, a photo of your family or a quote that inspires you.

Shut down. Take ten minutes to clear your desk at the end of every day: wash your coffee cup, empty your water bottle, put away pens and note pads, file documents and lock away confidential information. Leave each day with a clear desk and start each new day afresh.

Neen is a Global Productivity Expert: by looking at how they spend their time and energy ? and where they focus their attention ? Neen helps people to rocket-charge their productivity and performance. A dynamic speaker, author and corporate trainer, Neen demonstrates how boosting your productivity can help you achieve amazing things. With her unique voice, sense of fun and uncommon common-sense, Neen delivers a powerful lesson in productivity. Find out more at http://www.neenjames.com/

---

Oh, My Goodness! Where Has the Time Gone?

It's 6:00 a.m. I'm awake. I'm pumped! I'm ready to... Read More

Desktop Management Boosts Productivity

Many of us spend long hours at our desk. To... Read More

Time Management Tips - How to Have a Filing System That Works

Recently I was working with a new client who had... Read More

Time Management -- Urgent vs. Important

"It's just been one of those days?I can't seem to... Read More

Time Invested Wisely = Your Dreams

This past Friday I was asked to speak with a... Read More

Effective Time Management - Delegating Techniques

Do you manage your time or does your time manage... Read More

How To Better Handle Your Mail

Letters, magazines, bills, flyers, what to do with them all.... Read More

Use Your Time Wisely!

When I was small, I have never considered the importance... Read More

Emergency Living

There are times, when I am driving in my car... Read More

Just Remind Yourself

This is one more article on "Organizing and Enjoying Your... Read More

How You Can Double, Triple, or Even Quadruple Your Reading Speed!

Are you drowning in a sea of unread papers? Do... Read More

Time Management - The Ultimate Oxymoron

Get a grip. Is it possible to manage time? Can... Read More

What Would Save You Time?

We all get overwhelmed from time to time, and sometimes... Read More

Talkin About Chicken

Yesterday, I'd just gotten comfortable at my favorite table in... Read More

What is ?Life Balance? and How Can You Attain It?

We all face decisions that involve doing things that affect... Read More

Scheduling Productive Days - Dont Interrupt, Im Pouring Concrete

Almost everyone in business knows the balancing act between the... Read More

Time Management is Cause Control

Recently I've experienced a barrage of time wasters. Everything you... Read More

Effective Time Management Techniques

TIME MANAGEMENTWith the creation of the universe, God gave humankind... Read More

Linking Purpose To Everyday Behaviors

How do you know what's the best use of your... Read More

You Cant Buy Time

Our daily lives are inundated with a crammed to-do list.... Read More

Beyond Time Management ? Seven Ways to Leverage Your Time for Greater Results

Most of us have a to-do list ? some of... Read More

Hows YOUR Productivity?

Microsoft wanted to know how individuals around the world were... Read More

Shifting Priorities Are The Norm

Years ago when I started in this business, it seemed... Read More

Achieve More With Less Through Proper Planning

One question a lot of people ask me recently is:... Read More

If Only Your Brain Was the Size Of That Of an Ant You Could Easily Implement Habits

A year and a half ago I was introduced to... Read More

Freelance Productivity: Do One Thing Extra Each Day

This may not sound like a big deal. But it's... Read More

Take Back Your Time

"You will never find time for anything. You must make... Read More

Time Management? NO!

Many people want to be coached to manage their time... Read More

How To Manage Your Time

I would like to touch upon a subject that it... Read More

How to Conquer the Five Major Time Wasters?

* spreading yourself too thinTaking on too many things at... Read More

Making Headway on a Slow Day: 9 Ways to Turn Down-Time into Productivity Time

If you work from home, you know the kind of... Read More

Time Management: 11 Tips

Work more efficiently and be more productive using these time-management... Read More

How A Simple Four-Letter List Can Make or Break Your Business

One of the biggest problems most people have when it... Read More